URUMQI, China, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 Taklimakan Rally began in Urumqi, Xinjiang, attracting a total entry of 90 automobiles and 16 motorcycles in the 13-day competition in Gobi Desert.

This year's race covers nearly 5,000 kilometers with 9 special stages that reach a length of 2,800 kilometers, most of which spread in Gobi Desert in Turpan and Hami. The almost vertical sand dune in the desert and the burning hot temperature that once reached 50 degrees Celsius in the last year's Rally in Gobi Desert will again be the biggest challenge for racers.

According to Song Jun, chief supervisor of 2018 Taklimakan Rally, the most difficult period will come in mid-term, where racers have to accomplish a stage for 490 kilometers in the scorching sunlight, their stamina, experience, skill and automobiles' performance will be tested to the utmost.

And this year is the third time for defending champion, French racer Christian to be here, he said:"this is the longest and hardest rally in China, and full of uncertainty, on all accounts, I'll try my best in the competition and enjoy it."

As for Chinese racer Han Wei, the champion of Taklimakan Rally in 2015 and 2016, his aim is to recapture the title and prepare for Dakar Rally, meanwhile collecting data so as to provide reference for his upgrade version automobile.

In the motorcycle group, Spanish racer Armand Hernandez who has won the title in the last two years, is still the most promising competitor.

After the departure ceremony, all racers completed the ranking tournament, and the main draw will begin on June 3.