DOHA: Qatar's promising rally driver Rashid bin Abdulah Al Naimi has redesigned his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 with a spectacular maroon hue adorned with the hugely popular mural of the H H Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Al Naimi, who will partner Portuguese co-driver Hugo Ismael Magahlaes for races across Europe to prepare for the 2018 season, said he wanted to bring glory to Qatar by preparing well for the next season, his racing team RBM Racing said on their website.
The young driver will start his preparatory drills in Estonia, Finland, before moving to other countries across Europe. Al Naimi said his car will be decorated with the 'Tamim Al Majd' mural.
Speaking about the reasons to choose the Emir's mural on his car, Al-Naimi said: "My biggest goals from participating in these races - which are essentially the last rounds of the European national championships - is to convey the message that we are behind the Emir of Qatar and we thank God for the prosperity in our country. "
"I am also working hard to be ready to compete in the WRC 3 and the European Rally Championship," Al Naimi said of his future plans. "I want to get the results that would make my country proud at these top events," he added.
Al Naimi, winner of the Qatar International Rally earlier this year in February, said he is undergoing an intensive physical fitness drills to be ready for the WRC 3 and the European Rally Championship challenges in the 2018 season.
The Qatari driver, in a very short period of time, has managed to draw attention to himself showcasing top driving skills in challenging off-road surfaces.
Managing a career which is not more than three years old, Al Naimi has become one of emerging talents in in Group "N" competitors in the FIA Middle East Championship.
"The start of the 2017 season was very positive for me, especially after my victory at the Qatar International Rally - the round one of the 2017 Middle East Rally Championship. From the beginning I had announced my unwillingness to compete in all rounds of the Middle East Rally Championship," Al Naimi said.
"My participation in the Qatar International Rally was a national duty, I felt, and I did it to support the race," he said.
