MUSCAT: After clinching a second place in the second round of Emirates Local Rally, Omani rally driver Khalid Soomar and his co-driver Issa al Wardi on Mitsubishi EVO 7 are eyeing a podium finish in the third round in Ras Al Khaima on Saturday.
Also in the frame is another Omani driver Hamid al Qasimi and his co-driver Mohamed Al Mazroui on Mitsubishi EVO 8.
Both Soomar and Al Qasimi have a chance to be on the podium in Group N with their thorough knowledge about Emirates rally stages and tracks.
The rally will start near twin tower in Ras Al Khaima sea road, where the start signal will be given by the in-charge of organising committee of the rally.
Then the race cars will head down straight to the stages near the cement factory in Ras Al Khaima.
THREE STAGES
The rally consists of three stages and each stage will be repeated three times.
Humaira will be the first stage of the rally for about 11 kilometres which consist of different terrains, which include tough roads and wadies.
The second stage of the rally will be in Al Sadi for around 12 kilometres on similar roads but with some flat areas during the total stage distance. After finishing this stage, all the cars will take their way towards the third stage which will be hosted in Al Khat area nearby the cement factory for about 12 km.
The price giving ceremony will be held near the Twin Tower building, where the chief guest will be distributing the prizes for the winners and the top positions.
Hope for podium
Khalid Soomar, who is second overall in the Emirate Rally Championship after two rounds, said he is happy to attend this rally and hopes to be in the front row after the third round.
He said: “I will try my best to be on the podium for first position. I would like to thank Target company and Shieda Trading for their support in this season. I wish all drivers finish the race safely.”
Al Qasmi said: “There is no support or sponsorship available for me this season like last season. I find it very difficult to participate on my own cost without financial support. But thanks to Sheikh Abdullah al Qasimi from the UAE for his personal support to meet the maintenance expenses of my car.”
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