Severe winds turn Stage 3 of Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge into a true test of grit and endurance
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge entered its most demanding phase as drivers and riders embarked on the first part of an epic two-stage marathon into some of the most remote areas of the UAE. And the gruelling Stage 3 was made even tougher by fierce winds, eventually leading Race Control to halt running due to safety concerns.
Usually only available to bike competitors, this year's marathon stage included cars for the first time. The 2025 edition also introduced the incredible Al Qua'a area to the Desert Challenge for the first time.
Situated in the remote eastern region of Abu Dhabi, Al Qua'a is famed as the darkest place in the UAE. Known as the 'Milky Way Spot,' it's a favourite haunt for stargazers seeking the lowest levels of light pollution. This isolated location forms the perfect backdrop for the excitement of the marathon camp.
Dacia's Nasser Al-Attiyah powered through to win the stage, beating Toyota Gazoo Racing's Seth Quintero by 3m 59s. Lucas Moraes, in another Toyota Hilux, finished half a minute further back in third. Al-Attiyah also moved into the overall lead, but a Dacia one-two was denied when Sébastien Loeb received a 2-minute penalty for speeding, dropping him to third overall, 1m 57s behind Moraes.
In the bikes category, Monster Energy Honda HRC rider Tosha Schareina roared back to the top of the standings in Stage 3, beating Red Bull KTM Factory Team's Luciano Benavides by 2m 15s. Honda made it a double podium with Ricky Brabec securing third.
Schareina's stage win vaults the Spaniard back to the overall lead, now 1m 19s ahead of Stage 2 winner Daniel Sanders and almost 2 minutes clear of third-placed Benavides. Red Bull KTM rider Sanders finished Stage 3 in sixth.
In Rally 2, Michael Docherty continued his dominant run, securing his fourth straight stage win. The unstoppable SRG Motorsports rider outpaced Duust Rally Team's Konrad Dabrowski by 6m 27s, with SRG teammate Tobias Ebster two minutes further back in third. Docherty now holds a commanding 22m 18s lead over the Pole and 38m 17s over the Austrian.
With the later-running Challenger and SSV classes halted by the winds, and in accordance with FIA regulations, Race Control will allocate times to affected competitors, with results to be published later.
In Quads, Emirati racer Abdulaziz Ahli stormed to victory, finishing 11m 17s ahead of Poland's Marcin Wilkołek and over 22 minutes clear of Marek Łój, who now leads the overall classification.
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