DOHA: Rally ace Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah yesterday dedicated his WRC2 title win to the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, saying motor sport was becoming hugely popular in Qatar and the region.
On Sunday, Nasser was speaking after finishing the 2014 Rally of Britain in sixth spot to seal his world title triumph along with Italian co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini.
The tile win was roundly applauded by QMMF president Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah who termed the victory ‘remarkable’.
In a telephone call, Nasser said: “I dedicate this win to the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the people of Qatar. I would like to thank Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, the chief of QMMF for his prominent role in promoting motor sport in Qatar and the region.”
Driving a Ford Fiesta RRC, Nasser remained steady over the weekend to seal his world title triumph.
He said his aim was not to take too many risks in order to complete the title victory.
Nasser said he and his co-driver had encountered mechanical issues but the duo was successful in not losing too much of time behind the race leader.
Al Attiyah, who is a Vice President at FIA and FIM, said: “It is a remarkable effort. I can’t describe my feelings when I see the Qatari flag being raised at international sports events. This win is another fine effort from a magnificent Qatari motor sport champion. QMMF wishes him well and we will continue our support so that we see similar Qatar wins at international events.”
He added: “Qatar has become the focal point for sports fans around the world for our various sporting achievements. This is all due to the great support of the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who always backs youngsters taking active part in sports. The Emir wants young athletes to compete with the best and raise the profile of Qatar at the international stage.”
Al Attiyah said :”This win by Nasser was achieved after a lot of hard work. There were many obstacles for him and his team and yet he remained steadfast.”
Nasser - the 2011 Dakar Rally champion - on Sunday needed to finish only seventh to clinch the title but the Qatari, winner of four rounds, had a few anxious moments in his Fiesta RRC.
Early gearbox problems left him eighth but a calculated recovery promoted him to sixth to net the points he needed.
“It’s fantastic” said Al Attiyah soon after the race on Sunday. “A great year for us, a great time here in GB and a great moment. Now we are off to Dubai for the last round of the Middle East Championship and we must win there also.” THE PENINSULA
