Abu Dhabi Racing driver Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and co-driver Khalid Al Kendi will tackle the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Round 3 of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, in the latest Peugeot 3008 DKR run by PH Sport, it was announced on Sunday.
It will be the second FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies event for Sheikh Khalid n this year following his participation in the Dubai International Baja this month where he was placed second overall.
The Peugeot 3008 DKR had a 1-2-3 finish at the Dakar Rally in January, which has enthused Sheikh Khalid to to believe he can improve on his two previous outings in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. He was forced to retire from the 2015 edition due to a technical issue with the gearbox and finished seventh in 2016 despite a broken gearbox.
“I am looking forward to the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and will be behind the wheel of the latest Peugeot 3008 DKR run by PH Sport,” Sheikh Khalid said. “As part of the preparations, my co-driver Khalid Al Kendi and I will test the new car this week in Al Dhafra area.
“Yes, I have shown good results at the Dakar before I was forced to retire and later winning second place at the Dubai Intentional Baja, but I’m still new to cross country rallies so every kilometre that is covered will help in the development of my career in this format of racing.
“That’s why I am now challenging myself to improve my performance in desert rallies. I’m following a specific strategy that could take four years before we start competing for top positions.
“My goal for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Desert challenge is to finish the challenge and gain maximum experience without any problems.”
The third round of the 2017 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship kicks off with a super special stage at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort on April 1 and runs through the deserts of the Rub Al Khali until April 6.
* Agency
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
