General News
13 September 2005

	Copyright © STI

The FIA Middle East Rally Championship found its 2005 driver's champion after Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah drove his SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI spec C to another win on the 'Syrian International Rally', the sixth round of the 2005 MERC. Nasser has taken a sensational six consecutive victories from the beginning of this year  and clinched his second MERC title despite the fact there are still two events remaining.

Nasser got his first MERC title in 2003, but lost it in 2004 as he was unable to compete in some of that season's events. He was however, busy gaining a variety of experience with his first foray into the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship (PCWRC) and the Dakar Rally; and had been starting to consistently show some top performances. He proved his progress with his first PCWRC victory in Argentina this July - with a dazzling display of speed right from the start of the event. He has also been returning to form in his home championship, the MERC - one of toughest regional series as its variety of road conditions include desert and gravel stages, noted for their high speed. He took his first victory this year at the opening round in February in the UAE, continuing by winning the following four events in a row. At this sixth round in Syria, Nasser made a comfortable 1min 59 sec. gap over his nearest rival in the series, Al-Qassimi. This has confirmed his 2005 MERC title, with two events still to run.

"It feels so good to have six victories in a row this year, and to take back the title with two events remaining, while also being second in the PCWRC. It's a maximum feeling." Al-Attiyah commented.

	Copyright © STI

"I can not express what the events in the MERC are like in just one word. There are a variety of conditions including desert, gravel, and they are also characteristically very high speed events. Therefore, I always have to run on full attack and there are no chances to make even one tiny mistake. The competitors in this series are also strong. They are the top competitors from not only the Middle East, but also from Europe. It's a very tough series. But these events are all good practice, and the experience helps me to run at the top level in the PCWRC. There were WR Cars running in this series until 2003; but from 2004, only Group N cars are allowed, which means there is a chance for us all".

"My SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI spec C has been showing fantastic performance. The support from STI and Prodrive, along with the preparation by Autotech are fantastic - and are an essential ingredient for this success. We have a good relationship with the team as well; they have been providing me with a good overall package. I'm so happy to work with them and am hoping to continue this arrangement in 2006."

"My aim this year was to get back the MERC title, so I'm really pleased to have succeeded at such an early stage in the season. My next aim is to take the World title. Toshi, the current leader in the PCWRC, is a very good driver with a lot of experience, so I know it'll be a big challenge to beat him. I would be happy even if I finished second in the series this year, because originally, becoming world champion was my target for next year. However, I have a very good feeling for the forthcoming event, Wales Rally GB. I think I have a reasonable chance to go well there, even though it's my first time to compete in the event. I'm hoping for a fantastic result in Great Brtain. Also, let's see what happens in Australia!"