A fan-friendly ceremony will headline the traditional ceremonial start of the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally on Thursday at The Pearl-Qatar.
This was disclosed by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman Al Mannai in an informal chat with the media.
QMMF is following past practice of organizing events that allow motor sport fans to get closer to drivers and the cars featuring at races held in the country. The ceremony, to be organized by QMMF, will be held at the Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar.
Al Mannai informed a group of 60 bikers will do their own show at 4:30pm, just before the launch of the ceremonial start of the Feb 21-26 event.
“We are just two days away from the start of the big event. We are very excited to plan something like this before the ceremonial start. We have received a good response with 60 bikes confirming their participation,” Al Mannai said yesterday.
“For the past year and a half, QMMF has been trying to bring the rallies closer to the people. We are trying to organise these events alongside with ceremonial starts. This is to bring people closer to the rally and competitors. Frankly speaking we are expecting a big crowd to witness the ceremonial start on Thursday,” he added.
The rally proper kicks off with a 102km stage on Friday.
Al Mannai said the participants will battle to cover at least 1400kms over the course of the competition.
