Russia's defending champions aim for a hat-trick at 26th edition of Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

A powerful line-up of 166 competitors from 36 countries have assembled at Yas Marina Circuit.

The eyes of the cross country rallying world are on the UAE capital again as yet another spectacular episode of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge took off at 3pm on Saturday.

The Desert Challenge is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the national motor sport authority.

The 26th edition of the event got under way with a super special spectator stage at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, before the rally swept out into the Western Region of Al Gharbia to cross some of the most dramatic terrain on earth.

A powerful line-up of 166 competitors from 36 countries have assembled at Yas Marina Circuit, the rally HQ, for the second round of the 2016 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the opening round of this year's FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.

Heading the 62-strong cars category are Russia's defending champions and top seeds Vladimir Vasilyev and Konstantin Zhilstov who are aiming to complete a hat-trick of successive victories in one of seven prototype All4 Racing Minis entered.

"We're very happy to welcome such a strong gathering of competitors, support crews, officials and media to the UAE. It means a great deal to me, to my team at the ATCUAE, our sponsors, and the many volunteers who give up their time each year and work so hard with us to make it happen," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, commented: "Being one of the world's most prestigious international cross country rallies, Yas Marina Circuit is proud to support The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Each year we look to play an ever increasing role, helping the ATCUAE ensure the rally continues to showcase Abu Dhabi as a world-class sporting destination."

Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East - sponsors of the event, said: "The 26th edition of the Desert Challenge also marks the 13th year of Nissan's involvement as strategic partner for the event. Nissan has a strong focus on motorsports in the Middle East and the Desert Challenge forms a powerful platform for us, particularly as it is regarded as the leading event in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies."