Intro:

Argentinean Lucio Alvarez set the early pace in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on Sunday (April 7) as a powerful sandstorm wreaked havoc elsewhere.

Script:

Very much a tale of thrivers and survivors in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on Sunday.

Lucio Alvarez fit into the former bracket.

Driving a Toyota Hilux Overdrive X T1 in partnership with Bernardo Graue, the Argentinean held a lead of three minutes 19 seconds at the end of Special Stage 1.

One hour 52 minutes and three seconds for Alvarez - he was followed by Spanish driver Nani Roma in a Mini.

Dutchman Erik Van Loon a further three minutes 38 seconds back in third position in a his HRX Ford X T1.

Brazilian Guilherme Spinelli was fourth-fastest.

Local UAE drivers Mohammed Al Mansouri in a Nissan Pathfinder and Mansour Al Helei in a Nissan Patrol completed the top six.

The stage had been reduced from 299 kilometres to 183 as a result of a fierce sandstorm.

That meant survival was the order of the day for many - with raging winds and poor visibility causing mayhem.

As for the 51 bike and quad riders - they were forced to sit out the action.