Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah drives his Toyota Hilux during the Dakar Rally 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
Doha: Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has spent decades on rough terrains and ranges during his illustrious rallying and shooting career but ageing has not stopped the multi-talented Qatari’s drive to shine at what he does.
At 52, Al Attiyah sealed his fifth Dakar Rally driver’s title last week after dominating the iconic test of endurance.
Teaming up with co-driver Mathieu Baumel, the Qatari rally ace led the car category from third round to seal his second successive title in Saudi Arabia. He became the second most successful Dakar Rally driver after eight-time champion Stephane Peterhansel – the “Mr Dakar”.
After his recent Dakar title, Al Attiyah, who also has won the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) a record 18 times, is setting sights on surpassing Peterhansel’s titles in the car category.
“It’s a long mission but we will work on it,” the Qatari legend told reporters at a felicitation ceremony held in his honour at Velero Hotel in Lusail.
Al Attiyah, who won a skeet bronze at London Olympics in 2012 besides winning many shooting medals at the global and continental events, is also eyeing a strong show in 2024 Paris Games which would be his seventh Olympic outing as a shooter.
During the session with the reporters, Al Attiyah also spoke about the secret behind his success and the upcoming Oman International Rally – the opening MERC round to be held from January 26 to 28. Following are the excerpts:
Q: How do you do what you do so well, it’s such a tough [Dakar Rally] terrain, a difficult endeavour that you take?
A: I love my sport and I always try to be on top. Hardwork is a result of where I am now as I have won five Dakar Rally titles and the Middle East Championship 18 times. There is no other way to get such achievements but the hardwork and support from my country. I am thankful to Qatar [government] for its all out support. I love what I am doing and I always look to do the best for my country.
Q: You’re a global star. But when you get honoured by your own people at home, how does that feel?
It feels amazing to be around all the friends and family. I get a lot of support from everyone here in Qatar and Middle East also which keeps me going. This is a really nice, nice feeling. I try to do my best to be the number one and raise the Qatari flag all over the world.
Q: You have won five Dakar Rally titles now, do you think eight-win record is within your reach?
I am really setting this target, the target to break the record of eight titles and it will be a long mission. I hope we would be able to achieve this target Inshallah and I will try my best to keep going in this class.
Q: What is your goal for 2024 Paris Olympics?
This is my second [major] goal. I have started preparing for Paris and will continue my preparation to get ready for the challenge.
This will be my seventh Olympic Games appearance. It will not be easy, but this year we will have a lot of preparation. We will have a two-month training camp in Italy, and then we will take part in the Asian Games, Asian Championship and the Arab Championship to continue practice. Then next year we will focus more on shooting for the Olympic Games.
Q: What motivates you to be at the number one position?
When I see everyone around me, you know, this is the nice feeling. I always dream and work to be the number one to raise Qatar flag.
Q: You will now take part in Oman International Rally. What is your goal for the opening MERC round?
I am looking forward to win in Oman as we are targeting to win the Middle East Championship title again. I am ready for the challenge.
Q: What’s your message out there to everyone?
You have to be strong in the things you know and enjoy it. If you love to do something, do it properly, this is what I am trying to do and getting the success.
