www.biser3a.com exclusive with Nasser Al-Attiyah, 2011 Dakar Champion and Multi time MERC champion as well as World rally production car champion, in an exclusive interview.
Directly from Jordan rally 2011 and after his retirement we talked to the Qatari champion about the engine failure, both SWRC and MERC championships, future plans, and a possible surprise people are talking about…
After disqualification in Mexico, you have a retirement in Jordan. Can you explain to us what happened exactly?
We had an engine failure. Yesterday we had a misfire problem in the engine in the last 3 stages. Today morning at the first stage we had a problem with the engine, but we still can’t tell what precisely. The technicians will check the car and define the exact problem.
This car was driven in the rally of Portugal before it came to Jordan. Is it possible that this has been an influencing factor in the engine failure?
I don’t think this is the problem to be honest. We had a new engine on the car, but you never know what really happened. Sometimes there are engines that will go for 2000 KM without problems and sometimes engines will do 100 Km and fail.
In the first day of the rally you emulated Mexico where you were beating the WRC cars on pure pace, how do you explain this especially that they have faster machinery?
Thank God to start with. There is a big improvement in my level. I am always searching for the best in every rally and I’m working hard to maintain my physical condition. Experience plays a big role in this too. Every year I’m gaining more experience and I hope it will keep on reflecting especially in the coming rally in Sardinia.
Two SWRC events with no points, how hard is the championship now, especially that some of your opponents are contesting in the IRC championship too?
Now our target is to win all the remaining SWRC events. If we managed to finish in the top 3 in the championship it will be great.
You situation in the MERC championship is still very good. How do you find the upcoming rallies especially that we are witnessing no competition for the top spot of the championship?
The upcoming rally will be in Cyprus. I have big experience in that rally and I will try to win it so I can maintain my lead in the championship.
The Cyprus rally will not be the same as last year. The MERC will be hosted alone and not with the IRC event. Will this make the rally easier for you to clinch?
No I don’t think that it will be easier. The local drivers will be prepared. Anyway I will be participating in both events and I will try to win them both.
You started your year with a great win in the legendary Dakar rally. What more for Nasser Al-Attiyah?
Thank God we fulfilled the dream of winning Dakar. There are many things to come. Now we are preparing for the WRC and many other future projects.
Rumors are circulating that VW will hire you for their planned VW WRC program next year. What do you tell us about these rumors?
I have a great relationship with VW. They consider me their factory driver, and I am honored to be with VW in WRC. We should not forget that Qatar owns 21% of VW, and It will be amazing do drive WRC next year.