Tuesday, Jul 21, 2015

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Racing team leader Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi is off to Aragon in Spain to participate in round 6 of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup this weekend.

Shaikh Khalid will be in the modified Toyota Hilux of Team Overdrive, the same team he competed for during the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in April this year, when he came close to a podium spot before a technical issue forced him to retire.

Spanish Baja Aragon is one of the oldest rallies in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, having been first launched in 1983. Last year’s winner was the famous Spanish driver Nani Roma.

The Emirati said: “We did well in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and I believe we would have got a good result if we hadn’t been forced to retire on the penultimate day because of a gearbox problem. We were close to second place, which is a great result for us since it was my first time participating in this type of race and in an entirely new car.

“The aim was to gain experience and get a sense of whether I can compete in these types of races at a top level. I have suggested some modifications to the team’s car that have been implemented, so we will be driving an improved car with a new set-up in Spain.

“It will be a challenge because it is our first time competing in Baja Aragon and the terrain is different to desert racing with dunes as well as adjusting to the new set up — despite this we are still aiming to get a good result.”

Baja Aragon consists of four stages spread over three legs, with a total distance of 657.8 kilometres. The competition opens with a 7.8-km Super Special Stage on Friday.

Shaikh Khalid will head straight from the Baja Aragon to Finland to participate in round 8 of the FIA World Rally Championship with the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

“As I have stated previously, I like a challenge, and to go directly from a long rally in Spain to participate in Rally Finland will be a challenge, but we have the determination and fitness to succeed,” he said.

Staff Report

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