ADAC Rallye Deutschland’s first loop of stages saw an encouraging start for the Abu Dhabi-backed BP-Ford World Rally Team, with the UAE capital’s World Rally Championship ambassador Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi - in his first tarmac challenge in the Ford Focus RS World Rally Car - impressing again by adopting a conservative approach to hold 16th position after three timed tests.
Current championship leader Marcus Grönholm completed the first loop in 4th position while team-mate Mikko Hirvonen arrived at the event’s first service in 6th.
The three Abu-Dhabi branded Ford Focus RS World Rally Cars drew huge cheers from the thousands of fans gathered at the event’s ceremonial start in Trier centre justifying Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s strategy of leveraging sport to build awareness of the UAE capital as a world-class leisure and major events destination.
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With the weather clearing after heavy rain which dampened the pre-event shakedown, the rally began under bright and slightly overcast skies, but all three Team Abu Dhabi cars took dry slick tyres for the first loop.
Al Qassimi’s considered pace reflected his objective of gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible, as he completed the first stage approximately three seconds/kilometre slower than team leader Gronholm, yet was faster than he began in Rally Finland earlier this month demonstrating his increasing confidence in the car and the testing German conditions.
“The first three stages were very difficult,†said Al Qassimi, the current Middle East Rally Championship leader.
“There were a lot of cuts from the previous cars and it was very slippery in the corners. I also had a couple of spins and stalls in stage three which were frustrating as I’m still learning the braking points of the car on tarmac. I also caught and had to pass Guy Wilks in the second stage, which cost us a little time.
“However, it’s all about learning the conditions and the best way to deal with them, to get the maximum experience and represent Abu Dhabi in the best way possible.â€
The second loop of stages is a repeat of Day One’s first three. However, with the passing of the complete field, drivers will face more mud on the surface as they tackle the tight and twisty roads among the vineyards flanking the Mosel river for the second time.
To keep up-to-date on Al Qassimi’s progress, log on to www.wrc.com for stage times, results and minute-by-minute information.
