UAE-based KTM-rider Mohammed Al Balooshi, who was transferred to Madinat Zayed Hospital by helicopter after crashing on the stage, is being kept under observation for 24 hours. Although concussed, he has no other injuries. But he will not re-start the rally. Speaking from his hospital bed Al Balooshi paid tribute to KTM-rider Toby Price (AUS) who stopped to help him after his crash on the stage. "The day was going really well for me," he said.

"Toby came by me before the refuel and the day got even better because I was happy to ride with somebody so fast. I was really honoured to be doing the stage with him. After the refuel we were riding together and I went to take the lead, and then I honestly don’t remember what happened next. I only remember that Toby stopped to help me and I have to give a big thanks to him for being such a great champion who showed such sportsmanship."

“He was there until I left the ground in the helicopter. He was talking to me all the time before the medics came, reassuring me. I think now I remember that the bike stalled before the accident. It was a mechanical problem not a rider error. Everything went so fast. I think I was out (unconscious) for about two minutes."



Bikes Stage Provisional positions SS03 Al Ain Water Stage

01) Sunderland, Sam (ARE) I KTM I 03:29:52 I 00:00:00
02) Walkner, Matthias (AUT) I KTM I 03:35:55 I 00:06:03
03) Benavides, Kevin (ARG) I Honda I 03:38:53 I 00:09:01
04) Brabec, Ricky (USA) I Honda I 03:39:27 I 00:09:35
05) Goncalves, Paulo (POR) I Honda I 03:39:46 I 00:09:54
06) Cornejo Florimo, Jose I. (CHL) I Honda I 03:41:21 I 00:11:29
07) Metge, Michael (FRA) I Honda I 03:41:28 I 00:11:36
08) Quintanilla, Pablo (CHL) I Husqvarna I 03:41:54 I 00:12:02
09) Giemza, Maciej (POL) I KTM I 03:58:32 I 00:28:40
10) McBride, David (ARE) I KTM I 04:05:30 I 00:28:40

Bikes Overall Provisional positions after SS03 Al Ain Water Stage

01) Sunderland, Sam (ARE) I KTM I 10:35:19 I 00:00:00
02) Walkner, Matthias (AUT) I KTM I 10:42:53 I 00:07:34
03) Benavides, Kevin (ARG) I Honda I 10:45:07 I 00:09:48
04) Quintanilla, Pablo (CHL) I Husqvarna I 10:46:13 I 00:10:54
05) Brabec, Ricky (USA) I Honda I 10:57:56 I 00:22:37
06) Goncalves, Paulo (POR) I Honda I 10:58:30 I 00:23:11
07) Cornejo Florimo, Jose I. (CHL) I Honda I 11:08:31 I 00:33:12
08) Price, toby (AUS) I KTM I 11:14:02 I 00:38:43
09) Metge, Michael (FRA) I Honda I 11:16:56 I 00:41:37
10) McBride, David (ARE) I KTM I 12:19:19 I 01:44:00

Photos: Red Bull Content Pool

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