Lebanese rally driver and the runner up in last year’s Lebanese Rally Championship has confirmed to Biser3a.com that he will not take part in the upcoming 2014 Spring Rally. Gilbert who will be occupied by some work with Sky News Arabia has spoken to Biser3a.com about his plans for the season, amid speculations about what and where he will drive. Gilbert insisted to stress on the fact that contesting in the other rounds of the Lebanese Rally Championship and the Hill Climb Championship will be based on his work and if he has the time to do so.
When asked about the team and and the car that he will drive, Gilbert Said: “my plans are to get an R3 Maxi for Summer and the Cedars rallies in addition to 3hill climbs. Based on championship points I will decide on ROL ( if R3 or RRC ). But my aim is to drive an RRC car in ROL 2014, and prepare very well for it, starting August. I’ll be fully committed for ROL 2014.” When asked about the team that he will drive through, Gilbert Added: “I will drive for Motortune and fight for a win in Front wheel category in each event. Motortune offered me an extraordinary service in ROL 2013…and as per current discussions and plans…we are still on same level of communication”
We went further to ask Gilbert about his Co-Driver for this season:”Renaud (Gilbert’s Last Season Co-Driver) is busy with Quentin Gilbert this year in WRC events. We still need him to confirm if he can join us for ROL. But for the moment, I am looking for a Lebanese Co-Driver for the Summer and Cedars Rally. Its easier for practice and testing and he will also be more available. I need the co-driver also to be serious committed and fun to work with.”
Gilbert has noticeably shifted from Group N cars to other categories, and here is why: “Out of 16 rallies I’ve run on an Evo group N car, only 5 were without mechanical failures. I have tried the clio in Deir El Qamar, its a beautiful car to drive and I won and broke the record in front wheel drive category there. I believe a proper R3 Maxi car compete and even win on Group N cars in driver flat ( excluding R4s ).”
At the end of our chat, Gilbert wished all the moms in the world a happy mothers day and also wished his fellow rally driver Nicolas Amiouni, good luck and a win in the coming challenge in the WRC.