Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi Prepares for Qatar International Rally with Abu Dhabi Racing Team
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Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi Prepares for Qatar International Rally
Introduction
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 21, 2013: Emirati driver Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi is setting his sights on his second title in the Middle East Rally Championship as he prepares to lead the "Abu Dhabi Racing" team, comprising five cars, this weekend at the Qatar International Rally.
Anticipated Challenges
Al Qassimi, who won the regional title in 2004, is aware that he faces a highly competitive rally in Qatar and must put forth a significant effort to achieve his goals. With a strong competitive spirit, Al Qassimi will be up against the fiercest Qatari team in the championship, which includes:
- Nasser Al Attiyah - seven-time Middle East Rally Champion.
- Abdulaziz Al Kuwari - last year's Qatar Rally Champion.
- Misfer Al Marri - Middle East Rally Champion in 2011.
Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi's Optimism
Al Qassimi's optimism stems from the fact that the newly established Abu Dhabi Racing team is the strongest in the history of the regional series, which began 29 years ago.
Team Members
In addition to Al Qassimi, the Emirati team includes:
- Majid Al Shamsi - a graduate of the previous program by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
- Badr Al Jabri - a graduate of the previous program by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.
- Mohammed Al Mutawa - qualified in the Citroën Young Driver Test.
- Mohammed Al Suhlawi - qualified in the Citroën Young Driver Test.
Technical Support
With the assistance of a dedicated team of 30 technicians and mechanical engineers, Al Qassimi believes that a new era in his career will coincide with a new dawn for Emirati participation in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Al Qassimi's Statements
Al Qassimi stated: "It's fantastic to return to Qatar and participate in the new season's kickoff. I am very excited about the level of Emirati participation within the Abu Dhabi Racing team and competing across various championship categories. Our goal is to enhance Abu Dhabi's presence in global motorsport events."
He added: "We look forward to bringing more young Emiratis into motorsport, and we hope this initiative inspires the next generation of Emirati youth."
Nasser Al Attiyah's Competition
Regarding Al Attiyah's participation and chances of winning the Qatar Rally, Al Qassimi remarked: "Nasser is a skilled driver with numerous accomplishments. For us, we have conducted several tests with the new Citroën car, and we are ready to compete here in Qatar."
Details of the Qatar International Rally
The Qatar International Rally, the first round of the six-round Middle East Rally Championship, will start at 8:00 AM on Friday, January 25, featuring 12 special stages evenly distributed over two legs, with the second leg taking place the following Saturday.
