The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge off-road rally is one of the most difficult events of its kind, and the best drivers and riders agree it provides excellent training for the famous Dakar. From 30 March to 6 April, Team Rally Venezuela participated in it with support from Soloson, Motul's Venezuela distributor. The rally boasted a high-level international participation, whether in cars, motorcycles, quads or lorries.
The riders of the Venezuelan team, Nicolas Cardona and Rafael Eraso, on their Yamaha, did very well and finished respectively in 31st and 33rd place. Yet the conditions were extremely difficult and, already after the first stage, the heat of over 40° and fatigue combined to make them doubt their capacity to reach the arrival. But Team Rally Venezuela showed remarkable solidarity and the capacity to work efficiently together, providing its riders with the essential support allowing them to overcome the obstacles of this fearsome event.
The win in the overall standings went to two stars of the sport: Jean-Louis Schlesser for cars and Marc Coma for motorcycles, which just goes to show the particularly high level of this rally.
The Venezuelan team remained a few further days in the Arab Emirates, continuing with the Qatar Sealine Rally, from 18 to 21 April, where Cardona, Eraso and Querales came 15th, 16th and 20th respectively, in the 450 cc motorcycle category.
Photo Credits: Soloson
