Vladimir Vasilyev won the third round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies for his Monster Energy X-raid Team.
Russian Vasilyev led the field home in the 2,016km, five-stage Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge event by 48 minutes from Poland's Adam Malaysz's Toyota, guiding his MINI All4 Racing to a dominant win.
"I am over the moon to have brought home my first victory of the season here in Abu Dhabi," said Vasilyev. "The competition was very strong once again and the conditions were not easy due to the fine desert sand. However, my MINI was extremely reliable again. It's a big advantage at this difficult rally."
Vasilyev finished second and fourth at the first two rounds in Russia and Italy, with Abu Dhabi a particularly successful event for the MINI brand. Behind the Russian's victorious machine, further All4 Racings finished fifth, sixth and tenth as well.
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Vasilyev's victory means he now leads the overall standings of the World Cup championship, with 63 points. He's just ahead of Saudi Arabia's Yazeed Alrajhi (60pts), with the next event on the ten-race calendar the Sealine Cross Country Rally Qatar from April 20-25.