(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Irishman Meeke is 24. Citroen Total Abu Dhabi in action. — Supplied photo
The Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT drivers of Kris Meeke and Mads Ostberg were running inside the top ten at the half stage on day one of Rally Germany on Friday while Mohamed Al Mutawaa slipped to the bottom of the table after a strong start a Press release said.
Irishman Meeke is 24.0 seconds off top spot in his Citroën DS3 WRC but running strongly in third place while teammate Ostberg is sixth overall.
Speaking during the service break Meeke said: “Special stage one in the morning was very tricky and slippery and we damaged our rear bumper and lost some precious time.
“But then the second and third specials were much better we had good grip and we managed to move up to third place going into the mid-day service. We hope to challenge for the top positions.”
Norwegian Ostberg added: “The Volkswagen team is way ahead but for me this is a huge learning experience because this is first time I’m driving the DS3 competitively on tarmac.”
Meanwhile Abu Dhabi Racing junior driver Mohamed Al Mutawaa who made his debut in the WRC 3 feeder series said: “The first two stages went really very well but unfortunately we went off on the final stage before the mid-day service.
“However we were able to get back on the road and finish the stage but lost 10 minutes in the process. It is a long rally and I will do my very best to get back into a stronger position over the next two days and hopefully my performance will improve.”
The rally finishes on Sunday August 24.
Abu Dhabi Racing is an Abu Dhabi-based company working on a number of initiatives designed to bolster the Emirate’s presence in global motorsport.
Abu Dhabi Racing has agreed a five-year partnership with multiple World Rally Championship-winning manufacturers Citroën to create the new Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team and Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team. Via strategic relationships with Abu Dhabi-based motorsport stakeholders – including Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority - the primary objective for Abu Dhabi Racing is to increase Emirati participation in various global motorsport series including off-road and circuit-based disciplines.
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