BEIRUT, 12 February — Marlboro Team Saudi Arabia driver Abdullah Bakhashab has exuded confidence and optimism about his performance in the upcoming Middle East rounds. “I’m looking at a win-win situation and am quite confident about it,” the ace rally champion told Arab News during his announcement here over the weekend.
Bakhashab’s announcement of participation in the Middle East rounds after an absence of over four years was received with an all-round applause at a reception he hosted at the Metropolitan Palace Hotel here. Motorsports officials, media representatives including rally correspondents from the Kingdom, and a large number of invitees attended the event, which was marked by a spectacular laser show.
Bakhashab announced that his team would participate in the seven rounds of the 2002 Middle East Rally Championship program, which starts with Qatar International Rally that kicks off between Feb. 13-15. Bahrain International Rally from March 6-8, Jordan International Rally from May 16-18, Marlboro Rally of Lebanon from July 4-7, Syrian International Rally from Aug. 28-30, Troodos Rally from Oct. 18-20 and Dubai International Rally from Dec. 11-13 will follow this.
Bakhashab’s program also includes two rounds of World Rally Championship —Acropolis Rally from June 14-16 and San Remo Rally from Sept. 20-22.
“I’ll be driving my Toyota Corolla WRC co-driven by Irishman Bobby Willis,” Bakhashab said. The Saudi champion has been absent from the Middle East Rally Championship program since 1997 when he finished second in the overall standings behind the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Sulayem.
Bakhashab expressed his happiness on coming back to the origins of his rallying career, reflecting his initial participation in the early nineties. “The season seems to be very competitive and rich in rounds and participating names, as well as featuring big supporting teams.”
Bakhashab’s program last year included the 25th Marlboro Rally of Lebanon, one of the Middle East Rally Championship’s most prestigious rounds, and a candidate for the World Rally Championship calendar. Bakhashab has dedicated his efforts for the past four years to competing in the World Rally Championship rounds within the FIA Teams Cup category.
Speaking on behalf of Philip Morris, Rashad Korkis said the Middle East Rally Championship had been the base of Bakhashab’s rallying career before he moved to the world of international rallying, and achieved his marvelous results. “ Bakhashab’s involvement in the Middle East rounds will be a fundamental support to the motorsport in the region,” Korkis added.
