First Arab challengers at IRC

The UAE’s Rashid Al Ketbi and Khalid Al Kendi became the first all-Arab team to participate in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), with the Emirati driver declaring his aim is to finish the opening round in Portugal where the competitive section begins on Thursday. The 47th edition of the Sata Rallye Acores, the first round of the 2012 IRC season, got underway with the official presentation of drivers late last night (1am UAE). Al Ketbi and co-driver Al Kendi are representing Skydive Dubai and will tackle ten of the 13 rounds this season. A team of skydivers from Skydive Dubai last night performed in an exhibition dive for the benefit of spectators. Prior to reaching Portugal three days ago, the Emirati duo spent ten days in the Czech Republic putting their new Skoda Fabia S2000 through the paces in preparation for the Sata Rallye. Speaking to Sport360° late yesterday, Al Ketbi said: “The car is in great shape; we tested in the Czech Republic extensively and also did a few runs here in Portugal. “We have also finished with the recce and though the stages are very muddy and not exactly ideal, we are confident even though we will be tackling such conditions for the first time. “Taking part in the IRC is an exciting new challenge for me. It is exciting to be here rallying for the first time and, yes, so very different to the deserts we are used to. The target has to be to finish and score as many points as possible,”  he said.