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Dubai: Previous champion Shaikh Hamad Bin Eid Al Thani is fighting against time to get ready for this weekend's 1000 Dunes Rally that takes off from the Dragon Mall on the Dubai-Hatta highway.
Shaikh Hamad, who won the race in 2006, is seen as the hot favourite considering he is the defending UAE National Rally Champion and due to the possible non-participation of last year's winner Ahmad Bin Sougat.
"Our preparations began a little late this year," Shaikh Hamad told Gulf News. "We have been racing against time to get everything prepared for us and the car."
Shaikh Hamad has parted ways with his regular co-driver Nooh Buhumaid - now with Emad Nabhan - and teamed up with the experienced Adil Fayrooz for this season.
"There is a handful of drivers who will be the real threat for the title," Shaikh Hamad said. "We know who they are, but we will not be wary of them. We will instead focus on our own race so that we manage to stay clear in the overall championships."
Shaikh Suhail Bin Khalifa, winner in 1997, and 2003 winner Raed Baker are among these contenders. But also worth a special mention is Thani Al Falasi, who is breathing down the neck of the UAE champion.
Bin Sougat may still enter the rally, but much will depend on the arrival of his vehicle.
Course of action
"Shaikh Suhail is fast and has the best car. So our strategy will be to gauge how well we are doing in the first two stages, before deciding on the future course of action," Shaikh Hamad said.
The 445km rally has been classed in the 4x4 category and is held under the patronage of Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
Khalifa Al Mutaiwi has won it four times (1996, 1998, 1999 and 2001) due to which he was allowed to keep the sword for himself.
Next to win the sword for keeps was Ahmad Bin Sougat who also claimed it four times (2000, 2004, 2005 and 2007). Shaikh Suhail Bin Khalifa (1997), Mohammad Al Shibani (2002), Raed Baker (2003) and Shaikh Hamad Bin Thani (2006) have won the sword once each.
The prologue stage will be held at the Dragon Mart from 2pm today, and the next day Leg 1 of the main rally will start at 9am.
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