Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi says Sebastien Loeb’s stunning victory in Rally Argentina can help inspire the young Emirati drivers he leads back into FIA Middle East Championship action for Abu Dhabi Racing in Jordan this weekend.
Loeb’s win for the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team at the weekend maintained his eight-year unbeaten record in Argentina, where he was making one of only four WRC appearances this season as he concentrates on circuit racing.
It was also a ninth successive victory in the event for Citroen Racing, and the second of the season for the team in the first year of its new five-year partnership with Abu Dhabi Racing.
“Sebastien admitted he was feeling a little rusty before the event after missing the previous two rounds, but he showed just why he is the greatest rally driver of all time,” Al Qasimi said.
“To win nine world titles is an incredible achievement, and the way this guy applies himself, and the hard work and dedication he has shown over the years, is an example to our young drivers.
“They have been given a fantastic opportunity with Abu Dhabi Racing in the Middle East Championship and it’s up to them to make the most of it.”
With Al Qasimi tackling the Jordan Rally accompanied by Scott Martin in his Abu Dhabi Citroen Total WRT DS3 RRC, Mohammad Al Sahlawi and Mohammad Al Mutawa compete in the championship’s new two-wheel drive category, with Bader Al Jabri and Majid Al Shamsi contesting the Group N production class.
