ED Racing’s Essa Al-Dossari started his quest for a podium finish at the Dubai International Baja in emphatic style and was leading the rally outright through the opening 173.69km selective section when he rolled his all-new South African built Red-Lined Nissan Navara. The Saudi Arabian driver and his local co-driver Ali Hassan Obaid were on course to rock the cross-country rallying establishment by their pace through the UAE’s Al-Qudra Desert on a varied competitive section, which included dunes of various sizes and fast sandy tracks.

"The engine temperature was getting high and I took my eye off the track for a moment and was not focusing on the stage," said Essa Al-Dossari. "I was looking at the temperature gauge. There was a downhill section. I did notice and the car rolled." The Saudi will not be able to continue for safety reasons, because there was damage to the car’s integral roll cage after the incident. "I was happy with my pace. I proved I am quick. This is a good indication for the future. Accidents happen in rallying and I learned a big lesson today."



Photos: ED Racing Team

DUBAI BAJA

SHARE THIS ARTICLE