Qatar’s star rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah checks out his new Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 at Lusail ahead of this week’s Manateq Qatar International Rally. Al Attiyah and his French navigator Matthieu Baumel start as clear favourites to give their Autot
DOHA: Commercial Bank has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), under the auspices of the Federation Internationale D’Automobile (FIA) which takes place in Qatar over this weekend.
Commercial Bank will be sponsoring the famous sporting competition which is positioned as a popular fixture on the region’s sporting calendar.
Taking part in this year’s edition in Qatar is Nasser bin Khalifa Al Atya, a prominent Qatari rally driver who will be participating in MERC this year.
Al Atya has over 50 rally starts and he has gone on to win many international rallies. He is also a five-time winner and champion of the Qatar International Rally Championship.
Speaking at the press conference held at Commercial Bank Plaza, Al Atya commented: “I am excited to be taking part in the upcoming Middle East Rally Championship, which kicks off in Qatar this weekend. The Middle East Rally Championship is one of my favourite competitions and one of my greatest achievements in my sporting career. There is no greater feeling than being able to play the sport you love in your own country. I’d like to thank Commercial Bank for their support in making this happen.”
The rally, which will be taking place throughout Qatar, Jordan, Cyprus, Lebanon and Kuwait from this weekend beginning in Qatar and will conclude in November 2019 in Kuwait.
Hussein Al Abdullah, EGM, Chief Marketing Officer, said: “At Commercial Bank, we are always proud to support influential individuals in the sports industry. Our sponsorship of the MERC rally forms part of our Corporate Social Responsibility vision, which is an integral part of our business as it forms part of the human development pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to promote a healthy population both physically and mentally.”
He added: “I encourage everyone to attend the rally this weekend, which is set to be one of the most exciting editions of the tournament to date. Our very own Nasser Al Atya will be taking part, and that is something you do not want to miss.”
