Behind the wheel of his Citroën DS3 RRC and with his co-driver Chris Patterson, Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi is determined to change the course of history and return to winning ways at his home event, the Dubai International Rally, this weekend from November 27-29.
> Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi storms to victory at the Abu Dhabi Rally
Sheikh Khalid has previously won the Dubai International Rally on two occasions, in 2005 and 2006 behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the same car with which he secured his first FIA Middle East Rally Championship title in 2004.
Al Qassimi has since that first trophy endured a drought of regional titles and Sheikh Khalid is now determined more than ever to change the course of history given that just six points separate him from the championship leader.
Sheikh Khalid is brutally frank about his record at the Dubai International Rally, and said: “Although history and reality say that I am not a lucky driver when it comes to the Dubai International Rally, I nevertheless embrace challenges and will face this stern test again and try all my best to repeat my 2005 and 2006 victories on the upcoming weekend.”
Given the narrow gap between the first and second on the points table, only a win will ensure regional honours. Sheikh Khalid added: “The competition on this year’s Dubai International Rally will be very tough as the winner will be crowned the 2014 MERC Champion.”
The former Middle East rally champion, who is also chairman of ADR, is keenly looking forward to the weekend and hopefully sealing the title in front of home fans after a gap of ten long years.
Four ADR Junior drivers will be competing in the 2WD class – Mohamed Al Mutawaa, Mohammed Al Sahlawi, Saeed Bin Touq and Mansoor Belhelei behind the wheel of a Citroën DS3 R3. Al Mutawaa currently leads the 2WD class and is on course to securing the title.
Dubai International Rally consist of 12 Special Stages (261.10 Km) and will kick off on Thursday the 27th with the ceremonial start at 07:30pm from Dubai World Trade Centre.