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Caution the key as Khalid aims for another top ten finish
Following his success here last year, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally team's Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi plans to adopt the same cautious approach but with some controlled aggression as he aims for a top ten finish.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:45 April 25, 2008
- Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
Dead Sea, Jordan: Following his success here last year, BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally team's Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi plans to adopt the same cautious approach but with some controlled aggression as he aims for a top ten finish amidst the cream of rally champs.
Though he is the only WRC driver with the advantage of having driven here, the UAE ace said the win came due to a cautious approach and just 50% speed after being forced out on four previous occasions.
"I realised that was the best approach and I just did speeds of 50 per cent and it paid off," said the UAE driver who won this rally when it was a candidate WRC event last year.
"But it will be different this year and the more experienced WRC drivers will not only push hard but also possess the skills to churn out better results," said Shaikh Khalid after yesterday morning's shakedown.
Easy rally
After five rounds of the shakedown stage which reflected the surface the drivers would be on through the 22 stages of competitive action, Shaikh Khalid warned that it will not be an easy rally.
"It is very technical and I don't think speed will be a good option.
"I learnt that over my past experience and I have decided to go at the same 50 per sent speed on most of the stages except a few," he said. "In just about two or three stages I hope to push harder but that too not at full speed.
"Those will be on the stretches in the Dead Sea area as even of went off the road you can get back to the road," Shaikh Khalid said.
Though a top 15 finish would be a good display by the UAE driver, the fact that he won here last year and his familiarity of the stages could propel him to a better finish but Shaikh Khalid said it was still a learning curve.
"A top ten finish would be nice but I would be satisfied if I can stay in the top 15.
"Maybe around 35 per cent of the stages here are the same as last year. I hope I can do well again," he said.
"I have decided to go at the same 50 per sent speed on most of the stages except a few..."
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