Motorsport: Oman's Khalid Soomar claims third place in UAE rally

Muscat: Oman's rally driver Khalid Soomar and his co-driver Issa Al Wardi clinched the third position in the fourth round of UAE Rally Championship in Sharjah.
after finishing the rally in 27 minutes and 6 seconds.
The experienced Khalid Soomar driving Mitsubishi Evo 7 finished the rally in 27 minutes and 6 seconds and was very close from achieving second spot.
However, he was hampered by three punctures through the four stages, which forced him to settle for the third place.
The organising committee of the rally cancelled the fifth stage due to rough route and accidents, which also involved Omani racers, Humid Al Waeli (co-driver Mohamed Al Omeiri).
Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi clinched the first place.
Finishing fourth was Hamad Al Qasimi (co-driver Mohammed Al Mazroui) driving a Mitsubishi Evo 8. Faisal Al Rashidi (co-driver Waleed Al Rashidi) finished fifth in his Subaru Impreza eight second behind Hamid.
In all 13 drivers, including four from Oman, took part in the fourth round of the UAE Rally.
The rally was attended by Falah Al Falahi, member of board of directors of Oman Automobile Association and Anwar Soomar, OAA advisor, and a number of former members of Oman Rally Championship.
After winning the third position Soomarsaid, "I am really happy to win the third place in my first attempt in UAE and would like to thank everyone and my co-driver Issa Al Wardi for his effort. Special thanks to my sponsor Target for their sponsorship this year."
Faisal Al Rashidi was satisfied with his position and performance this time as the stages were too short and there was no chance to do more about it and the road was rough, therefore he wanted to finish the rally in a safe manner.
“I would Like to thank Said Al Tobi, my sponsor, who has joined us at the race in UAE and also my other sponsors Mohsen Al Salmi and Rashid Al Salmi for their sponsorship and support to my team,” said Faisal after the fourth round.
Rally driver Hamed Al Qasimi who took the fourth place was having few problems in the car but ended the rally safely and sound.