Al-Ketbi prepares for latest challenge in Corsica

Rashid Al-Ketbi has described this week’s 55th running of Giru di Corsica-Tour de Corse as a “totally new challenge” but one he can’t wait to experience first hand.

The Skydive Dubai Rally Team star returns to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge after skipping the last round in Northern Ireland.

With limited experience of competing on asphalt and with no prior knowledge of the demanding Corsican stages, Al-Ketbi admits a big test awaits he and co-driver Khalid Al-Kendi when they compete in their ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000.

“It’s going to be a totally new challenge for us and one we are both looking forward to,” admitted Al-Ketbi, an event winner in the Middle East Rally Championship. “We have heard how challenging the stages are in Corsica and will not be taking any risks, although we want to put ourselves into a position to score IRC points.”

Al-Ketbi and Al-Kendi have endured mixed fortunes on their first two appearances in this year’s all-action IRC, which enjoys extensive television coverage on Eurosport.

They were forced to retire from SATA Rallye Açores in February with a broken wheel but made amends with their maiden points on Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés the following month.