Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi's Sweden Rally Experience and Kuwait Rally Aspirations

Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi's Participation in the Sweden Rally and Aspirations for the Kuwait Rally

Return to Competition

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 10, 2013: Emirati driver Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi has set his sights on the Middle East Rally Championship taking place in Kuwait next month, following the disappointment he faced at the Sweden Rally after a 16-month hiatus from the World Championship.

Sweden Rally Incident

Al Qassimi and his co-driver, British Scott Martin, who were competing in the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total rally car, were unable to capitalize on their performance in Sweden due to an accident on Saturday evening that forced them out of the competition.

Planning for the Kuwait Rally

Hours later, the Emirati driver regained his determination and began planning for his upcoming participation in the Kuwait International Rally, the second round of the 2013 Middle East Rally Championship, scheduled to take place from March 21-23, with his eyes set on the rally title.

Al Qassimi's Statements

Al Qassimi, who quickly boarded a plane to return to the warm homeland with its shining sun, especially since temperatures in Sweden did not rise above freezing, stated: "What happened has happened. I am now looking forward to and preparing for my upcoming participation in Kuwait."

He added: "I met with the team, and we devised a strategy for our upcoming participation in Kuwait. We will conduct extensive tests to ensure our readiness and preparation."

Challenges at the Sweden Rally

After sliding his car again and colliding with a snowbank during the Sweden Rally, Al Qassimi displayed remarkable resolve and determination in an attempt to overcome the misfortune that accompanied him, managing to advance 20 positions during the third special stage to rank 19th in his Abu Dhabi Citroën Total rally car.

Al Qassimi's Control of the Situation

However, Al Qassimi, who finished in the top ten in his last Sweden Rally participation two years ago, lost control of the car during a sharp turn in the 15th special stage and could not compete in the final round due to the engine overheating.

Al Qassimi's Feelings After Exiting the Competition

He remarked: "This is truly unfortunate, especially since I had managed to adapt somewhat and was advancing several positions. The stages were faster than those we encountered on Friday, and I felt good. I know that if I had continued racing, I could have moved up further or finished in 12th place, which I would have been pleased with given my rocky start."

He added: "These things happen. The last time I participated in the World Rally Championship with a car specifically equipped for the World Rally Championship was in October 2011, and now I am competing with a new team and a new car, and the conditions in Sweden were extremely challenging. But I look forward to the rest of the season."

Conclusion of the Sweden Rally

With four special stages remaining in the Sweden Rally, nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb continued his struggle to maintain the World Rally Championship title and solidify the partnership between Abu Dhabi Racing and Citroën Racing.