Abu Dhabi sign deal with BP-Ford World Rally Team

Abu Dhabi: The emirate of Abu Dhabi made its latest foray into the world of motorsport by forging a partnership with BP-Ford World Rally Team who currently lead the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) announced the partnership with BP-Ford for 2008-2011 terming the move as one of the most unique branding initiatives of any destination.

The UAE's Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi will partner British co-driver Nicky Beech, who has been competing alongside him in the Middle East Rally Championship for several years.

"This partnership has been sealed under the directions of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council, as part of the government's intention to deliver worldwide exposure for the UAE capital and its global tourism, business and sporting events ambitions," said Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTA, in a message.

Great day

"The championship is now engaging a worldwide television audience of more than 800 million and is a compelling mechanism to demonstrate the appeal of Abu Dhabi and its evolution into one of the Middle East's fastest-growing business and leisure destinations.

"This is a great day for motorsport and for ADTA. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to the FIA, the WRC and of course, Formula 1 - all of which are part of our long-term vision to consolidate a comprehensive motor sport calendar," said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of ADTA.

For the remaining eight events of the 2007 season, Abu Dhabi will partner the existing BP-Ford World Rally Team, before joining the 2008 FIA WRC as the three-car BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

While Shaikh Khalid and Beech will be in one car with BP-Ford World Rally Team's Finnish pair of WRC leader, Marcus Gronholm and co-driver Timo Rautiainen second car.

Another Finnish pair of Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen as co-driver complete the three-card team.

Very excited

Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi gets his first taste of the Ford Focus RS WRC06 in next month's Rally Finland, and UAE ace said he was excited over the new development. "I am very excited and really looking forward to the WRC.

"I am thankful to ADTA and Ford for this great opportunity," he said.

Marcus Gronholm, who is leading in the current WRC said, "The 2007 WRC campaign is looking good. We have a handy lead in the driver's championship while the lead is a bit more comfortable in the manufacturers' title race."