Mohammed Balooshi, the Emirati motocross rider, will tackle the driest non-polar desert in the world when he takes on the Atacama Rally in Chile this week.

Balooshi, who is fourth in the FIM world rankings – the first Arab to achieve that position – will face a tough test in the fifth round of the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship, with most of the competition's best riders signed up for the event.

Prepared for Chile

"I am very positive about this race; Atacama Desert is famous amongst the world's best riders because of its toughness, extreme aridity and because it is one of those unforgiving terrains that make you and your bike pay a high toll even for the smallest mistake,” Balooshi said.

"I have been training very hard and I am confident me and my team can do a good job in Chile. We are well prepared and will definitely give my best to bring my bike and my UAE flag to the finish line.”

Changes to the track

Balooshi will start Wednesday's Leg 1 as the ninth rider on the road. After intense rain over the past weeks in northern Chile, many passages of the rally's original route have been washed away.

After evaluation, the race authorities decided to apply several last-minute changes to the track.

Representation in faraway land

Balooshi will be the only Middle East or Asian representative in the rally.

"I am very proud of having the opportunity to represent my country in this faraway land. My rally programme for this season only included three rounds in the beginning and now we are already going for our fourth race, and on the other end of the world. We have reached this place with a lot of effort and hard work and it is a true challenge to be here now.”
Source: WAM