Khalid eyes fine finish to season

Barcelona: Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE's sole representative in the World Rally Championship, is eyeing a strong finish to the 2009 season as he feels it will prop him up superbly for next year.

The Abu Dhabi native is currently sitting just outside the top 10, but with just two rounds of the championship remaining - this weekend's Rally de Espana in the picturesque town of Portaventura and the Rally Great Britain in Wales - there is doubt if he will jump two places from 12 and finish among the top 10 drivers.

Shaikh Khalid is on six points, two short of Conrad Rautenbach, who occupies 10th in the standings.

And he said: "Next year I plan to take part in more events because I need the experience to challenge strongly. The last two years have been good, I don't have any plans for next season just yet and will look to start the way I end the season.

"I think I've done very well this season. It hasn't been easy and had I not missed three rounds of the championship, I'd have definitely been inside the top 10. Still I feel this has been a better season overall and I'm happy that I can see myself getting better all the time, that's what is important."

He said he was thrilled with the way his car had been in top condition, but insisted a little more practice time would help before each race.

"The car has been performing well and I'm quite comfortable driving it, but I needed a little more time. Most of the drivers in the WRC are based in Europe, so it's just an hour's flight or so for them for most races, but flying out to Europe from Abu Dhabi takes a long time, so there is a bit of disadvantage there as you don't get to spend enough time with the car. Still there are no complaints and I just focus on doing the best I can; keeping things in control and taking it one race at a time."

The UAE has two drivers competing in the Junior WRC, but Shaikh Khalid says it's too early to say what the future holds for them. According to him the duo must enjoy their time on the circuit and gather as much experience as they can.

"I think we'll always have rally drivers in the UAE, but the main thing for these guys driving in the Junior WRC is that they need a lot of experience so if you ask me in five years' time, I'll be able to say something. As of now they must continue to develop and get as many races under their belts as possible."