DOHA: Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari is eyeing a long rallying career, saying he is confident of repeating his ‘fantastic’ run in 2013 when he won three WRC2 races.
The 34-year-old, who has the services of Irish co-driver Killian Duffy, has recently teamed up with Puma for the rest of the season and is featuring at this week’s Rally Italia Sardegna.
In September 2013, Al Kuwari won the Rally of Australia to complete his set of three wins in the WRC2 category.
He also won the Rally of Mexico and Rally of Argentina last year.
“I believe I can continue for another 10-15 years,” Al Kuwari said when asked about career goals following his new partnership with Puma.
“If I have a long-term partnership, I could definitely push my cause. I can see myself improving my rallying around the world,” the 34-year-old said.
“I am hoping I can get a long-term sponsorship so that I can make more elaborate plans with regards to events around the world,” he said.
When asked about his partnership with Puma, Al Kuwari said he and his co-driver Duffy couldn’t be happier.
“My association with Puma started in Portugal. It is an exciting challenge for me. My co-driver is also happy about the association,” Al Kuwari said while expressing his content with the partnership.
“We love the new logo and livery on the car. It is an amazing experience to be in this position. It is a global brand and we want to do our share of the work by getting good results,” Al Kuwari said.
“We used different livery in Portugal but starting from the Rally of Serdegna, we will sport our new design. I am looking forward to the rest of the season as we join hands with Puma,” he added before recalling his performance the previous year.
“Last year, we did great in the WRC2. I got great results and we were in top driving form. That’s why we are keyed up for this season and in the months ahead as we join Puma, a true global brand,” he said.
Al Kuwari further said that the year 2014 has been a mixed bag at the half-way mark of the season.
“Honestly, speaking this hasn’t been like the previous season We have not done as many rallies as we would have liked. We have done 3-4 rallies so far. I finished second in one of the rallies,” he said.
Al Kuwrai stressed on the fitness, saying he would work on the aspect in the next three months during the break. “There’s going to be a big break from July until September (Rally of Argentina). It is a difficult time for any rally driver as it feels you are sitting on the bench on a football team. I have improved my level but I need to keep driving to stay on top of my game,” Al Kuwari said.
“It will be a long break and I will have to keep myself physically fit. I can’t help not driving during this time. Physical fitness is also a key point in our sport,” he added.
Al Kuwari said the Qatar drivers needed sponsorship backing to take the sport forward.
“There are a lot of talented drivers in Qatar. There is absolutely no doubt about that. What we need is a sponsorship culture in the country. In Europe, you do one or two good races in the world championship, and sponsors come after you,” Al Kuwari said while calling for the culture of sponsors for local drivers. “Obviously the drivers need more budget (money) to manage themselves,” he said before eyeing improved performance.
“I have achieved a great deal so far and I want to move forward. I was second in three WRC2 rallies last year. I have featured in more than 50 rallies around the world. I can do better. I know what it takes to get good results,” he explained. THE PENINSULA
