ABU DHABI — Yas Marina Circuit is laying on a big welcome for the world’s top cross country rally drivers and riders as Poland’s Jakub Przygonski prepares to tackle a huge test in the 29th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered by Nissan.

The home of Formula 1 racing in the UAE capital is fully geared up for the return of an event which forms the second round of the 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and buggies and the opening round of this year’s FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Przygonski, runner-up to Czech driver Martin Prokop in last year’s Desert Challenge, is attempting to clinch back-to-back victories in the UAE after winning the Dubai International Baja for the second year in a row last week alongside German co-driver Timo Gottschalk in a Mini John Cooper Works Buggy.

But with a procession of the world’s other top drivers and cross country rally machinery heading for Yas Marina Circuit, the event’s official HQ, the defending FIA world champion faces a daunting examination

when the rally breaks out over the majestic dunes and salt flats of the spectacular Al-Dafrah Region.

Among his rivals will be two of the top three in this year’s World Cup standings after the opening round in Qatar, Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Russia’s two-times Desert Challenge winner Vladimir Vasilyev, as well as defending champion Prokop.

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the rally organizers, and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM), join forces again to provide a spectacular reception for competitors, teams, official and media from around the world.

“The beauty of the Desert Challenge is that it continues to set the standard for cross country rallying, adding enormous strength and depth to our motor sport calendar,” said Al-Tareq Al-Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE and FIA Vice President for Sport, said: “Having Yas Marina Circuit as our rally HQ gives the event an extra dimension in view of the world-class facilities that we’re able to offer.”

Taking place under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al-Dafrah Region, the Desert Challenge is also supported Abu Dhabi Aviation, Abu Dhabi Police, ADNOC, Al-Dhafra Region Ruler’s Representative Court, National Ambulance, Nissan, United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and Yas Marina Circuit. The Nissan Patrol is the official car for the event.

A powerful assembly of rally cars, buggies, bikes and quads contesting the event begin arriving at Yas Marina Circuit late next week ahead of the ceremonial start at 7.30 p.m. on March 30.