One of the most talented and undoubtedly the most versatile driver in cross-country rallies, Nasser Al-Attiyah is always full of surprises. Some weeks ago he shocked the rally community with leaving Mini and then with renting Wevers Team’s HRX Ford for Baja Aragón. To RISE Network he spoke about his plans for HunGarian Baja and after.
RISE Network: Why did you miss the first three races of the World Cup?
Nasser Al-Attiyah: It was my mistake to miss them but I was really busy. When I won in Qatar I decided to go to Egypt, and after Egypt I thought I should compete at all World Cup events to get more experience with my new co-driver for the Dakar. And now we also have a good chance to fight for the championship.
RISE: How can you summarise the first part of the season?
Nasser: We did a good job from the beginning, I think. For Spain I changed car; it was OK but not what I need. To Hungary I go with the Toyota to see if it’s good for me for the next Dakar.
RISE: And what about Poland? Do you go there with Toyota, too?
Nasser: Yes, I have a contract for two races, Hungary and Poland.
RISE: And what about Morocco?
Nasser: I still don’t know, maybe I go with the buggy, maybe I go with the Mini, maybe with the Toyota – I think I have these three options.
RISE: And what about Ford?
Nasser: Ford won’t be ready on time. And if I go to the Dakar I’d like to go with a more experienced team, like Mini or Toyota or maybe the buggy of Jean-Louis Schlesser.
RISE: Back to HunGarian Baja, what kind of memories do you have from the race?
Nasser: I have good memories, in 2008 I won the race and when I made the entry this year a lot of people called me and sent me nice messages.
RISE: What’s your opinion about this year’s field?
Nasser: I think there is a high quality field this year, good drivers, good cars, so it will be a nice challenge.
RISE: And what will be your goal for the HunGarian Baja?
Nasser: I’m coming to fight and to win the race!
