Abu Dhabi Racing Competes in the 2013 Monte Carlo Rally
Introduction
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 15, 2013: The partnership between Abu Dhabi Racing and Citroën Racing, an eight-time World Rally Championship winning team, is entering a crucial phase as the first race of the World Rally Championship kicks off this weekend. French driver Sébastien Loeb aims to secure his seventh title at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the 13-race championship.
Loeb and Abu Dhabi Racing's Participation
Loeb's participation marks the beginning of a bright season for Abu Dhabi Racing, which has established a new partnership with Citroën as part of an intensive program aimed at enhancing the emirate's position in the global motorsport arena.
The Role of Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi
Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi plays a vital role in this initiative as the head of Abu Dhabi Racing and a prominent driver for the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team. In addition to competing for the ninth time in the World Rally Championship, Al Qassimi will also lead a team of five cars in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, which kicks off later this month in Qatar.
Preparations for the Monte Carlo Rally
While Al Qassimi must wait until the Sweden Rally in February for his actual participation in the World Rally Championship, Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena, along with Finnish driver Mikko Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen, will lead the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team in their first appearance in the championship on the snow-covered streets of Monte Carlo.
Participation in the Global Championship
Hirvonen is set to compete in all 13 rounds of the global championship, but the Monte Carlo Rally will be one of four events for the world champion "Loeb" this season, as he recently announced his decision to retire from full-time rallying after winning the World Rally Championship title nine consecutive times.
Statements from Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi
Commenting on the event, Al Qassimi stated:
"We see this team as the start of a new era for Abu Dhabi in the World Rally Championship, and I am very excited about the upcoming results and achievements. I am grateful for this valuable opportunity to return to the World Rally Championship and drive a world rally car, but the greatest advantage is the chance to elevate Abu Dhabi's name on global platforms and enhance the emirate's status in motorsport."
Future Aspirations
He continued: "The emirate is known as a preferred destination for hosting the Formula 1 Championship and other motorsport events held at Yas Marina Circuit. We have now united with the best team in the history of the World Rally Championship, paving the way for another exciting sporting event for UAE motorsport and Emirati drivers."
Monte Carlo Rally: Challenges and Preparations
The Monte Carlo Rally, the first test for the "Abu Dhabi – Citroën World Rally Team," will kick off from Valence tomorrow (Wednesday) with four special stages. Weather conditions, including "snow and rain," are expected to play a significant role in the results, making tire selection for the race a challenging task. The rally includes a total of 465 km of special stages, and the duo of Loeb and Elena appear well-prepared for this challenge, as the Monte Carlo Rally is one of their favorite events, especially after their first victory there ten years ago.
The Drivers’ Rich History
Al Qassimi commented: "Both drivers have a rich history, and this will undoubtedly give us a great start as a team, especially if we manage to win in what seems to be their last participation in the Monte Carlo Rally, while driving a car adorned with the Abu Dhabi logo."
