JEDDAH, 1 February — Leading Saudi car race champion and MBC-Bison Group driver Ahmed Al-Sabban announced his readiness for the upcoming rally season.
"I’m ready to compete in the Middle East Championship ‘N’ 2002, which is coming in Qatar this month," Al-Sabban told Arab News.
He is set to participate this year in seven rounds — first in Qatar and then in Abu Dhabi along with other local events, and the champions’ race.
He said he competed for advanced positions last year despite being away for a couple of seasons. "I consider myself fortunate to have achieved advanced positions in some rounds despite encountering technical difficulties.
This is, in fact, the reason why I abandoned the Syria-Lebanon race and the champions’ race," Al-Sabban added.
"I believe I did well despite being away for two seasons. As a result, I competed for advanced positions and got the cup for the best team in the Jordan race. In addition, I got the ‘best times" cup and was sixth in the Dubai race by achieving four points," said Al-Sabban who gave the names of his new sponsors as MBC and Al-Jadail Beverage Factory.
"I’m, however, now more familiar and acquainted with my new car — Evolution 6, which I’ll drive during the season ahead," he declared.
Al-Sabban underwent more training and endurance tests for improved performance and control on asphalt and desert roads. "I took a number of training courses, rebuilt the car capability to be well prepared for the new season," he said adding that he anticipated a tough competition for Group ‘N.’ He hoped he would not face any problems in his endeavor for the championship.
