His Highness Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Interior, inaugurated the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Team Saluki had the buggy on display on the Trading Enterprises / Honda stand when his Highness dropped by, giving Mark the chance to brief HH with their recent exploits!

This was to be Team Saluki's year - no works teams due to the change of location for the Dakar and months of preparation. Seeded number 210, we started Day 1 in 36th position after a tussle with a berm in the prologue. By the time we got to PC1, we were already up into 9th position... then the gremlin struck...

With Glen Reid navigating for his first time, the Team entered the 1000 Dunes rally with high hopes. With a combined 2nd place in the prologue, and 3rd position for the first and second stages, we suffered from a leaking radiator and an overheating engine. The decision was made to pull out in case further damage ensued. It did show however that the buggy has got what it takes and we have now got a few months to prepare for the Desert Challenge.

The beginning of the year kicked off with the Team travelling to Saudi Arabia to enter the first round of the FIA Cup for Cross Country Bajas. Mark Powell, Mario Mitri, James Thomes and David 'Streaky' Chambers ventured forth into the great unknown. Problems which plagued us during last years Desert Challenge re-occurred with the clutch - something we have since resolved.

Since the early days Team Saluki strived to generate publicity - the amount that we have achieved over the few years that we have been on the rally circuit is certainly very impressive!