After a lot of controversy surrounding him during the past 3 months, we interview nine-time Middle East Rally Champion Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah during his participation in the fourth round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. Al Attiyah talks about his surprise move to the Porsche GT3 CCME and his other motorsport and non-motorsport plans for 2014.
Nasser, the Middle East audience has grown used to your surprises, the first of which was the last-minute change in Dakar; the second surprise is seeing you in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Tell us, what is going on lately, and why the sudden entry into the Porsche GT3 CCME?
The changes were made from our side and to our advantage, especially in Dakar. Of course, my goal is to win the Dakar and I signed with MINI, which is a big step Forward.
I like Porsche cars and the Porsche GT3 CCME, and as we’re seeing it’s a competitive championship. The opportunity presented itself, especially here in Qatar, and I bought the car and raced it. I was entered into the Michelin Silver Trophy class and I was able to take my first win in the category (Nasser went on to win both races in his first 2 races). The point is to improve with every kilometer and every lap. I like the idea of racing in the championship and I will hopefully participate in the remaining rounds.
You are no stranger to Circuit racing, but not in a rear-wheel drive car; you’re used to front-wheel and four-wheel drive cars. How is the Porsche different, and what is its toughest driving characteristic?
The Porsche is completely different to any other car, even under normal driving conditions because it is rear-engined and it’s got a light front end. It requires a special driving technique, but as a Rally driver, there wasn’t a substantial difference. I will get used to it with more kilometers.
How do you see your competitors in this championship, especially that you’re going up against skilled drivers who have many years of experience?
You have Prince Abdulaziz Turki AlFaisal in his fifth season; I sat with him today and he told me that he has driven 4000 kilometers so far this year. I have driven 200 km, so there’s a huge difference. I have been reducing the gap by 1 sec every day. Now the difference is around 1.5 seconds, but I will keep improving.
It is only 1.5 seconds between yourself and the pole-sitter, which is nothing.
Yes, it’s only 1.5 seconds between myself and the pole-sitter, which is nothing. I’m on the right track and I will improve in many ways; I would like to stay in the championship.
You’re currently halfway through the season so there is no way you can win the championship. What is the point of entering the championship and are there any plans to do so next year?
This will be an experimental year where we accumulate experience; we’ll hopefully tackle the full season next year.
How will the championship help you in terms of driving in tarmac rallies?
Surely, I have discovered things that will boost my experience in rallying including gravel and tarmac surfaces. The point is to participate with the many competitors and, of course, to represent Qatar in the championship.
Nasser, moving on to the Middle East Rally Championship that you have been dominating lately. What are your plans for this year?
We will start the Middle East Rally Championship from the first round in Qatar next month. driving last year’s Ford Fiesta RRC.
Including the latest updates…
Of course, it has the latest updates; there are no newer updates. The car has to be rebuilt and we continuously change old parts and replace them with newer ones. The team is ready and our aim is to win every round.
We were having a private conversation yesterday and you mentioned a program in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup. Can you give us details?
I do have a program for the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup this year; we will start from Abu Dhabi, then Qatar followed by the European rounds. It will be a busy year with the Middle East Rally Championship, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the World Cup for Cross Country Rally.
Does this mean that you will not participate in the World Rally Championship due to the busy schedule?
Surely, it is hard to take part in the World Rally Championship with all these changes including my participation in the Cross Country Rally World Cup. However, I will contest two rounds of the European Rally Championship in Cyprus and Greece.
Your European Rally Championship participation will be in preparation for the Middle East Rally Championship?
Of course, and Cyprus is part of the Middle East Rally Championship as well. We’re trying to contest most rallies.
Returning to the Cross Country Rally Word Cup; your participation will be with the X-Raid MINI team for whom you’ve already raced at Dakar. There is a detail that the audience is not aware of concerning your move to MINI. Tell us more about the Buggy and MINI options.
The Buggy project is currently on hold and we’re trying to come up with new solutions to evolve. In the meantime, I would rather stay with MINI because it is the best car at the moment. However, we might have two options in the future, so we hope for the best.
Hail International Rally is taking place in the near future. Will you be participating?
I have promised the organizers and fans that I will be there. We’re currently in discussion with the X-Raid MINI team, and a car will be here in Qatar for the Motorshow, hopefully we will be ready for Hail.
Away from Motorsport, you’re an Olympic champion and everyone is aware of your many sports activities. What are your 2014 plans for skeet and equestrianism?
I haven’t practiced equestrianism in a long time. However, I will be preparing for the skeet world championship in Spain, which will host the qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympics. My aim is to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
A last word for the Arab audience who are always excited to hear from you.
I hope they will follow us throughout the season and get their full support.