After the snow in Russia, Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar will start in the sand of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. With the MINI ALL4 Racing they will face a fierce battle with the best drivers in the world of Cross-Country Rallies. It is the third time that Van Loon and Rosegaar start in this desert challenge.
“This is the best start list I have ever seen,” says Van Loon. “I think that everyone that starts in the top fifteen is a serious candidate for the podium, so the battle in the front will be a hot one. I am happy that the rally is long and we need to stay focused. Wouter and I are very good in these conditions. Before the start of the rally, we had a test with the MINI. We learnt a lot in Russia about the springs and how we can make a small change to get another feeling with the car. With that knowledge we will seek for a fast and decent setup for the huge dunes in Abu Dhabi.”
Rosegaar is also curious about the competition in Abu Dhabi. “Some of the drivers will start in cars they haven’t been driving before, also some fast drivers with a MINI. The rally is tricky and we will need to pay attention from the start to the finish so we won’t get lost. We want a good result and it’s a good milestone for us. Exactly one year ago we drove our first rally with the MINI in Abu Dhabi, now we can see our improvement over the year.”
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will start on March 28 with a prologue around the Yas Marina Circuit. The following days will be in the desert and on April 2 they will finish at the circuit. Van Loon and Rosegaar will drive with number 306 on the doors of the MINI ALL4 Racing.
