Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and other five new Emirati drivers participated in the competitions of Qatar International Rally which is the first round of the Middle East Rally Championship 2014 that was held during the period from 20 to 22 of February, 2014. The Emirati drivers who participated in this competition are Saeed Bin Toak, Gomaa Al Falasi and Mansour Yahya Balhli who passed the testing of Abu Dhabi program to choose the young drivers in the end of last year with Mohammed Al Mutawa and Mohammed AlSahlawi who graduated from the first batch of the program. This is an initiative from Abu Dhabi institution for races that aims to build a new generation of Emirati rally drivers and refine their talents to reach the highest levels. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi has recently concluded its participation in the Rally of Sweden – second round – of the World Rally Championship.
Sheikh Khalid who is participating in the competitions on his “Abu Dhabi Citroen Total DSL 3 RRC” car which is a regional rally car said: “my goal from this participation is competing for the top spots where he pointed out that ‘Abu Dhabi for races’ is participating in the Qatar International Rally with six cars where this is the biggest assortment for one team in the history of the Middle East Rally Championship with five junior Emirati drivers”.
It is noteworthy that the Middle East Rally Championship celebrates the 30th anniversary for its launch to coincide with the Qatar International Rally 2014 which kicked off on 20 of February, 2014. This anniversary includes a new show stage with a new length of 27.2 km which was held on the Corniche of Doha, starting at six o’clock in the evening until seven o’clock and half where then all the participating rally cars went to the closed parking area to complete the ceremony of this great achievement. The Qatar Rally consists of 12 special stages specialized for speed. On the other hand, “Abu Dhabi for races” headed by Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qassimi launched a new regional award which is called “Abu Dhabi for races – Citroen” award in order to support and stimulate the new generation of Abu Dhabi racing drivers. This award is a great thing for the Emirati drivers to encourage them to provide their best efforts and capabilities.
