Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 18: Star driver Saneem Sani and multiple national winners and celebrated co-driver Musa Sherif, have registered to take part in the full season of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) 2024. The duo is set to become the first pair from India to take part in a full season of MERC. They will begin their campaign with a UAE Sprint Rally on January 20, to acclimatise and it will also be the 75th international appearance for Sherif.
The prestigious championship will begin with the Qatar International Rally from February 1 to 3 and will have four more rounds in Jordan (May 16 to 18), Lebanon (September 6 to 8), Cyprus (October 4 to 6) and Oman (November 28 to 30). They will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally4 spec in the MERC4 category.
Saneem, who made his rally debut in 2008, won three UAE Rally championships in the FWD class with Musa Sherif, a seven-time national INRC champion co-driver and winner of 22 championships. Saneem from Thrissur is now based in Dubai. They will be receiving vehicle service backup from Sharjah’s Toolbox Auto team and are supported by MRF Tyres, VIBGYOR Real Estate, Dubai, CLIVET Air condition Middle East, Alankar Hotels, Thrissur and Blueband Sports.
“Though we have been taking part in the UAE Championship, this will be another chance to represent India and bring laurels to the country. It is always a proud moment to drive for my country. We will give all our best and we are looking forward to the first round,” said Musa Sherif, a top Indian co-driver from Kasargod, who has completed 309 rallies including 74 internationals and is in his 32nd consecutive rally season. Currently, the rally veteran is supporting Blueband Sports, the promoter, as vice-president operations INRC.
The Qatar International Rally in a revised three-day format will have 13 timed special stages traversing through 622.49 km.