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Mitsubishis Poised to Take on Dunes of UAE

The 2000 Marlboro UAE Desert Challenge takes place from November 7th to the 11th, 2000 from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Dakar veteran and former winner of that classic event, Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka will challenge the 9th and final event of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. Shinozuka, who recently won the 8th round, the Porlas Pampas Rally in September now stands ready to validate Mitsubishi's manufactures' point standing; currently on top with 360 points followed by Mercedes at 282 points. Co-driver Fred Gallagher of England will guide Shinozuka through the desert sands. This is the second time Gallagher has navigated for Shinozuka, the first led them to overall victory. Jutta Kleinschimdt, the first woman rally driver to win the Dakar in her category will also challenge the formidable sands of the event in a Mitsubishi Pajero/ Montero (T2). She finished 2nd on the Argentinean event behind Shinozuka and now stands a mere 38 points behind drivers' point leader J-L Schlesser. Another Mitsubishi Dakar veteran Jean-Pierre Fontenay, also in a Pajero/ Montero (T2) is in an advantageous position to come out on top. Fontenay has achieved three 3rd overall wins this season, racking up points for Mitsubishi's Manufacturers' points ranking. The 1700km Marlboro UAE Desert Challenge has in recent years become one of the toughest events on the FIA WCCCR calendar. The daunting "Empty Quarter" with its vast sand dunes and unforeseeable pitfalls will again be part of the rally course. The course, of which 1400 will be competitive, will make its way through the endless sea of sand to finish in Dubai. The prologue begins on November 7th followed by 4 legs, reaching the goal on the 11th. Many of the competitors see this Middle East event as a prime testing ground for the 2001 Paris-Dakar scheduled to race across Northern Africa in January, 2001. Reliability and superb traction in the sand will be needed to overcome the treacherous course. The oppressive daytime temperatures will also punish unprepared competitors. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Monteros (T2) have dominated the series throughout the year and have proven their worth over various terrain. As the final event of the 9-round series, it will surely determine who will come out on top and become the King of the Desert.