Khalid Al Qassimi Aims for FIA Middle East Rally Championship Title at Qatar International Rally

Introduction

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 21 January, 2013: The UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi is focused on securing a second FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title as he leads a five-car challenge from Abu Dhabi Racing (ADR) in the upcoming Qatar International Rally.

Al Qassimi's Challenge

Al Qassimi, who previously won the regional title in 2004, faces a tough opening round in Qatar with his Abu Dhabi Citroen Total WRC Team DS3 RRC, alongside British co-driver Scott Martin.

Facing Strong Competitors

Undaunted by the challenge, Al Qassimi's title pursuit includes a formidable trio of Qatari rivals:

• Nasser Al Attiyah - Seven-time Middle East champion
• Abdulaziz Al Kuwari - Last year’s Qatar Rally winner
• Misfer Al Marri - 2011 regional champion

Team Overview

Al Qassimi's optimism is bolstered by the newly-established ADR squad, which is the most powerful ever assembled in the regional series’ 29-year history.

Driver Line-Up

In addition to Al Qassimi, the all-Emirati driver line-up includes:

• Majid Al Shamsi
• Badr Al Jabri

Both drivers will pilot a pair of Subaru N15s in the new Group N title race.

Newcomers to the Team

Newcomers Mohammed Al Mutawaa and Mohammed Abdullah Hussain Al-Sahlawi are also part of the team, each driving a Citroen DS3 R3 2WD in the MERC’s newly-introduced two-wheel drive category. They excelled through a challenging selection process involving 13 drivers at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in November.

Support Team

With the five crews being supported by a 30-strong team of engineers, technicians, and senior management, Al Qassimi is confident that this new phase in his career will mark a significant moment for the UAE’s involvement in MERC.

Al Qassimi's Statement

“It’s great to be back in Qatar for the start of a new season and I’m excited about the prospect of so many Abu Dhabi Racing-backed Emiratis contesting the series’ various championships,” said Al Qassimi. “Our collective aim is to boost Abu Dhabi’s presence in global motorsport and increase Emirati participation in various motorsport series, so it’s great to be here with four other UAE nationals – let’s hope we can all make title bids this season.”

“Our efforts to attract more young Emiratis into motorsport are already paying dividends, and hopefully, our new drivers will help inspire a new generation of nationals to try their hands at rallying.”

Rivalry with Al Attiyah

Despite a broken water pump ruining Al Attiyah’s Dakar Rally bid in South America, Al Qassimi still views him as the main contender this year.

“He has to be the favourite because of his record and because this is his home rally,” Al Qassimi added. “We’ve done a lot of testing in the new Citroen DS3 though and we’re here in Qatar well prepared and in good spirits. The Middle East title is my primary target this year, and it would be nice to get off to a great start with a win.”

Event Details

The Qatar International Rally, which kicks off the six-round FIA Middle East Championship, begins at 8 am on Friday, featuring 12 special stages split evenly between the first leg and Saturday’s second leg.