WRC
Rally Poland: Abu Dhabi leg three midday notes
ABU DHABI RALLY TEAMS SET UP THRILLING FINALE IN POLAND Abu Dhabi Juniors eye podium finish as BP Ford Abu Dhabi looks for Polish one-two Poland, 28 June 2009: Abu Dhabi Juniors stormed into second and third place in Poland following ...
Published: Oct 2, 2009, 4:43 PM
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ABU DHABI RALLY TEAMS SET UP THRILLING FINALE IN POLAND
Abu Dhabi Juniors eye podium finish as BP Ford Abu Dhabi looks for Polish one-two
Poland, 28 June 2009: Abu Dhabi Juniors stormed into second and third place in Poland following Saturday's Fiesta Sporty Trophy International (FSTi) stages. As the sunshine finally appeared across the Mazurian Lake District, Majed Al Shamsi and Bader Al Jabri proved they have what it takes to tackle the deep Rally Poland tracks and surge up the placings, challenging current leader Patrick Anglade.
With thousands of enthused fans lining the stages of the rally's second day, the Abu Dhabi Juniors began attacking harder, and witnessed a dedicated Al Shamsi take the lead in the 11th stage, going on to win it and snatch the FSTi lead. However, drama was afoot during the 12th stage when Al Shamsi sustained a puncture which lost him considerable time and the lead, but opening the gap for team mate Al Jabri to push past him. The final day's standings had the two Abu Dhabi Juniors in second and third place, and they consolidated their positions through stages 14 and 15 this morning.
"Yesterday's results have given us a lot of confidence" commented Majed Al Shamsi. "To have a puncture whilst leading was disappointing, but also a valuable learning for me to take to Finland. The prospect of finishing on the podium is exciting, so we must ensure we remain calm and hold on to our positions".
At the front of the field it was looking equally promising for the BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team. Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala continue to lead in the World Rally Championship (WRC) round ahead of Citroen's Danni Sordo. The narrow and sandy tracks have proved difficult terrain, but relative similarity to their homeland conditions has given the two Finnish team drivers the edge. Experience has paid off and the BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team has maintained a one-two placement that will provide maximum Manufacturer's Championship points, while pushing Hirvonen to the top of the Driver's Championship.
Three stages this afternoon stand between Abu Dhabi's rally teams and a stunning result in the Polish countryside. The final two main stages of Rally Poland will play a crucial role in the direction of both the World Rally Championship and the Fiesta Sporting Trophy, before a short Super Special Stage closes the excitement in front of 10,000 fanatical Polish supporters.
The Abu Dhabi Rally Programme is an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which is one of the title sponsors of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, Official Destination partner of the World Rally Championship, and creator of the Abu Dhabi Junior Driver Development Programme.
-credit: adta
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