Dubai: Michel Saleh, one of the most experienced drivers from Middle East,, Monday predicted a three-way battle in the 32nd Dubai International Rally and the crowning of a new FIA Middle East champion on UAE National Day weekend.
A survivor from the early days of regional rallying prior to the launch of the FIA Middle East Championship in 1984, Saleh expects UAE drivers Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi and Rashid Al Ketbi to fight Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah all the way in the final round of the 2010 series.
The UAE-based Lebanese driver also believes championship leader Misfer Al Marri will take a safe route to the top six as he needs to replace compatriot Al Attiyah as FIA Middle East champion.
"It will be between the three Super 2000 drivers, Nasser, Khalid and Rashid," said Saleh, who seeded seventh along with Jordanian co-driver Ziad Masannat in a Group N Mitsubishi Evolution 9.
"They will all be going for it and Rashid could be the one to watch. He has a new car and he knows the terrain so well. He won all but one of the stages on the second leg last year and this could be his year."
Still trailing
Despite winning the last two rounds of the championship in Syria and Cyprus, defending Middle East champion and six-time winner Al Attiyah trails Al Marri by eight points.
He needs to win in Dubai and count on his fellow Qatari finishing outside the top six if he is to retain the title. "Misfer will just be going for the points he needs to make sure of the championship," said Saleh. "The most important thing is that he drives his normal way, and doesn't take any risks. The organisers have produced a very good route. The stages are smooth and that will help Misfer. I think he'll be OK, and will be looking for a top four finish."
Both driving Ford Fiesta Super 2000s, top-seed Al Attiyah will be partnered by Italian Giovanni Bernacchini while second-seeded Al Qasimi by Michael Orr. Accompanied by fellow-Emirati Khalid Al Kendi sixth-seed Al Ketbi will drive a Skoda Fabia Evo2.
Organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the 32nd Dubai International Rally is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture.
Enthusiasts can follow the rally on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DubaiInternationalRally.
Rankins:
FIA Middle East Rally Championship drivers' standings after seven of eight rounds:
- 1. Misfer Al Merri (QAT) 44pts.
- 2. Nasser Al Attiyah (QAT) 36pts.
- 3. Khalid Al Suwaidi (QAT) 22pts.
- 4. Shaikh Abdulla Al Qasimi (UAE) 21pts.
- 5. Shaikh Khalid Al-Qassimi (UAE) 20pts.
- Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SA) 20pts.
- 7. Shaikh Hamad Al-Thani (QAT) 14pts.
- Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari (QAT) 14pts.
- Essam Al Nejadi (KWT) 14pts.
- 10. Mohammad Al Marri (QAT) 10pts.
