Qatar Cross-Country Rally to Kick Off on 21 February

Doha, December 18 (QNA) - The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) will organize the Qatar Cross-Country Rally (QCCR) from February 21 to February 26, 2019. The QCCR will be the first round of the prestigious FIA series for the first time since it joined the championship in 2012. It will feature live televised start and finish ceremonies on the Pearl and five demanding desert special stages. "We are delighted that the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally will be the opening round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies for the first time in 2019," said Abdulrahman Al Mannai, QMMF President and Chairman of the organising committee. "We have great pleasure in inviting drivers and riders from around the world to enjoy the challenges and demands that our off-road terrain and difficult navigation throws up. We have again tweaked the format for the 2019 edition. Our start ceremony and prize giving will both take place at the fabulous location of the Pearl and will feature live television coverage. "Our team has laid on a challenging five-day route through the remotest and most spectacular parts of the State of Qatar and we look forward to welcoming competitors and showing our traditionally warm Arabic hospitality and support." Rally headquarters and the media center will be based at the new Losail Sports Arena, adjacent to the Losail International Circuit, and a bivouac will be located outside the main indoor facilities. The ceremonial start will take place from 18.30hrs on February 21st and the five desert sections will take center stage from February 22nd to 26th before the ceremonial finish on the Pearl. (QNA)