The World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers’ title may be safely in the hands of France’s Sebastien Ogier, but plenty can still be gained by the Emirati contingent at Rally Spain, which starts on Friday.
A good performance in the penultimate round of the season would give Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi the chance to move into the top 15 in the WRC standings in his Abu Dhabi Citroen DS3.
Meanwhile, the Skydive Dubai Rally Team’s Rashid Al Ketbi is looking to continue his recent good form in WRC2, and two young Emiratis get a chance in WRC3.
Mohammed Al Sahlawi makes his WRC debut in Salou, just south of Barcelona, while Mohammed Al Mutawaa starts his second event this season behind the wheel of an Abu Dhabi Citroen DS3 R3 2WD.
The pair have been helping each other to improve their use of pace notes.
Despite giving a good account of himself in the Rally Germany in August, Al Mutawaa said: “I got it all wrong at two corners in Germany because I didn’t approach them the right way, and it taught me that I have got to be exact with my notes.
“Since then, I’ve been working with my co-driver, Stephan McAuley, to improve this side of my driving. Mohammed and I have also been spending time helping each other to improve our notes so that there’s better communication in the car.”
Sheikh Khalid has been competing in WRC since 2004 and he is passing on his knowledge to his young teammates.
“Sheikh Khalid has been helping us throughout the year with great advice about different aspects of rallying, not only about the driving aspect, but also how to interact with people and prepare ourselves mentally,” Al Mutawaa said.
“It’s so helpful to be able to learn from him.”
sports@thenational.ae
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
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Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Chatham House Rule
A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding, was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable
organisation”.
The depth of knowledge and academics that it drew on
following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.
The institute is more used to accommodating world leaders,
with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide
authoritative commentary on world events.
Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of
International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its
founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs
with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.
That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham
House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham
House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.
This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects
allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.
These meetings are highly valued, so much so that
ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were
revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However,
most speeches are held on the record.
Its research and debate has offered fresh ideas to
policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate
change to health and food security.
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
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