Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem Discusses Abu Dhabi Racing's Impact on UAE Motorsport

Overview of the 2013 FIA Middle East Rally Championship

Dubai, UAE, 24 January, 2013: Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlights that the five-car challenge by Abu Dhabi Racing in the 2013 FIA Middle East Rally Championship, kicking off in Qatar, may revive the regional series.

New Era for the Middle East Series

Sulayem perceives the Qatar International Rally as the starting point in a new era for the Middle East series. This year's championship includes:

• Three new parallel championships:
• Group N production cars
• Young drivers
• 2WD vehicles
• A T3 category for 2WD and 4WD buggies

Boosting Participation and Popularity

After persuading the World Motorsport Council to restructure the championship to rebuild its fading popularity, Sulayem believes that the participation of five Emirati drivers in the Abu Dhabi Racing team will enhance efforts to attract more young Arab talent.

“This is a very positive development for UAE motorsport, and for the Middle East Rally Championship,” stated Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE. He will be attending the Qatar International Rally, the first event in the six-round 2013 series.

Creating Opportunities for Young Emiratis

“One of the main ideas behind Abu Dhabi Racing is to create more opportunities for young Emiratis to compete in international motorsport events, which reinforces our efforts in reshaping the championship,” added Sulayem.

“With five Emirati drivers and the most professional back-up team we have seen in the Middle East, this initiative will help raise the championship's profile, attract the attention of other young Arab drivers, and bring in the extra sponsors rallying needs to regain its prominence.”

Team Composition for Abu Dhabi Racing

The Abu Dhabi Racing challenge is led by Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, supported by:

• Majid Al Shamsi
• Badr Al Jabri in the new Group N title race
• Mohammed Al Mutawaa
• Mohammed Abdullah Hussain Al-Sahlawi in the 2WD championship

Innovations in Rallying

Starting at 8 am tomorrow, the Qatar International Rally incorporates a sophisticated new tracking system designed to eliminate route deviations. This system was successfully tested during last month’s Dubai International Rally and will be used throughout this year’s Middle East Championship.

Tracking Technology for Fair Competition

The rally cars will be equipped with tracking devices that monitor when competitors stray off line by more than the ten-metre legal limit, allowing rally organizers to impose time penalties. This upgraded system ensures a fairer level of competition, replacing harsher penalties with more realistic ones, thereby allowing those who stray off line to remain in contention.