Nicosia, Cyprus: Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi and co-driver Chris Patterson set the fourth fastest time in Cyprus Rally qualifications behind the wheel of the Citroën DS3 RRC on Friday. The Emirati ace was hence the fourth driver to have the liberty of choosing the Rally’s start position and it was number 10. The starting position has been chosen based on Shaikh Khalid’s strategy for the mixed surface Rally.
In Nicosia, competitors will tackle a mixed surface comprising of asphalt and gravel over 15 special stages, which means trye choices and preservation will be very important towards the outcome of the Rally that will take place from September 19-21.
Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal said: “There is no doubt that Cyprus Rally will be a special kind of challenge for several reasons. One, the stages are mixed between gravel and asphalt, which will put pressure on the tyres and accelerate erosion. However, a driver’s and his team’s experience will play a large role in these conditions. Under the circumstances, a successful strategy will be one of the keys to success in this rally.”
