Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi has revealed that the reasoning behind bringing Abu Dhabi back into the regional fold by pushing for a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) is manifold, with an emphasis on Emiratis and motorsport.
Speaking to Sport360° ahead of the Abu Dhabi Rally trial event this weekend, which is aimed at satisfying the FIA that the capital is capable of organising a rally to the satisfaction of motorsport’s world governing body, Sheikh Khalid said: “We at Abu Dhabi Racing are working on several programmes, such as building a new generation of local Emirati rally and circuit drivers.
“We at ADR believe that we have to give the maximum to our community and to motorsport. I want to give it the best push and refresh motorsport and to also promote Abu Dhabi in the best way possible.
“So, the idea of bringing Abu Dhabi Rally back in a totally new shape has always been part of my plans.”
Abu Dhabi last hosted a round of the MERC in 2006, but that was under the aegis of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE.
Hence, when asked if Abu Dhabi Racing had the experience and expertise to organise an event of such a scale, Sheikh Khalid added: “We wouldn’t think of bringing the rally back if we did not have the facilities.
“Yes, we at ADR were behind the idea and we are supporting the rally. But what is important here is that Yas Motor Racing Club is organising the rally.
“YMRC has its team who are capable of organising the candidate event under the supervision of Ahmed M Helal Al Kaabi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Rally Organising Committee,” Sheikh Khalid added.
Confirming that an FIA observer would be present at the candidate event this weekend, it can now be revealed that motorsport’s world governing body’s Hani Shaaban will assess the event, while Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, the FIA vice president in charge of the Middle East and North Africa area, is already in the UAE and is most likely to flag off the rally.
Asked why the trial event has been restricted to just one day, apart from the spectator stage today (Thursday), the ADR boss said: “Together with the rally organisers, we believe that it’s not about holding one or two days of racing; it’s about the quality of the rally in terms of organising, stages, safety and meeting FIA standards.”
Sheikh Khalid also disclosed that ADR would be fully represented at the event, with ‘Abu Dhabi Racing-Citroen Middle East Trophy’ junior drivers Mohamed Al Mutawaa, Mohammed Al Sahlawi, Juma Al Falasi, Saeed Bintooq and Mansoor Belhelei, and himself participating.
Sheikh Khalid came into the spotlight in 2002 when he won the MERC Group N title. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, currently second in the MERC standings. He is also participating in select WRC rounds with Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.
