Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 23, 2013: Emiratis hope that the recent victory of the UAE in the Gulf Cup will inspire members of the Abu Dhabi Racing Team, who will participate in the Qatar International Rally this weekend, the first round of the 2013 FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

Drivers’ Aspirations

While Majid Al Shamsi and Badr Al Jabri aim for a strong result and to win the new Group N title in the championship, Mohammed Al Mutawaa and Mohammed Al-Sahlawi are determined to raise the UAE flag in the two-wheel-drive category of the Middle East Championship.

Team Preparations

The four drivers are eager to make the most of the opportunities presented to them with the Abu Dhabi Racing Team, which is led by Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi, who is looking to replicate his success from 2004 when he won the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

Statements from Al Shamsi

Al Shamsi summarized the team's preparations and morale following the UAE national team's Gulf Cup victory: "The UAE's victory was fantastic by all standards, and it undoubtedly instilled in us a spirit of perseverance and competition. We look forward to continuing to achieve titles for the UAE, starting with the Qatar International Rally this weekend."

Team History and Previous Participation

Both Al Shamsi and Al Jabri are products of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority's beginners program, launched in 2008 to create opportunities for Emirati drivers to compete in various rally categories.

Participation in Championships

The duo participated in the Middle East Championship the same year, alongside various events held in England, later engaging in a three-year program in the World Rally Championship to gain experience and skills.

Drivers’ Performance in Previous Championships

2009: The drivers participated in the Ford Fiesta World Rally Cup for two-wheel-drive cars, with Al Jabri finishing the season in third place.
2010: They competed in the 1600cc category, where Al Jabri secured second place and Al Shamsi fourth.
2011: They stepped up to compete in the production car category in the World Rally Championship, and although they did not achieve top positions, they gained significant experience.

Team Cars in the Championship

The drivers are currently piloting two identical Subaru N15 cars in the Middle East Rally Championship, with Al Shamsi partnered with Irish co-driver John Higgins, while Al Jabri teams up with French co-driver Nicolas Selin.

New Drivers

The Qatar Rally sees the rise of young drivers Al-Sahlawi and Al Mutawaa, who secured their spots in the Abu Dhabi Racing Team after outperforming 13 elite Emirati drivers in a selection program held in December last year in Abu Dhabi, which lasted three days.

Participation of Al-Sahlawi and Al Mutawaa

The two drivers will compete in the new two-wheel-drive category of the Middle East Rally Championship behind the wheels of two Citroën DS3 cars. They will take part alongside Irish co-drivers, with Al Mutawaa paired with co-driver Stephen McAuley, while Al-Sahlawi teams up with co-driver Alan Harryman.

Drivers’ Career Paths

After showcasing his skills in karting, Al Mutawaa represented the UAE at the HSBC Racing Academy in 2007 and competed in several track races across Europe. In karting, he was recognized as the best newcomer of 2008-2009 in the "Rotax Max UAE and DMCA" championships, with his victories in 14 events in the "Sodi World Karting" championship ranking him 11th globally.

Al Mutawaa also participated in six out of eight races in the UAE GT3/4 Corvette Championship during the 2010/11 season, finishing second. In 2012, he won the GT4 category in the inaugural Gulf 12 Hours race. Last year, he became the first Arab to join the FIA's Young Driver Excellence Academy.

Meanwhile, Al-Sahlawi is embarking on his first professional championship after competing in karting at the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit, as well as autocross events at the autodrome and desert driving in a self-built truck. Although he is the least experienced member of the Abu Dhabi Racing Team, Al-Sahlawi managed to capture the judges' attention in the driver selection program organized by Citroën and Abu Dhabi Racing at the Yas Marina Circuit.

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