R. Baciuška completes another stage of the World Rally-Raid Championship: climbs to #1 in the overall standings.

On Saturday, March 2nd, the "Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge" in the United Arab Emirates concluded, with participants facing 206 kilometers of special stage on the final day. Competing in the "Challenger" buggy class, Lithuanian Rokas Baciuška, alongside co-driver Oriol Vidal Montijano (Can-Am Factory Team), finished in 2 hours, 38 minutes, and 8 seconds, securing 3rd place. In the overall standings of this stage, the crew finished in second place, but they now climb to first place in the World Championship rankings.

In Abu Dhabi, R. Baciuška was beaten by only 4 minutes and 38 seconds by his teammate, American Austin Jones, who was racing for the first time with Baciuška's former co-driver, Oriol Mena. Maintaining a similar pace throughout the race, the factory Can-Am team members shared the top podium positions.

"Everything is great – we raced safely, took minimal risks, and the team did an excellent job. The buggy made it to the finish, I made it to the finish, and now we are climbing to first place in the World Championship standings," modestly rejoiced the three-time Dakar Bedouin trophy winner.

From the first day of the race, R. Baciuška emphasized that the main goal was to navigate the extremely dangerous and varied dunes, maintain a calm mindset until the finish, and collect as many points as possible for the World Championship.

"We will return stronger to Portugal. Every experience is valuable. I'm happy for Austin as well, and with three stages still ahead in Portugal, Argentina, and Morocco, the battle has only just begun," said the two-time World Rally-Raid Champion in the SSV buggy class, full of motivation.

The "Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge" rally took place from February 26 to March 2 and marked the second stage of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Participants had to cover over 2000 kilometers during the five-day event, which took them through breathtaking desert landscapes.