DOHA (Qatar): Veteran rally driver Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiya is gearing up for next month’s Turkey Rally, which is part of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
The 55-year-old 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 will be driving a Ford Fiesta R5 with my co-driver Giovanni,” Al Attiya said from Istanbul.
“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.”
“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 added.
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,” he 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.
