Qatar’s Hamad Al Sowaidi confirmed Wednesday that he will head for Cyprus later this month in a bid to ensure that the race for this year’s Middle East Championship Group N title will be decided in the Dubai International Rally, according to a press release by Tony Lewis, Dubai International Rally Press Officer.
Al Sowaidi, who had virtually conceded the Group N crown to the UAE’s defending champion, Sheikh Abdullah Al Qassimi, has changed his plans and will now contest the Troodos Rally, penultimate round of the 2001 FIA Middle East series, on October 20-21, said the release.
To snatch the title, he will need to take maximum points in Group N in Cyprus, and in Dubai on November 15-16, and also hope that Sheikh Abdullah finishes outside the production class top four in the championship’s last of eight rounds.
“There’s only a very small chance for me, but I’ve decided to go to Cyprus to try and win
Group N there, and then do my best in Dubai,” said Al Sowaidi.
His decision coincided with an announcement of a new sponsorship boost for the Dubai International Rally from Seven Seas Computers, who are providing the IT hardware, software and expertise needed to ensure the event’s continued development.
“We’re delighted to have the support of Seven Seas Computers,” said Mohammed bin Bakheet, president of the rally organizing committee of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE, the national motor sport authority. “Their technical expertise will help ensure that this rally remains one of the premier motor sport events in the Middle East.”
The 2001 Dubai International Rally is being held under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Department – Albawaba.com
