The Countyman-based MINI John Cooper Works rally car has won its first FIA-approved international even, as Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari took home the glory at Qatar International Rally, the first round of the 2012 Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). He and his co-driver, Nasser Al-Kuwari, managed to secure a lead of 2m 24.9s with the Prodrive-built car.
“It is a fantastic feeling to win this rally,” said Al-Kuwari, who became the 32nd driver in history to win at least one round of the MERC. “I have achieved success in national rallies in Qatar, but this was the big one. This was the rally I wanted to win. It was a great battle with Nasser. The new car was fantastic. This is the biggest win of my career.”
“It is particularly fitting that the MINI’s first international win has come in Qatar, as this was also Prodrive’s first ever rally back in 1984 in the inaugural year of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, when Saeed Al Hajri took victory in our Rothmans Porsche 911 SC RS. Saeed went on to win the Middle East Rally Championship that year; let’s hope Abdulaziz can do the same,” says Prodrive chairman, David Richards.
“It is particularly fitting that the MINI’s first international win has come in Qatar, as this was also Prodrive’s first ever rally back in 1984 in the inaugural year of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, when Saeed Al Hajri took victory in our Rothmans Porsche 911 SC RS. Saeed went on to win the Middle East Rally Championship that year; let’s hope Abdulaziz can do the same,” says Prodrive chairman, David Richards.