Doha:Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah emphasized the significance of his triumph at the Qatar International Baja, which served as the penultimate round of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. This victory secured Al Attiyah's maiden regional championship title with one round still remaining in the competition.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Attiyah expressed that winning the Middle East Baja Cup was particularly meaningful as it marked his inaugural participation in the regional competition. Previously, his focus had been on the FIA World Baja Cup. This accomplishment further bolstered Qatar's record in regional motorsports.
Al Attiyah noted that this title was his second regional championship victory within the span of a week. He had recently secured his 21st Middle East Rally Championship title after winning the Cyprus Rally, the final round of that series. He also celebrated his 13th win at the Qatar International Baja, which followed a challenging competition with lengthy stages and tough terrain.
Al Attiyah described this year's event as significantly different from previous editions, highlighting the demanding nature of the stages, some of which mirrored the Dakar Rally in difficulty. He credited his cautious approach during the final stage for his successful finish.
In addition to his personal achievements, Al Attiyah praised the performance of his Nasser Racing team, particularly highlighting young driver Ghanim Al Attiyah, who secured second place in the T4 category in his debut. Al Attiyah also lauded the high organizational standards of the event and the strong international participation, attributing these to Qatar's global standing in motorsports.
Looking forward, Al Attiyah has a busy schedule ahead, including participation in the Dubai International Baja, the Jeddah Baja, and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. He mentioned that the Abu Dhabi rally would be his last event with the Dacia team as he considers options for his future in racing.
Al Attiyah concluded by expressing pride in his record 13th victory at the Qatar International Baja and his determination to continue representing Qatar in international competitions.
Source Qatar News Agency