ABU DHABI, UAE — Thee UAE's Yahya Al-Helei covered himself in glory Sunday in the 25th anniversary Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Powered by Nissan, outshining the world's best drivers to take the lead as he extended his remarkable 100 percent appearance record in the event. Partnered by Emirati co-driver Khalid Al-Kindi in a Nissan Pick-up, Al-Helei won the 262km Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage 1 in impressive style to take a 1min 54sec overall lead from reigning FIA World Cup champion Vladimir Vasilyev, last year's cars winner, in a Mini. Brazilian Reinaldo Varela in a Toyota Hilux finished the leg in third, with Dakar Rally champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, the UAE's Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi and Dutchman Erik Van Loon completing the top six. In the battle of the bikes, reigning FIM world champion Marc Coma of Spain once again looked in complete control in the desert of the Western Region which he has come to know so well, taking a lead of 1.21 secs from his KTM teammate, Dubai-based British rider Sam Sunderland. But Al-Helei, the man who has previously contested the Desert Challenge 23 times in a car and once on a bike, was unquestionably the star of the day, despite a nervous last section when he was hindered by gearbox problems. He reached the end of the stage to say: “I spent AED1 million to turn my car from T2 to T1 because I want to win this rally. The other drivers have factory cars, but I wanted to show that the most important thing is how strong is the driver, not the car. Making it an even better day for the host country, Al-Qassmi produced a splendid drive on his Desert Challenge debut to finish the day in fifth place, showing that he has adapted quickly after making the transition from conventional rallying to cross country for this event. Coma was in commanding form on his KTM, and with defending champion Paulo Goncalves of Portugal more than four minutes further adrift in third, the Spaniard said at the end of the stage: “The first day has been tricky however everyone is excited and pushing. I am happy and in a good position.” Sunderland, who had been uncomfortable with his sixth place starting position on the day, produced another quality performance to say: “I gave it my all to gain ground and catch up with bikers in front. It was difficult but I pushed myself really hard to get there.” Portugal's Ruben Faria, American Ricky Brabec and Austrian Matthias Walkner completed the top six, while top UAE rider Mohammed Al-Balooshi again looked comfortable in the presence of the world's top riders, setting the seventh fastest time. The 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is taking place under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western region. The line-up of strategic partners includes the Ruler's Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al-Ain Mineral Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels - Yas Island, Qasr Al-Sarab Resort, Explorer and DP World.
