Al Wahaibi wins round one in style

Muscat: Hamed Al Wahaibi began his new season in emphatic style by winning the Muscat Rally, round one of the Oman National Rally Championship, yesterday.

Partnered by new co-driver Zakaria Al Aufi, the defending national co-driving champion, Al Wahaibi guided his Wahaibi Motor Sports (WMS)-prepared Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to a comfortable win by the margin of 5m 41s, but the Omani was also delighted with the performance of his young protege Arif Al Kiyumi.

Al Wahaibi's new 22-year-old team-mate finished a superb second overall in the second WMS-backed Mitsubishi, hence beginning his new association with Ulster co-driver Allan Harryman in brilliant style.

"I have been so impressed with the maturity and way that Arif has performed," enthused Harryman.

The event was fought out over 100 competitive kilometres and three special stages, repeated three times, in a total route of 316 km.