The 21st Taklimakan Rally, Asia's longest cross-country motorsport event, launched on May 20 in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, drawing 233 competitors from 130 teams to navigate 5,183 kilometers of rugged terrain over 13 days. Held in the vast Taklimakan Desert, the rally features 10 specialized stages designed to test drivers' endurance and technical skills.
International participants, including Dakar Rally veteran Martin Michek and rising star Aliyyah Koloc, praised the event's scale and organization. Michek noted the rally's impressive paddock setup, while Koloc highlighted its growing reputation as a premier challenge. 'I love doing tough races—this is the next best thing after Dakar,' she said.
Co-driver Sebastien Delaunay shared his enthusiasm for local culture, recounting experiences with regional cuisine and scenic landscapes. The rally, established in 2005, has become a key platform for global motorsport talent, attracting teams from the UK, France, the Czech Republic, and Spain.
With its mix of desert dunes, mountain passes, and logistical complexity, the event underscores Xinjiang's role in hosting world-class sporting competitions. The rally concludes on June 1, with results closely watched by motorsport enthusiasts and industry analysts.
