Team HRC waltzed through the mandatory checks today ahead of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge which gets underway tomorrow at the Yas Marina circuit with a short Super Special that will decide the starting order in the first of five stages of the rally.
Once the Super Special is out of the way on Saturday, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge really begins with the first of five stages being disputed on Sunday 6th April in the Liwa desert. This first looks to be one of the most difficult in the championship calendar, with the greater part taking place in the dunes, with the further difficulties of both a tough ride and tricky navigation. The total ride takes in some 2006 kilometres of race, of which 65% is against the clock.
Team HRC starts the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with three riders: Paulo Gonçalves, Joan Barreda and Hélder Rodrigues, and the big challenge will be to keep the number one displayed on the bike.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will be broadcast by Eurosport International this weekend at 22:45 hrs.
