Team Abu Dhabi to expand in 2009

Following a successful 2008, Team Abu Dhabi, under the guidance of Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, will expand the team’s participation in 2009.

Talking from his Central Coast New South Wales home, team director, Ron Cremen, said: “We are very pleased with the progress of the team and in particular how the junior drivers have adapted to the ever changing conditions rallying has to offer.

“Our drivers had never raced in wet and snowy conditions before, so our trips to the Fiesta Trophy events in the UK during 2008 have been a great learning experience.”

Team Abu Dhabi was established in 2007 with the support of the Abu Dhabi Government to give young Abu Dhabi drivers the opportunity to participate under a driver search program, with the view of progressing from the Middle East Championship to WRC competition.

2009 will see the team enter two cars in six rounds of the Ford Fiesta International Trophy, held in conjunction with the WRC events in Portugal, Sardinia, Poland, Finland, Spain and Rally GB.

The team will also enter three cars in six rounds of the Middle East Rally Championship starting with the Qatar Rally in January, followed by Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Dubai Rallies.

The next step for Team Abu Dhabi will be into Super 2000 in 2010 Cremen said.

“Our close association with M-Sport over the past two years with Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi driving with the Ford team gives us a great opportunity to assist in the development of a new car in the region, so the team has a bright future.”

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