Dubai: Michel Saleh, who has been taking part in the Dubai International Rally over four decades, goes into the event for the 33rd time over the UAE National Day weekend — still refusing to accept that he may be destined never to win it.
One of the most colourful characters in the 27-year history of the FIA Middle East Championship, Saleh has been competing in regional motor sports since entering his first event in Kuwait in 1973 and aims to his keep incredible Dubai Rally record running for some time yet.
Now in his twilight years as a rally driver, the 56-year-old UAE-based Lebanese does not see an immediate end to the route ahead, and will be going all out to prove that he can still compete with hot favourite Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and the rest of the region's best.
Hopeful
"As long as I'm healthy and can still drive, I'll carry on," he said. "I won't stop unless I feel I'm too old or not fast enough. I love this sport. It's in my blood. I'm already planning for next year and will have a new car.
"To be honest, I have never given up hope of winning the Dubai Rally. If I felt that way, I'd sit at home. I'm going to go out and give my best. I really want to try to do something this time to show that I'm still here," he said.
Saleh has lost count of times he was in the top three positions in Dubai, "the only rally I really love", but affectionately remembers one of his second place finishes, in 2002, which gave him his second UAE National Championship title.
"I broke my prop shaft when we went over a big jump on a hairpin, but that stage was cancelled and I just had enough time to fix the car and get it ready for the next stage," he said. He was not as fortunate in 1993 when he started the event with a chance to become the FIA Middle East champion, but his hopes were dashed by a succession of problems.
Saleh is taking part in the rally this time with Jordanian Nancy Al Majali, who is an accomplished rally driver, as his navigator in a Group N Subaru Impreza. He has been guiding her for a number of years, and now it is her time to guide him.
