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Abu Dhabi team ready for Monte Carlo Rally
The newly named, three-car, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, heads off to the Southern French Riviera principality of Monaco this weekend for Rally Automobile Monte Carlo - the season opening World Rally Championship (WRC) stage.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:04 January 25, 2008
Abu Dhabi: The newly named, three-car, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, heads off to the Southern French Riviera principality of Monaco this weekend for Rally Automobile Monte Carlo - the season opening World Rally Championship (WRC) stage.
Buoyed by last year's second consecutive FIA WRC manufacturers' title, the UAE capital-backed outfit's Abu Dhabi emblazoned Ford Focus RS WRC07 cars will be looking to get the new campaign off to a flier in the team's first outing.
Global fan base
"Our first full season as a marquee partner will see optimum integration of Abu Dhabi's destination branding in all aspects of the team," said Ahmad Hussain, Deputy Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
"For the first time the new Abu Dhabi brand and logo will be revealed to the WRC's global fan-base. The BP-Ford World Rally Team will communicate the UAE capital's unique tourism proposition to a worldwide audience of potential travellers to Abu Dhabi.
Second car
With Mikko Hirvonen promoted to the lead car following WRC legend Marcus Gronholm's retirement at the end of last season, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi's strategy to develop new, exciting talent will see Jari-Matti Latvala - the rapid 22-year-old Scandinavian - occupy the second car after switching from the Stobart team, where he drove a privately-entered Ford Focus. Latvala's co-driver will be fellow Finn, Miikka Antilla.
Representing the UAE, Abu Dhabi's Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi - who was given a WRC drive as part of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's unique partnership with the BP-Ford World Rally Team - will steer the third, non points scoring car, and the Emirati is relishing his first full WRC season.
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