URUMQI, China, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Taklimakan Rally kicked off in Aksu, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Saturday.
This year's rally stretches 4,258 km over 13 days of racing, including special stages in torrid desert. It finishes in southern Xinjiang city of Hotan on June 1.
Three-time title winner Han Wei, who also created the best result of Chinese drivers in Dakar Rally, ranking eighth in January, eyes another success this year.
"We did a lot of work, and I want to get a good result," said Han.
A total of 194 drivers and co-drivers as well as 37 riders kicked off the qualifying after the opening ceremony to determine the order of starters in the first stage, a 207km run in the Tianshan Mountains Vally on Sunday.
The first Taklimakan Rally was held in 2005. It has grown into the largest off-road endurance race in Asia with most of its track winding through dunes, mud, and rocks. ■
