Al Qassimi promises Citroen will push for both WRC titles

Anthony Fernandes 10:51 20/01/2014
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  • Dream start: Kris Meeke secured a podium finish at Rallye Monte Carlo.

    Abu Dhabi Racing (ADR) chairman Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi says Citroen Total Abu Dhabi will target the driver and manufacturer titles at the World Rally Championship but cautioned that the task would not be easy with two new drivers and the tough competition.

    Speaking to Sport360° soon after the end of the first round in Monte Carlo on Saturday night, Sheikh Khalid said: “I’m very pleased with Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT drivers Kris Meeke and Mads Ostberg.

    “They have shown a very big commitment and dedication starting from testing till the end of Rallye Monte Carlo. They are still new to the team and they would need more time to settle down, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will not push and gain as many points as possible.”

    British driver Meeke and Norwegian Ostberg gave the Abu Dhabi-backed Citroen works team a dream start to the season – the latter third on the podium and the former fourth overall.

    Last season, Mikko Hirvonen and Dani Sordo could manage just fourth and fifth overall while the team which had won eight manufacturer’s titles finished a distant second to champions Volkswagen.

    But Sheikh Khalid does not feel as though 2013 was disappointing, saying: “I would disagree as 2013 was an excellent season for us. Citroen Total Abu Dhabi finished second.

    “There are ups and downs in motorsports as you know, but weare very confident this season and we will give everything we have with no compromise to get as many points as possible.

    “Bear in mind, to score points you need to finish. And to make our drivers achieve our goals we need to give them some time.”

    On the championship goals, Sheikh Khalid says the team will target both the driver and manufacturer titles, adding: “I’m thinking of both of course, it would be great to win both titles this season. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s a new season for our drivers and the mission is not easy taking into consideration the level of competition.

    “But we should be focused all the time and get the points we need for the manufacturer and the drivers.”

    Sheikh Khalid also revealed that he would be doing a limited WRC campaign due to the workload and responsibilities he has as ADR chairman.

    “I will not be doing the whole season this year; I will only be participating in Sweden, Portugal, Italy and Spain. I will be focusing more on the Middle East Rally Championship this season, as we will be running six cars in total. Myself in the DS3 RRC, and the five juniors in the DS3 front wheel rally car.

    “Also, the team needs a lot of commitment [from me], so I have to supervise everything with ADR. In addition to that, I have to run the business at Abu Dhabi Racing.”

    The ADR boss has set himself some personal goals for the current season: to improve his performance and to be comfortable with the car, and to find the best setup to help him perform better in the MERC.

    Sheikh Khalid also disclosed that ADR is currently working on several programmes which he will reveal at the appropriate time.

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