Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: Veteran Omani rally drivers Khalid Soomar and Hamid Al Qasmi, who have been doing well in the recent times, are eyeing podium places in the fourth round of the UAE Rally Championship.
The fourth round of the UAE championship is scheduled to take place in Al Dhaid, Sharjah during the weekend.
Khalid Soomar, who finished third in the third round of the five-round championship in Ras Al Khaimah in April this year, currently leads the championship with 51 points.
The Omani ace, who drives a Mitsubishi Evo 7 with compatriot Issa Al Wardi as the co-pilot, is hoping to clinch a podium place in the fourth round and maintain his championship lead.
Despite having some problems with his car, Khalid Soomar said he is ready for the challenge in Sharjah.
“Anything can happen during the rally... the competition and the conditions. We never know what is in store for us,” he said
“I also have some issues with my car. Hopefully, we will be able to rectify the problem before the start of the competition. And I will be ready to compete and fight for the top position,” he added.
Thanking his sponsors, Khalid Soomar said: “I would like to thank Target LLC for their support in this season. Without their backing it would not have been possible for me to take part in the championship.”
**media[759918]**
On the other hand, Hamid Al Qasmi has to take care of all his expenses as he found no sponsor to support his cause.
Al Qasmi, who drives a Mitsubishi Evo 8 with Mohammed Al Mazroui as the co-driver, also has a problem with his engine.
“With no sponsors, it has been a very difficult season for me. And add to the problem, now I have lost (damaged) my engine. So its going to be even more difficult,” he said.
However, Al Qasmi who thanked UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi for his ‘encouragement and personal support’, said he is hoping to do well in Sharjah.
Having done well in the previous seasons of the UAE championship, Al Qasmi is looking ahead for the Al Dhaid challenge with confidence.
