Nasser al-Attiyah storms to victory in Syria

SEDNAYA (Syria):
Qatar's Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson romped to one of the most one-sided victories in the history of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, when they won 12 of the 13 special stages of the eighth Syrian International Rally, which finished in Sednaya yesterday.
The defending regional champions began the final day almost four minutes in front of their nearest rivals and produced another masterclass performance over the fast gravel stages that make the Syrian event one of the most challenging in the Middle East. Their winning margin was a staggering 5m 20.7s.
"It was a fantastic rally for me and the team," said al-Attiyah. "I felt comfortable from the start and never felt under any pressure. We needed this win to keep the lead in the championship and give me more confidence with the new car."


The event attracted support from Hamsho International, Jupeter rent-a-car, the Sheraton Ma'aret Sednaya, Honda, Nissan and Radio Syria Alghad.




Positions after SS13: (End of day two -- unofficial at 3.15 pm):

1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QA)/Chris Patterson (GB) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2h 38m 13.6s;
2. Abdullah al-Qassimi (UAE)/Fred Gocentas (LT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2h 43m 34.3s;
3. Misfer al-Marri (QA)/Adel Hussein (QA) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2h 44m 22.6s;
4. Nizar al-Shanfari (OM)/Daniel Barritt (GB) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2h 45m 56.1s;
5. Nicos Thomas (CY)/Andreas Christodoulides (CY) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 2h 46m 55.3s.
6. Nick Georgiou (RL)/Joseph Matar (RL) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX 2h 48m 48.0s;
7. Salah bin Eidan (KWT)/Michael Morrissey (IRL) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2h 50m 18.4s;
8. Mohammed Hamsho (SYR)/Steve Lancaster (GB) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2h 56m 19.6s;
9. Meshari al-Thafiri (KWT)/Fares al-Thafiri (KWT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX 3h 00m 52.9s;
10. Faris Hijazi (HKJ)/Emad Juma (HKJ) Mit Lancer Evolution IX 3h 01m 12.7s.

FIA Middle East Rally Championship (positions after round 3 — unofficial):

Drivers:
1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QA) 28 pts;
2. Misfer al-Marri (QA) 19 pts;
3. Nicos Thomas (CY) 14 pts;
4. Nizar al-Shanfari (OM) 12 pts;
5. Nick Georgiou (RL) 9 pts.
6. Abdullah al-Qassimi (UAE) 8 pts;
7. Michel Saleh (RL) 7 pts;
7. Salah bin Eidan (KT) 7 pts;
9. Khalifa Saleh al-Attiyah (QA) 6 pts;
10. Faris Hijazi (HKJ) 3 pts;
11. Ahmad al-Kuwari (QA) 1 pt.

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