The Peninsula
Qatar’s veteran rally driver Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiya is getting ready to feature in next month’s Turkey Rally, which is part of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Al Attiya, 55, will have the services of Bernacchini Giovanni in a Ford Fiesta R5 for the September 18-20 battle across Turkey.
“I am going to participate in WRC World Championship in Turkey. I will do the rally myself. I have already registered to take part in the Turkey Rally. I will be driving a Ford Fiesta R5 with my co-driver Giovanni,” Al Attiya said from Istanbul where he is camped ahead of the three-day rally.
“I am getting stronger with my practice with the car and with my physical fitness. I am training in the gym. I go for swimming. I have been here in Turkey for a month and I will continue here until the rally,” Al Attiya added.
“The rally will be starting on 18th of September until the 20th. That will be a three-day event on the world championship calendar,” Al Attiya said.
Al Attiya said he is competing to clock rally hours as he launches in a major way next year.
“My future plans is that I am willing to compete in Europe next year. Maybe I do a round in Cyprus or in other countries like Italy or Belgium this year so that I gather enough data for next season. Next year I will do full championship,” Al Attiya said.
Only three races remain in the season with Rally Turkey (September 18-20), Rally Italia Sardegna (Oct 8-10) and Renties Ypres Rally Belgium (November 19-22).
Al Attiya said he had been planning to compete in Turkey for a long time.
“It was my dream to race in Turkey, especially since Qatar and Turkey have good relationship at all levels. I need to put a message out that both countries enjoy great relationship. Also, at the same time I want to put Qatar on the map with another driver competing at top races,” Al Attiya said.
“I want to do some records. I did many things for Qatar by building a racing circuit, by promoting many drivers and riders to compete worldwide. (Qatar’s Dakar Rally star) Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah achieved many sterling performances during that time. I was with FIA and FIM in high positions. Now I just want to show that I am following my passion and that I am also a rally driver,” the former QMMF President said.
“I want to be strong at my age. My age is only a number for me. I need to show the veteran motorsport enthusiasts that you can enjoy your life and compete well too. Most of the participants have good data on every race, they have more mileage than me. This is my first time in Turkey. I will never give up my passion,” he added.
“I will be getting services by Motortune Racing garage in Lebanon. They are providing the mechanics and engineers. Roger Feghali, the Lebanese rallying hero, I will be supported by his services like mechanics and engineers,” Al Attiya said.