Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah is more than a world rally champion and sport shooter; he is a sports icon in the Arab world and a highly respected sportsman internationally. Determined and motivated, it seems impossible is not a word that exists in his dictionary.
Affectionately called ‘Saleh’ by his friends, Nasser’s achievements make an impressive list. He won the Production World Rally Championship (PWRC) in 2006 — his third year in the championship and he is also an eight-time Middle East Rally Champion and the 2014 WRC2 Champion.
READY TO ROLL: Nasser al-Attiyah is completely focused on his goals.
In 2011, he went on to win the legendary Dakar Rally, making him the only Arab to ever win the difficult competition; he did it again in 2015. The list doesn’t end here; a skilled shooter, Nasser has an Olympic medal to his name — a bronze in skeet shooting at the 2012 London Olympics.
The year 2015 was a great one for Qatar’s champ who won four titles in one year, including the Dakar Rally, Middle East Rally Championship, Cross Country Rally World Cup and the World Rally Championship.
THE ITALIAN RUN: The Qatari crowned champion at the Italian Baja Rally 2015.
As if to keep up pace, 2016 began with its own excitement, as the Qatari speedster and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel set off on their X-raid MINI to defend their title. Despite the challenge offered by the competing Peugeots, he sealed the runner-up spot on his 12th Dakar, after a series of thrilling, action-packed stages, fighting all the way to the end.
Community caught up with the champ, who is credited as one of the world’s most consistent as well as rapid drivers in cross country rallying.
What got you interested in rally driving?
Sports was always something I loved and so were cars; while considering my options, I wanted to find a sport that I could continue in for a long time. For instance, if you are a football player, your career doesn’t offer you much by the time you are in your 30s — you are finished, so to speak. However, as a driver, you can keep going for much longer; so motorsport became my obvious preference.
Besides winning numerous championships, you wrote history in 2015 by being the first rally racer to win four titles in a year, including the Dakar Rally! How does the accomplishment feel?
True, it’s a very nice achievement. But as I see it, the record for the number of Middle East titles is 14, so I still have some way to go before I beat that one.
LATEST VICTORY: Nasser and co-driver Mathieu Baumel seal Runner’s Up position at Dakar Rally 2016.
You are the only Arab to win the Dakar Rally; tell us about your experience…
Dakar is a very pure race. It can be quite demanding as you have to stay focused over a very long period of time and cope well with lots of different types of terrain and conditions. You have to be a very all-round, versatile driver.
This year has already offered you challenges; tell us about the 2016 Dakar Rally where you defended your title.
The main point about the 2016 Dakar was the speed of the Peugeots. They were really quick and we could not compete against that as our car — a mini — has not taken the same step forward in terms of development.
Of the many different rally championships you have participated in which is your favourite and why?
A DIFFERENT RUN: The rally driver enjoying a different ride at the Pharaons cross country rally.
The races are all so different with varying challenges and it’s very hard for me to pinpoint one, especially as I enjoy variety. If I had to choose, I would say it’s the Dakar, as it is such a big challenge and involves so much driving.
Sport shooting is another one of your interests; what motivated you to take up this unusual combination of sports?
Actually, I wouldn’t say it’s such an unusual combination, as many of the skills required in both these sports are quite the same; you need excellent hand-eye co-ordination and a lot of precision in both cases. But to answer your question on what motivated me to take these specific sports, I would simply say that I enjoyed them both.
What has been your most challenging experience and why?
My most challenging experiences have definitely been participating in the Olympics. In skeet shooting, you have to hit a certain number of targets within a specified time. So when you are at the point, when you know it is your last bullet, and you are aiming to hit your final target, the focus required is enormous and you do feel tremendous mental pressure.
How did it feel bringing home an Olympic medal in 2012?
I think that will always be the highlight of my sporting career and my greatest achievement so far. Lots of people win rallies, but an Olympic medal is something extremely special.
You are a sports hero in the Arab world and definitely an icon in Qatar. What is your word of advice to young people looking for a future in rally driving or skeet shooting?
To achieve anything, especially in the area of sports you have to work hard and practice. I get up each day at 5am when I am training and I am completely focussed on my goals. Life offers no shortcuts and young people who want to achieve anything will have to work the same way — that is the only way to move forward.
TIMEOUT: The champion enjoying a moment of relaxation.
Your favourite pastime or activity?
I don’t really have much free time, but what I enjoy the most when I do is to just meet and catch up with friends as I get extremely busy during the season and don’t get the chance to see them.
Tell us your dream…
I would love to grab another Olympic medal this summer in Rio de Janeiro.
What is your dream destination?
Being home is where I enjoy being the most, (but) it doesn’t happen very often!
What cuisine do you enjoy the most?
I like Arabic food mostly, but I am accustomed to eating many different types of cuisine so I don’t really mind. I would say though that roast camel is a personal favourite and I recommend it, if you haven’t tried it before.
What motivates or inspires you?
The satisfaction of knowing that I have given my best and have performed to the best of my abilities. I would also like to say, that my father has been my inspiration. He was the one who motivated me to reach for these opportunities in the early days when I first began my sporting career.
Share with us a memorable episode in your career…
I am lucky to have had several, but one of my most inspiring moments was my first Dakar victory in 2011. I beat my team mate Carlos Sainz by only a small margin after a very close fight; it was indeed very emotional for me to beat a great champion like Carlos on the stage I did, after a fantastic fight. I felt very humbled and privileged.
What scares you?
Not much…possessing a good mind control is vital in what I do. Of course, I am scared of not doing well or making a mistake.
What are your retirement plans?
I have no retirement plans so far. But I think I will always be involved in motorsport and certainly in the promotion of Qatar.
How would you describe your life right now?
I would certainly say I’m happy.
Lessons learnt from life:
You have to work hard and make your own way; always remember — never give up.
What would you say to your fans?
I would like to say a very big thank you to all my fans and all those who have supported me over the years, through this journey.
