Dacia Sandriders Claim Another Victory at Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
The Dacia Sandriders have clinched their second consecutive win in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship. Nasser Al-Attiyah and Édouard Boulanger secured a resounding victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. During an exhilarating final stage, the pair showcased their skills to emerge victorious.
At the outset of today's decisive 167 timed kilometres, Al-Attiyah and Boulanger held a narrow lead of 41 seconds. They needed to perform flawlessly. Their Dacia Sandrider, powered by sustainable fuel, excelled across the demanding sand and dunes stretching from Mezeer'ah to the finish in Abu Dhabi city. Their prowess enabled them to record the second-fastest stage time of the event, winning by a margin of 2m28s.
This victory not only marks the team's second in the FIA World Rally Championship (W2RC) since their debut triumph at the Rallye du Maroc last October, but also Al-Attiyah’s fifth win at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and a third for navigator Boulanger.
The result propels Al-Attiyah to the top of the provisional W2RC Drivers’ rankings, with Frenchman Boulanger leading the Navigators’ standings after two rounds. Meanwhile, The Dacia Sandriders have ascended to second place in the Manufacturers’ standings.
The Dacia Sandriders also celebrated three stage victories in the five-day event, including a fastest stage time by Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin on Day 2. Unfortunately, Loeb and Lurquin had to withdraw after a crash caused significant damage to their vehicle, ending their challenge prematurely.
Tiphanie Isnard, team principal of The Dacia Sandriders, expressed immense pride in the team’s performance. “They demonstrated relentless determination and never doubted the team's capabilities. Despite the tough days between Dakar and Abu Dhabi, we were ready for battle again, leading us to take a significant position in the championship standings,” she said.
Reflecting on their victory, Al-Attiyah commented on the intense competition and his joy at winning such a challenging race. Boulanger echoed these sentiments, highlighting the relentless intensity of the battle and their delight at finishing on a high note.
With this victory under their belt, The Dacia Sandriders are well-prepared for the upcoming challenges in the W2RC calendar, including the highly anticipated South African Safari Rally from 18 – 24 May.
