FIA V-P to chair meeting of regional clubs

FIA Vice President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will chair a meeting of regional motoring federations during a visit to Doha this week aimed at chalking out a strategy for the future of motor sport in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The meeting, convened by Sulayem in his capacity as FIA Vice President, will be held on January 21 in Doha.
Sulayem, who is also President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), said this would be the first of many meetings meant to ensure a better understanding of the needs of the various clubs of the region.
“It is imperative that we elicit everyone’s views on issues that impact the general well-being of regional clubs. Moreover, such meetings inevitably promote closer cooperation and coordination amongst member clubs,” Sulayem added.
Meanwhile, when in Doha Sulayem will also flag-off the 2010 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) at the invitation of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF).
The opening round of the 2010 MERC, the Qatar International Rally, will take place from January 21-23.
Sulayem, himself a 14-time Middle East Rally Champion, and winner of the Qatar International Rally eight times from 1988-2002, said: “I thank the QMMF President Mr. Nasser Khalifa Al Attiya for extending this invitation to open the 2010 MERC season.
“Coming to Qatar for this occasion is indeed an emotional moment for me as I have successfully competed here for 15 years, winning the title eight times. But apart from the nostalgia of having raced here, it is good to be among familiar faces sharing the same common passion for the sport,” he added.
The QMMF President in his invitation had congratulated Sulayem on his re-election to the post of FIA Vice President, saying: “I’m delighted and grateful that you have succeeded. We hope to have a better level of organization and championship in the Middle East.”