Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi arrived in Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to improve Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s 2nd place in the Manufacturers Championship at Rally Spain.

 After participating in 4 WRC events Al Qassimi will be aboard the DS 3 WRC with co-driver Chris Patterson and will compete alongside teammates Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg in the penultimate round of the 2015 World Rally Championship.

Taking place from 22-25 October, Rally Spain is a true test for all drivers due to its variety of stages that include 15 asphalt, 6 gravel and 2 combining both surfaces.

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“Rally Spain is one of the events that I enjoy the most, the crowd is special and the fans like our team,” said Al Qassimi.

“The gravel stages are different to the Middle East region, so tire management will be essential in this rally. I think 40% of the stages are new this year, so there will be some work to be done on our pace-notes. I’m aiming to finish the event with a positive result.

“This Rally is very important to the team, the goal is to secure the highest number of points in order to enhance our 2nd place in the championship.”

In the JWRC, Abu Dhabi Racing driver Mohamed Al Mutawaa, 22, and his co-driver Stephen McAuley are competing in their 3rd Rally Spain and are aiming to finish in the top 5.

Al Mutawaa said: “Technically we know most of the stages. We are aiming for a smooth run without mistakes. However, we still have to improve our pace-notes.

“Our goal is to make it into top five, I feel comfortable driving on tarmac thanks to my circuit racing background so if we see an opportunity to push we will do so.”