Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi's Challenges and Determination at the Sweden Rally

Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi's Participation in the Sweden Rally: Challenges and Determination

Preparations for the Sweden Rally

Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 7, 2013: Emirati driver Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi, who is battling the final stages of influenza, has begun his warm-up and training sessions for the upcoming Sweden Rally in the World Rally Championship.

Rally Challenges

Al Qasimi plans to participate in nine rounds with the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total team, and the Sweden Rally presents a unique and difficult challenge for him. He is still coping with the symptoms of his illness while competing under severe weather conditions.

Strong Competition

The Emirati driver, aiming to finish in the top ten and earn some points, is participating in the Sweden Rally for the fourth time. This rally is characterized by heavy snow on the roads, requiring drivers to possess enhanced skills.

Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi's Statements

Al Qasimi stated: "I am not accustomed to competing in such conditions, but thankfully, I have been able to improve my skills time and again. I have progressed significantly to the point where I finished in the top ten during my last participation in 2011."

He added: "This is my first participation with the team and in the Citroën DS3 World Rally Car, so I won’t set high expectations for myself, but I will certainly give it my all, and it would be fantastic to finish in the top ten."

Adapting to Conditions

Al Qasimi, whose symptoms of influenza began two weeks ago during preparations for the Qatar International Rally, explained: "Thank God, I feel much better now, but the symptoms of the illness are still present, and the weather here in Sweden is not helping my recovery."

He continued, expressing his sentiments since arriving for his first World Rally Championship participation since October 2011: "I have felt good since I got here, and I attribute this feeling to the great support from the team and the determination of its members."

Team Professionalism

Al Qasimi remarked: "Everything has been inspected and reviewed. This team is highly professional in every aspect, from food to car preparation. I tested the car on Sunday, and the whole team was focused on getting my car ready."

New Driving Experience

Al Qasimi, who is competing alongside co-driver Scott Martin, added: "After driving the DS3 rally car for the first time in Qatar, this is my first time driving the World Rally Car, which is slightly different. It’s also my first experience driving on snow."

He continued: "Starting to drive this car is very challenging, especially in the morning when the track is narrow and requires skilled driving."

Final Preparations

Before the rally begins, Al Qasimi managed to exchange notes with his teammate Mikko Hirvonen, a two-time Sweden Rally champion, as well as with teammates Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena from the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi team.

He will also compete against Dani Sordo and Carlos del Barrio, who are in another Citroën car within the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total team.

Rally Details

The opening stage of the Sweden Rally includes a qualifying round and a special first stage, while the following three days will feature eight, nine, and seven stages consecutively before concluding the rally events in the Karlstad area on Sunday.