FIA vice president Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiyah welcomed Turkey’s request to join the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) in 2017.
Talking about the development, the Qatari said, “First of all, I would like thank the management of Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their positive initiative to join the MERC.”
Al-Attiyah added: “Turkey’s addition to the competition only strengthens it, as Turkish drivers have experience in rallies. Also, participation of Middle East rallying elite contributes to the success of the championship technically and administratively.
“Since taking over as FIA vice president in 2013, I have worked towards promotion of motorsport in Mena, and addition of Turkey is yet another step in that direction.”
Al-Attiyah, who is also the FIM deputy president, finished a meeting with FIM board members in Geneva on Monday and said the meetings saw positive outcomes.
He now heads to Paris to attend the FIA general assembly and other meetings on the sidelines. Al-Attiyah praised FIA president Jean Todt for his prominent role in pushing motorsport ahead.