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The UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Championship (WRC) driver, is pinning his points-scoring hopes at this weekend’s Rally Australia – round 10 in the 13-event WRC season running from 8 - 11 September – on the event’s revised rally route.
Debuting in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, the moved, 26-stage, gravel-dominated Australian round - which spans 369 kilometres of forest-lined dirt tracks and rocky countryside roads - will see the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)-backed Al Qassimi, dubbed ‘The Flying Falcon’ by the international motorsports community, make his fourth competitive start Down Under.
As he bids to build momentum going into the premiere off-road series’ end-of-season run-in, Al Qassimi is acutely aware that the event’s pre-event recce will be a key factor in his preparations.
“I’m familiar with racing in Australia, but in three attempts I am yet to score points Down Under. I need a strong performance and am hoping it will be fourth time lucky,” said the UAE’s most successful WRC driver in terms of points accrued. “The new tracks will be unknown to most of the field, so we’re all even in that regard. I’m expecting them to be fast and free-flowing; accurate pace notes will be essential because one small mistake and you’re done.”
Currently 16th in the drivers’ standings, Al Qassimi is buoyed by the minimal points which separate the drivers ahead of him and he insists his goal of a top 10 season finish remains alive. To achieve it, however, a strong result in Australia - where weather forecasts have predicted intermittent showers – is a must.
“The new roads, especially if slippery, will present an opportunity to win points by driving sensibly. The key is to find a balance between good pace in the dry and a compromise of speed and safety in the wet sections," added Al Qassimi.
Australia will also see Team Abu Dhabi’s Production Car World Rally Championship (PWRC) duo, Bader Al Jabri and Majed Al Shamsi, join Al Qassimi on the entry list for the first time since July’s Rally Finland – where the emirate marked the fourth anniversary of its WRC partnership.
The youthful Al Shamsi and Al Jabri kick-started their debut PWRC season in style, both scoring points in Portugal – their first outing in this year’s seven-event championship. Al Shamsi particularly impressed and he sat on a respectable eight points after the series’ first two races.
After missing Argentina – the pair did not enter – the duo suffered dual retirements in Finland. Now, with only three races remaining, the drivers are eager to revive their challenges as the series enters its denouement.
“Bader and I both enjoy fast gravel rallies and I want Australia to be the start of my fight to get back in contention for a season podium finish,” said Al Shamsi, currently 13th position in the PWRC drivers’ standings.
In Australia, Al Qassimi’s Ford Abu Dhabi Fiesta RS WRC roof will carry an image of the UAE’s national bird, the falcon. Al Qassimi chose the bird for his unique livery after deciding it best encapsulates his driving style. The design will be chosen by Ford fans on the team’s Facebook site.
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