August 26, 2016 – Henry Massaad is one of the most prominent drivers in the front-wheel drive class of the Lebanese Rally Championship, routinely fighting for the win in his category, which is why his eyes will be on the golden prize in the 39th edition of Rally of Lebanon.
Backed by Bassoul-Heneine, the official Renault importer in Lebanon, Henry and co-driver Ramy Menhem began the 2016 season in spectacular fashion, finishing 2nd in the front-wheel drive and RC3 classes in Spring Rally after an outstanding performance that they carried over into the second and third rounds in Jezzine and Cedars onboard the Renault Clio R3T. However, they were met with trouble in the last two rallies.
Reflecting on his season so far, Henry said: “Spring Rally was a great event for me and Ramy; we were comfortably faster than our main competitors and we ended up in front of them. We would have probably won if Roger (Feghali) wasn’t competing in our category, but we were very happy with 2nd place.”
“In Jezzine Rally, I was struggling with the car’s handling and went off on the third special stage, so it was an early retirement for us. As for the Cedars Rally, I think we witnessed a brilliant battle there and I was leading the category right until a broken damper forced us out of the event.”
Despite the retirements, Henry is positive that he and Ramy can fight for victory in the fourth and final round of the season, the 39th Rally of Lebanon, as they’ve shown competitive pace throughout 2016 and in previous editions of the rally.
“Rally of Lebanon has a completely different taste. It’s a very long rally that requires endurance and I really enjoy the lengthy stages in which I think I can record some fast times and push for victory. There are no night stages as well, which I think is a plus for me. I believe the pace we’ve shown throughout the 2016 season, and during past editions of Rally of Lebanon, is something that gives us optimism going into this year’s big event.”
Moving on from Rally of Lebanon, Henry said he has no clear plans for the future and his full focus is on Rally of Lebanon, but he would be very happy to sit behind the wheel of the Renault Clio R3T once again next year.
“There is no concrete plan at the moment but I think I would be happy to be back in the Renault Clio R3T for next season and continue my tie-up with Bassoul-Heneine. I could also switch to an R5 if the budget is there, who knows?”
His 2016 campaign was backed by numerous sponsors including Bassoul-Heneine, Mic, Motul, Progetti and Straight Line.
“I would like to thank all of my sponsors for their immense support all through the year. I would also like to thank my co-driver Ramy Menhem for his valuable assistance, in addition to the whole TGRS team and the media.”
The 39th Rally of Lebanon – fourth and final round of the 2016 Lebanese Rally Championship and fourth round of the 2016 Middle East Rally Championship – will take place from Friday, September 2 until Sunday, September 4 and will feature 11 special stages covering 209.10 kilometers.
