Yazeed Al Rajhi and Michael Orr in their Toyota Hilux Overdrive 
Yasir Seaidan and Aleksei Kuzmich in Mini John Cooper Works Rally 
Khalid Al Qassimi and Dirk Von Zitzewitz in their Peugeot 3008 DKR 
Aaron Mare on his Honda CRF 450 R 
Mark Ackerman on his Husqvarna FX 450 
Sam Smith on KTM SX – F 450
Rally roars into FIA cross country record books across Al Qudra desert
Dubai, UAE, 19 February, 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi dominated the opening leg of the Dubai International Baja with a stunning drive today while UAE-based South African rider Aaron Mare moved within reach of back-to-back bikes victories as the rally entered the motor sport record books.
Reunited with long-time British co-driver Michael Orr, Al Rajhi took his Toyota Hilux Overdrive into a lead of 21mins 31 secs over fellow-Saudi Yasir Seaidan, accompanied by Aleksei Kuzmich in a Mini John Cooper Works Rally
The UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi and German Dirk Von Zitzewitz were just four seconds further adrift in third place in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR in the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars.
Ruled out last year because of the coronavirus emergency, the rally is being staged in compliance with strict COVID-19 Protocol, and it made history today as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
Based at DEWA’s Innovation Centre located at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the event provided a challenging first leg test for drivers and riders on a 192km passage through the dunes and plains of the Al Qudra desert.
With Al Rajhi taking charge of DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage as he chases a first cars victory in the event, France’s Pierre Lachaume and Loic Minaudier in a PH Sport Zephyr, Pavel Lebedev and Kiril Shubin in a CAN AM Maverick and Claude Fournier with Szymon Gospodqrczyk, also in a CAN AM Maverick, completed the top six.
Lachaume and Minaudier finished the day heading the T3 buggies category while Lebedev and Shubin
were winning the race for the T4 title.
Top-seeded Honda rider Mare, returning to action after a 2019 Dakar Rally crash, produced another impressive display as he moved into a 2 mins 20 secs first leg bikes lead over fellow countryman and 2017 winner Mark Ackerman on a Husqvarna, with British KTM rider Sam Smith in third.
The UAE’s Sultan Al Balooshi on a Husqvarna, Jordanian Abdallah Abuaisheh riding a KTM and the UAE’s 2018 winner and World Cup champion Mohammed Al Balooshi on another Husqvarna completed the top six in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
Emirati Mansoor Al Suwaidi on a Yamaha YFZ 450 R was a runaway leader of the quads category with a huge lead of 1hr 38 mins 10 secs from Saudi Haitham Al Tuwayjiri on another Yamaha.
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
“It feels good to welcome back World Cup cross country rallying, especially as we’re setting an example for other events to follow in sustainable motor sport development,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and FIA Vice President for Sport.
Al Rajhi reached the end of the stage to say: “It was a good day and we drove fast, with Michael doing a good job. We had some technical issues at around 30km and later a puncture. But a good day. And good to have Michael back.”
Al Qassimi said: “The first 20km the car was hesitant on the dunes. We tried different ways but kept getting stuck. Because there has been no rain the sand is very soft so we tried to avoid the dunes as much as possible.”
Mare completed today’s leg to say: “It was good stage, pretty technical in places and some very fast straight flats. This has been my first since crashing in the 2019 Dakar. Since then I have had surgery and been focusing on getting fit.”
The event had started without the top-seeded driver and co-driver combination of Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov who arrived in Dubai only for their Mini John Cooper Works Rally to be held up by customs formalities in Saudi Arabia following the Dakar Rally.
Among the early casualties were the UAE’s Yahya Al Helei and Khalid Al Kendi whose Nissan Pick Up went out of the rally with mechanical problems. The surviving drivers and riders next tackle Saturday’s 194 kms Arabian Automobiles Nissan Special Stage which leads to the podium and prizegiving at the Innovation Centre at 5.15pm.
Provisional leading positions after DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage
Cars
1. Yazeed Al Rajhi/ Michael Orr (SAU / GBR) / Toyota Hilux Overdrive 2:40:57.0
2. Yasir Seaidan / Aleksei Kuzmich (SAU /RAF) / Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3:02:28.0
3. Khalid Al Qassimi / Dirk Von Zitzewitz (ARE / DEU) / Peugeot 3008 DKR 3:02:32.0
4. Pierre Lachaume / Loic Minaudier (FRA / FRA) / PH – Sport Zephyr 3:13.43.0
5. Pavel Lebedev / Kiril Shubin (RUS / RUS) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 3:23:51.0
6. Claude Fournier / Szymon Gospodqrczyk (FRA / POL) / CAN AM Maverick 3:28:57.0
7. Mshari Al Therifi / Ali Hassan Obaid (KWT / ARE) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 3:43:47.0
8. Khaled Al Feraihi / Omar Allahim (SAU / SAU) / Nissan Pick Up 4:04:34.0
9. Michael Fadel / Craig Tyson (ARE / ARE) / Polaris / T3 4:25:50.0
10. Laia Sanz / Lucas Cruz (SPA / SPA) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 4:40:58.0
Bikes
1. Aaron Mare (ZAF) / Honda CRF 450 R 2:37:14.0
2. Mark Ackerman (ZAF) / Husqvarna FX 450 2:39:34.0
3. Sam Smith (GBR) / KTM SX – F 450 2:41:08.0
4. Sultan Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 2:41:36.0
5. Abdallah Abuaisheh (JOR) / KTM SX-F 450 2:45:50.0
6. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 2:47:26.0
7. Martin Michek (CZE) / Husqvarna SX F450 2:52:30.0
8. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) / KTM SX-F 450 2:58:53.0
9. Darko Marasovic (CRO) / KTM SX – F 450 3:00:04.0
10. Abdulla Dakhan (ARE) / Yamaha YZ 450 F 3:03:34.0
MORE COMPETITOR COMMENTS FOLLOWING THE OPENING LEG
Bikes
9. Martin Michek (CZE)
He was thoroughly checked out by a doctor for his eyesight, balance and mobility along with a physical inspection to his head and upper body after a crash on the stage. He said: “It was a small crash but I bumped my head. After this rest at the finish I now feel good.”
4. Sam Smith (GBR)
“It was really good, I enjoyed the course and I am feeling pretty fit and strong and was able to catch quite a few riders. Nobody passed me. Really good to be back racing in a high profile event like the Dubai Baja.”
8. Konrad Dabrowski (POL)
“It was a good stage with good organization. I did lose time, mostly on the fast flat sections, so I need to change the set-up of the bike for tomorrow. Today was the first time on this bike.”
3. Sultan Al Balooshi (ARE)
“A great day and really good riding again. I feel good and I am looking forward to tomorrow. This has been my first race since 2019 and it is great to be back racing.”
7. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE)
“It was a good stage. Nice terrain and fast – typical Dubai Baja. I lost some time at the refuelling and after that I was caught by Sam (Smith) and Arunas (Gelazninkas). We stayed together and made good time. Then at around 30km from the finish, Arunas had a big crash. I stopped to help him. I stayed with him until he felt better. I fixed his bike and when he was able to ride, albeit slowly, I was able to race on.”
27. Margot Llobera Farre (AND)
“The course was amazing and so much fun for my first rally on this type of bike. It is very heavy and it took me several Kms to get the feel of it and confidence on the sand.”
Cars
208. Yasir Seaidan / Aleksei Kuzmich (SAU / RUS)
“Not easy. We had problems at the start with the turbo, so no boost. Will need to fix this for tomorrow. Also the terrain was very soft and hard to travel across with very low torque.”
14. Pierre Lachaume / Loic Minaudier (FRA / FRA)
“A very good day. The dunes were good and Loic did a perfect job navigating. We had no problem with the soft sand, this car is perfect.”
215. Michael Fadel / Craig Tyson (ARE / ARE)
“It was good and fast in some sections. The soft sand made it difficult in places.”
211. Khaled Al Feraihi / Wleed Alfiuam (SAU / SAU)
“It was fast and difficult at times. The sand was soft and this made the dunes difficult. The car is running well.”
Ben Sulayem says new DEWA partnership can set sustainability trend in rallying
Kuwait’s Fahad Al Musallam, chasing a third quads success, and India’s Aishwarya Pissay, one of
four lady riders contesting the Dubai Baja
India’s Aishwarya Pissay, making her second appearance in Dubai. 
Kuwait’s Fahad Al Musallam – quads winner in 2017 and 2018. 
Khalid Al Qassimi aims to prevent another overseas victory after two runners-up finishes
Dubai, UAE, 18 February, 2021: The Dubai International Baja has a habit of showing what World Cup winners are made of, and expectations are high again this weekend as the fourth edition of the event unfolds in the Al Qudra desert.
The 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars is already up and running, and top-seed Denis Krotov arrived in Dubai from the sub zero temperatures of the Baja – Northern Forest, where his challenge in this season’s opener ended when he became stuck in a snowdrift.
Partnering Krotov in an X-raid MINI John Cooper Works Rally is Konstantin Zhiltsov, who has twice guided Vladimir Vasilyev, the first round winner, to victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
The first three editions of the Dubai Baja brought wins for competitors who went on to take World Cup titles that year. The 2018 bikes champion, Emirati Mohammed Al Balooshi, is seeded seventh this time, such is the strength of the 43-rider line-up for the first round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
Based at DEWA’s Innovation Centre located at the Solar Park, the rally enters the record books as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
“We’re very happy to be setting a trend towards sustainability in rallying, and we’re expecting another classic baja event,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and FIA Vice President for Sport.
Nissan’s sponsorship of the event for a fourth year extends a long standing partnership between the manufacturer and the EMSO, the national motor sport authority.
Michel Ayat, Chief Executive Officer – AWR Automotive, said: “The Dubai International Baja is another exemplary event that further consolidates the emirate’s leading global position in the world of sports. As the official automotive sponsor, AW Rostamani Group consistently supports events of this caliber and is grateful to Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his unwavering drive and ambition.
“2021 is a year of recovery and a return to life as we know it, and it gives us great honour and privilege at Arabian Automobiles to be once again sponsoring the rally. We are grateful for all the initiatives that our wise leadership introduce and for all the support they offer to international events of this nature that strengthen Dubai’s influence on a regional and global scale.”
Friday’s 192km DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage, carving through the Al Qudra dunes, presents a big test of desert driving skill and mechanical muscle. After an overnight halt, the survivors tackle Saturday’s 194 kms Arabian Automobiles Nissan.Special Stage leading to the finish at the Innovation Centre.
Following successive Dubai victories by Poland’s Jakub Przygonski, two of the Arab world’s leading drivers aim to prevent a third successive overseas victory.
This could mean a big duel between the UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi, twice a runner-up and partnered by German Dirk Von Zitzewitz in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR, and Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, joined by British co-driver Michael Orr in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive.
Czech Miroslav Zapletal with Slovakian Marek Sykora in a Ford F150 Evo, the UAE’s Yahya Al Helei and Khalid Al Kendi in a Nissan Pick-up, and fellow Emiratis Khalid Al Jafla and Mirza Ali in a Toyota Hilux, complete the top six out of 29 car entries.
With 15 buggies on show, Britain’s Conrad Rautenbach in a Zephyr heads the T3 class. Top seed in T4, Saudi Saleh Alsaif in a Maverick X3, is up against France’s first round winner, Claude Fournier, and Spanish bikes star Laia Sainz, 13-time Trials World Champion, who moves from two wheels to four.
Two UAE-based South Africans lead the charge in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes. Last year’s winner Aaron Mare on a Honda and 2017 champion Mark Ackerman riding a Husqvarna, top the seeds ahead of the UAE’s Sultan Al Balooshi and British KTM rider Sam Smith.
Lithuanian Arunas Gelazninkas and Saudi Mishal Alghuneim complete the top six.
A quartet of Saudi riders, Haitham Altuwayjiri, Faisal Alsuwayh, Abdulmajeed Aakhulaifi and Hani Al Nomsi, are out to block a third Dubai Baja win for Kuwait’s Fahad Al Musallam whose hat-trick attempt in 2019 was halted by first leg mechanical failure. Another Kuwaiti, Sarah Khuraibet, is among four lady bike riders in action, along with Andorra’s Margot Llobera Farre, the Netherlands’ Mirjam Pol and India’s Aishwarya Pissay, making her second appearance in the event.
DEWA partnership with national motor sport authority takes event into record books
Dubai, UAE, 16 February, 2021: The Dubai International Baja will enter the record books this weekend as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
As the result of a new partnership between the Emirates Motorsports Organization and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the rally will be based at DEWA’s Innovation Centre located at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park from 18-20 February.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 that was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and aims to diversify the energy mix and to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“We are glad to support the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The Innovation Centre is a global hub for renewable and clean energy innovation that is expected to contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy in Dubai and externally.”
“Our cooperation with the Emirates Motorsports Organization and the International Automobile Federation comes in line with our ongoing efforts to enhance Dubai’s position as an international pioneer in developing the clean and renewable energy sector, and in finding alternative solutions to conventional energy. This supports the sustainable development of the Emirate.”
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park hosts Dubai International Baja 2021.
“The use of this facility means that electrical power provided to Rally HQ and the Service Park to run the event is generated from sustainable solar power,” said EMSO President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice President for Sport.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the Government of Dubai for our sport, and its leadership in sustainability. We’re setting an important trend, and hope other motor sport events in the region and overseas will follow.”
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
Partnered by German co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR, the UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi has set his sights on victory in the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas after finishing runner up in 2017 and 2019./
The winners of the bikes title for the first three editions of the event, UAE-based South Africans Aaron Mare and Mark Ackerman, along with Emirati Mohammed Al Balooshi, are among the contenders again in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
The rally will be held from 18 to 20 February at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. It has a planned production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, with investments totalling AED 50 billion.
When completed, it will save over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the Solar Park and DEWA is implementing the project.
The EMSO’s new partnership with DEWA is a big step forward for the national motor sport authority (ASN) as an organisation committed to sustainable development of the sport.
In 2015, it became only the third ASN in the world, and first in the Middle East, to receive the highest official recognition available for sustainable development initiatives in line with environmental goals of the FIA, motor sport’s governing body.
The EMSO has since increased efforts to minimize waste, promote recycling and use of recycled materials, and use resources more efficiently to reduce consumption at events like the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After a complicated year for the motorcycle world, the Dubai International Baja has attracted 43 registered competitors (37 motorcycles and six quads) for two stages and a total of 427 competitive kilometres.
South African Aaron Mare (Honda) sports the #1, ahead of compatriot Marck Ackerman (#2 Husqvarna) and Emirati Sultan Al-Balooshi (#3), who will ride alongside his brother Mohammed (#7) on a Husqvarna.
Four riders will be present in the female category: Llobera Farre, Pissay, Pol and Hkuraibet, while Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) who, at 19-years-old, has just finished 28th at the Dakar Rally, will set off to try and win the Junior title.
In the Quads, Al-Musallam (Yamaha) faces Al-Tuwayjiri and Al-Suwayh, both on Yamahas.
Centred around the city of Dubai, the event gets underway with administrative and technical checks at the Innovation Center on Wednesday (February 17th) for national riders and for international riders on Thursday (February 18th).
To access the bivouac and all the technical and administration checks, riders and their assistance teams will have to show a negative result to be given accreditation.
In the Quads, Al-Musallam (Yamaha) faces Al-Tuwayjiri and Al-Suwayh, both on Yamahas.
Centred around the city of Dubai, the event gets underway with administrative and technical checks at the Innovation Center on Wednesday (February 17th) for national riders and for international riders on Thursday (February 18th).
To access the bivouac and all the technical and administration checks, riders and their assistance teams will have to undergo a Covid-19 test in a tent located in front of the entrance to the bivouac. It will be necessary to show a negative result to be given accreditation.
رالي دبي الصحراوي يستقطب نخبة عالمية قوية من المتسابقين
محمد بن سليم يعزز مستقبل الراليات المشرق بشراكات جديدة
الشراكة مع أموري سبورت أورغانايزيشن (إيه أس أو) صممت لوضع الإمارات على مسرح الرياضة العالمي وجذب أفضل السائقين والدراجين والمواهب المحلية الشابة
دبي، الامارات العربية المتحدة، 10 فبراير 2021: استقطب رالي دبي الصحراوي نخبة قوية تضم 93 متسابقاً من 12 دولة حول العالم بعد عودته إلى مسرح بطولة كأس العالم للراليات الصحراوية، وكُشف النقاب اليوم عن خطط للارتقاء بالراليات الصحراوية في الإمارات العربية المتحدة إلى المستوى التالي.
ومع بدء الاستعدادات لانطلاق رالي دبي الصحراوي برعاية سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد امارة دبي، يتوقع نشوب منافسة شديدة بين اثنين من أبرز السائقين في العالم العربي وهما الاماراتي خالد القاسمي والسعودي يزيد الراجحي للفوز بلقب الجولة الثانية من بطولة كأس العالم للراليات الصحراوية (فيا) 2021 والذي سيقام خلال الفترة من 18 – 20 فبراير الحالي.
ويعتبر رالي دبي الصحراوي أيضاً فاتحة جولات بطولة كأس العالم للدراجات النارية (فيم) لهذا العام، وسيشهد الرالي منافسة حامية بين نخبة من أبرع الدراجين أمثال دراج جنوب افريقيا المقيم في الإمارات آرون مير الذي سيدافع عن لقب بطولة الدراجات، مع الدراج الإماراتي محمد البلوشي الفائز باللقب عام 2018 وبطل العالم، من بين حشد من المنافسين العرب.
وأعلن محمد بن سليم، رئيس منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية، اليوم عن قائمة تضم 69 سيارة وسيارة الباغي ودراجة نارية ودراجات كوادس بالدفع بأربع عجلات مشاركة في الرالي. وأكد بن سليم إبرام منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية شراكة جديدة مع المطوّر شركة أموري سبورت أورغانايزيشن (إيه أس أو) بهدف منح الراليات في الدولة دفعة رئيسية خلال السنوات الخمس القادمة.
ويعتبر سباق طواف فرنسا (تور دو فرانس) للدراجات الهوائية من بين أبرز الأحداث الرياضية التي تملكها وتديرها وتنظمها شركة أموري سبورت أورغانايزيشن (إيه أس أو) التي تنتج مئات الساعات من البرامج التلفزيونية، وقد عينتها منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية كشركة انتاج تلفزيونية رسمية لكل من رالي دبي الصحراوي ورالي أبوظبي الصحراوي.
وقد نجحت هذه الشركة الفرنسية في نقل رالي داكار الشهير من أمريكا الجنوبية إلى المملكة العربية السعودية خلال العامين الماضيين. وبثت فعالياته إلى 190 دولة حول العالم. إن مثل هذا الترويج يمكن أن يرتقي برالي دبي الصحراوي ورالي أبوظبي الصحراوي إلى آفاق جديدة.
وأضاف محمد بن سليم، نائب رئيس الاتحاد الدولي للسيارات (فيا) للرياضة: “إن نفوذ شركة أموري سبورت أورغانايزيشن (إيه أس أو) سيساعد في جذب تشكيلة قوية من المنافسين من الطراز العالمي للمشاركة في كلا الراليين والترويج في الوقت نفسه لأبرز معالم الإمارات السياحية الجذابة لجمهور تلفزيوني عالمي ضخم. كما سيساعد نمو الراليين وجذب أفضل المتسابقين في العالم في استقطاب مواهب محلية جديدة وتأمين مستقبل الراليات التي حظيت بتاريخ حافل في الإمارات العربية المتحدة على مر العقود الماضية.
ويحظي رالي دبي الصحراوي بدعم مجموعة عبد الواحد الرستماني وماي دبي وسيقام في صحراء القدرة.
إن تعيين شركة أموري سبورت أورغانايزيشن (إيه أس أو) واطلاق هوية شعار جديد لرالي دبي الصحراوي، يسلط الضوء على عودة الرالي إلى مسرح الراليات العالمية بعد أن استبعد العام الماضي بسبب جائحة كوفيد – 19 (كورونا). وسيقام هذا الشهر بعد أن أعطت السلطات الحكومية الموافقة على اقامة الرالي بشرط الالتزام الصارم بتطبيق بروتوكول جائحة كوفيد-19 الذي وضعته منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية وطالبت بتطبيق أقصى درجات مراعاة الالتزام والتركيز. ويضم الرالي قسمين مسافتهما 192 و 194 كم يمران عبر الكثبان الرملية والسهول السبخية في صحراء القدرة.
وسيقود المتسابق الاماراتي خالد القاسمي سيارة فريق أبوظبي ريسينغ بيجو 3008 دي كيه آر، بينما سيقود المتسابق السعودي يزيد الراجحي سيارة تويوتا هايلوكس أوفردرايف، ومن المتوقع أن يواجها منافسة شديدة. كما يشارك في الرالي المتسابق الهولندي إريك فان لون على متن سيارة تويوتا هايلوكس أوفردرايف وكان قد أحرز مركز الوصيف في رالي عام 2015، ويسعى للقيام بأداء قوي آخر في رالي هذا العام كما سيفعل المتسابق السعودي ياسر بن سعيدان الذي حل ثالثاً في رالي عام 2018 وسيقود سيارة ميني جون كوبر وركس رالي.
من جهته فان المتسابق السعودي أحمد الشقاوي الفائز بفئة تي 2 لسيارات الانتاج التجاري في عام 2018 سيشارك على متن سيارة كان أم مافريك اكس 3. وينافس في فئة سيارات الباغي المتسابق الدانماركي أندرياس بورغمان الذي سيسعى لتكرار نجاحه في رالي عام 2018 على متن متن سيارة كان أم مافريك اكس.
وسيواجه نجم هوندا الصاعد آرون مير منافسة حامية للفوز بلقب فاتحة جولات بطولة كأس العالم للدراجات النارية (فيم)، وتضم قائمة منافسيه الدراج الجنوب افريقي مارك أكرمان والاماراتي محمد البلوشي وشقيقه سلطان البلوشي الذي حل ثالثا في رالي عام 2018، والدراج البريطاني سام سميث بالإضافة إلى الدراج البريطاني جيمس هيلير الذي يشارك أول مرة في الرالي والفائز بسباق آيل أوف مان تي تي، ويعود الدراج الليثواني أروناس جيلازنينكاس الفائز في الشهر الماضي بلقب رالي داكار لفئة الدراجين المنافسين من دون مساعدة.
ويضم الاشتراك الكويتي الدراج فهم المسلم المتوقع أن يصبح أول متسابق يفوز ثلاث مرات (هاتريك) بلقب رالي دبي الصحراوي لفئة دراجات الكوادس للدفع بأربع عجلات إذا ما حالفه الحظ وفاز مجدداً على متن دراجته ياماها رابتور 700 آر.
التعليق على الصور:
1- المتسابق السعودي يزيد الراجحي يسعى للفوز بلقب رالي دبي الصحراوي للسيارات.
2- الدراج المقيم في الإمارات آرون مير، يطمح للفوز مجدداً بلقب بطولة الدراجات النارية.
3- شعار هوية جديد يعكس النسخة الجديدة للرالي.
Link up with A.S.O. designed to put UAE on global stage, attract world’s best drivers, riders and attract fresh local talent
Dubai, UAE, 10 February, 2021: The Dubai International Baja has attracted an impressive assembly of
93 competitors from 12 countries on its return to the World Cup stage, with plans unveiled today to take cross country rallying in the UAE to the next level.
Announcing a starting line-up of 69 cars, buggies, bikes and quads today, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, said the EMSO’s new partnership with Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O) can give UAE rallying a major boost over the next few years.
Cycling’s Tour De France is among the top sporting events owned, designed and organised by A.S.0, which produces hundreds of hours of programmes and has been appointed by the EMSO as official TV production company for both the Dubai International Baja and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
The French company has successfully switched the Dakar Rally from South America to Saudi Arabia over the last two years, broadcasting the event in 190 countries across the world. It is this kind of exposure that can propel the Dubai Baja and Desert Challenge to new heights.
“The influence of A.S.O. will help attract a stronger line-up of world-class competitors for both rallies, and take the events, and the UAE’s attractions, to a huge global TV audience,” said Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice President for Sport.
“Growing the events and drawing the world’s best can also help attract new local talent and secure the future of rallying, which was where UAE motor sport began.”
Taking place on 18-20 February under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and AW Rostamani.
The appointment of A.S.O and the launch of a new logo identity reflect the new vision of the rally on its return to the world stage after being ruled out last year by the COVID-19 emergency.
It has been cleared to run on government approval of strict COVID-19 protocol put in place by the EMSO. Lying ahead, and demanding maximum respect and concentration, are two legs of 192 kms and 194 kms across the rolling dunes and sabkha plains of the Al Qudra desert.
The second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas presents the intriguing prospect of a classic battle between two of the Arab world’s leading drivers, the UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR and Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive.
Dutchman Erik Van Loon, the 2015 Desert Challenge runner up, aims for another big finish in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive, as does Saudi’s Yasir Seaidan – third in 2018 – in a MINI John Cooper Works Rally.
Saudi Ahmed Al Shegawi, winner of the T2 production category in 2018, pursues the SSV crown this time in a CAN AM Maverick X3. In the national buggies class, Dane Andreas Borgmann aims to repeat his 2018 Dubai Baja success in a CAN-AM Maverick X.
Rising Honda star Aaron Mare faces strong opposition as he aims to complete back-to-back bikes wins in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
His title rivals include two former winners in fellow countryman Mark Ackerman and Mohammed Al Balooshi, British rider Sam Smith and Balooshi’s brother Sultan, who finished third in 2018.
Britain’s Isle of Man TT race winner James Hillier makes his baja debut in the event while Lithuanian Arūnas Gelažninkas is back in action after last month’s Dakar success when he won the category for riders competing with no assistance.
Kuwaiti quads star Fahad Al Musallam can become the first competitor to complete a hat-trick of Dubai Baja successes if he wins again on his Yamaha Raptor 700 R.
Captions:
- Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi – aiming for the Dubai Baja cars title.
- UAE-based Aaron Mare – chasing back-to-back bikes victories
- A new logo identity reflects the new vision of the rally
بن سليم: بدعم من حمدان بن محمد اقامة الرالي
مع الالتزام الصارم بتطبيق بروتوكول جائحة كوفيد-19
دبي، الامارات العربية المتحدة، 7 فبراير 2021: بعد توقف دام 22 شهراً تعود بطولة كأس العالم للراليات الصحراوية الطويلة لاحقاً هذا الشهر مع اقامة رالي دبي الصحراوي برعاية سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد امارة دبي ورئيس المجلس التنفيذي لإمارة دبي.
وكان رالي دبي الصحراوي قد توقف في العام الماضي بسبب جائحة كوفيد-19 (كورونا)، وسوف يقام هذا العام كالجولة الثانية من بطولة كأس العالم للراليات الصحراوية الطويلة (فيا) والجولة الافتتاحية لبطولة كأس العالم للدراجات النارية (فيم) وذلك خلال الفترة من 18-20 فبراير الجاري بمشاركة نخبة دولية قوية من السائقين والدراجين.
وأكد محمد بن سليم، رئيس منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية، نائب رئيس الاتحاد الدولي للسيارات (فيا) اعطاء السلطات الحكومية الموافقة رسميا على اقامة الرالي بشرط الالتزام الصارم بتطبيق بروتوكول جائحة كوفيد-19 الذي وضعته منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية.
وفي هذا السياق ، قال بن سليم: “يسرنا تقديم الشكر والامتنان لسمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم لمساندته وتشجيعه لنا، مما كان له دور حيوي في استعادة بطولة كأس العالم للراليات الصحراوية”.
وأضاف: “لقد عملنا عن كثب مع الدوائر الحكومية والاتحاد الدولي للسيارات (فيا) والاتحاد الدولي للدراجات النارية (فيم)، لوضع اجراءات صارمة لضمان صحة وسلامة جميع المعنيين في الحدث”.
وتابع قائلاً: “تمنحنا صحراء القدرة بيئة مثالية لرالي دبي الصحراوي لا سيما مع المتطلبات الحالية لاقامة الفعاليات بعيداً عن الأماكن العامة، حيث نتوقع ان يشهد الرالي منافسة مليئة بالاثارة والتشويق”.
وسوف نحرص كجزء من بروتوكول كوفيد-19 على خضوع جميع المنافسين وطواقم الخدمة والصيانة والمسؤولين والمراقبين وجميع المشاركن في الرالي لفحص الكورونا قبل 24 ساعة من الانطلاق بنتيجة سلبية لكي يتسنى لهم المشاركة بالحدث.
وكان رالي دبي الصحراوي قد انطلق عام 2017 ليحل محل رالي دبي الدولي الذي يعتبر أول حدث رئيسي لرياضة السيارات في الامارات العربية المتحدة ويمتد تاريخه إلى 37 عاماً.
واشتهر رالي دبي الدولي تقليدياً كخاتمة جولات بطولة الشرق الأوسط للراليات، واستقطب السائقين من سائر أنحاء المنطقة والعالم.
واستجاب محمد بن سليم الفائز بلقب بطولة الشرق الأوسط للراليات 15 مرة وبصفته رئيس سلطة رياضة السيارات الوطنية بتقديم رالي دبي الصحراوي، الذي يلائم المناطق الصحراوية بشكل أفضل. ان هذه النسخة الأقصر من الرالي الصحراوي فتحت الباب لمشاركة سيارات الباغي والدراجات النارية ودراجات الكوادس بالدفع باربع عجلات بالاضافة إلى السيارات، وقد تمت مكافأة هذه الخطوة بزيادة عدد المشاركات.
كما منح الرالي دولة الامارات العربية المتحدة المركز الثاني في بطولة كأس العالم للراليات الصحراوية الطويلة بجانب رالي أبوظبي الصحراوي الذي سيقام خلال الفترة من 6-12 نوفمبر المقبل.
وقد فاز بلقب رالي دبي الصحراوي في عام 2019 وللعام الثاني على التوالي بطل العالم البولندي جاكوب برزيغونسكي، بينما فاز دراج جنوب افريقيا المقيم في الامارات أرون مير بلقب بطولة الدراجات النارية.
وستقوم منظمة الإمارات للسيارات والدراجات النارية بالاعلان عن قائمة المشاركين في الرالي قريباً، ويأتي الرالي بعد الجولة الافتتاحية لبطولة كأس العالم للسائقين هذا الأسبوع والتي ستقام في روسيا، ويلي رالي دبي الصحراوي جولات في المملكة العربية السعودية والأردن واسبانيا وهنغاريا وبولندا وايطاليا والبرتغال.
وسوف تمتد جولات بطولة كأس العالم للدراجات النارية (فيم) بعد دبي لتقام في الأردن وقطر والبرتغال والبرازيل واسبانيا وهنغاريا وتشيلي.
التعليق على الصورة:
1- رالي دبي الصحراوي يدمج بطولتين في كأس العالم ويعود إلى صحراء القدرة.
2- الدراج الاماراتي محمد البلوشي يعقد آمالا كبيرة على رالي الامارات الصحراوي.
Ben Sulayem sets stage for classic desert event
with strict COVID protocol in place
Dubai, UAE, 7 February, 2021: World Cup rallying makes a welcome return to the UAE later this month when the Dubai International Baja combines two series taking the sport back into action across the globe.
Ruled out last year by the COVID-19 emergency, the event assembles a strong international line-up of drivers and riders for the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars, and the opening round of the FIM Bajas World Cup for bikes.
The fourth edition of the rally takes place on 18-20 February under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, confirmed today that government authorities have given the official go ahead for the event on approving stringent COVID-19 protocol put in place by the EMSO.
“We’re particularly thankful this year for the support and encouragement given to us by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which was vital to help us bring back top-class rallying,” said Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice President for Sport.
“We’ve been working closely with the government authorities, and both the FIA and the FIM, to put in place strict procedures to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
“The Al Qudra desert gives us a perfect environment for baja rallying, especially with the current requirement for events to be run well away from public areas. We expect a very competitive and exciting rally.”
As part of the COVID-19 protocol, competitors, service crew, officials and all other participants must obtain a negative PCR test result 48 hours or less prior to the event in order to take part.
The Dubai Baja was launched in 2017 as a natural successor to the Dubai International Rally, the UAE’s first major motor sport event with a 37-year history.
Traditionally rounding off the FIA Middle East Championship and often giving the regional series a dramatic finish, it brought drivers from across the region and overseas, but suffered from dwindling entries in recent years.
Ben Sulayem, who won it 15 times, responded as head of the national motor sport authority by introducing the baja format. Better suited for desert regions, this shorter version of a cross country rally opened up the event for buggies, bikes and quads in addition to cars, and the move has been rewarded with a surge in entries.
Poland’s reigning world champion Jakub Przygonski won the Dubai Baja cars title for a second successive year in 2019, with UAE-based South African rider Aaron Mare claiming the bikes crown.
Another high calibre Dubai Baja entry list will be announced shortly by the EMSO, and the rally follows this week’s opening World Cup round for drivers in Russia, with others to follow in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Portugal.
After Dubai, the FIM World Cup series for riders extends to Jordan, Qatar, Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Hungry and Chile.
Captions:
- The Dubai International Baja combines two World Cup series on its return to the Al Qudra Desert
- Top Emirati rider Mohammed Al Balooshi will have high expectations for his home event
