The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which takes place from April 1 to 7, marks a major milestone for the Dubai-based KTM-UAE Factory Rally Team.
Teaming up with the Dubai-based KTM-UAE riders is the 2011 Dakar Rally winner, Marc Coma and fellow KTM Factory Rally Team rider, Ruben Faria. Both riders are strong contenders for overall victory and are riding the Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rally bikes. The KTM-UAE Rally Team will be aiming for overall honors, class wins and the top team classification.
Riding for the UAE-based team are UAE national and official Red Bull rider, Mohammed Balooshi, as well as the youngest rider entered in the event, Sam Sunderland, the British KTM UAE motocross rider who has swept all before him in the Dubai Motocross Club races this year, who will be making his rally debut. Rounding out the UAE contingent is the reigning Production Class Champion of the 2010 Cross-Country Rally World Championship, Tim Trenker, the Managing Partner of KTM Middle East Al Shafar, who enters the “challenge” for the 15th time.
“This is certainly the strongest team we have fielded for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to date and we are very confident in getting very positive results. Mohammed Balooshi is one of the best off-road motorcycle riders in the UAE and we are grooming him for next year’s Dakar Rally. This will be his first event on the “Road to Dakar.” Young Sam (Sunderland) begins his rally career at this year’s Desert Challenge and he will surely be a true rally contender in the very near future. Marc and Ruben are already proven riders at this event and on the world stage, so it is very much an honor to have them riding with us, side by side, under the same banner.” said Tim Trenker.
