Al-Attiyah fuming at Desert Challenge DQ

Denzil Pinto 13:19 04/04/2015
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  • Trophies: The Winners get their prizes.

    The prizes were handed out at Yas Marina Circuit yesterday following the 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge but the row over cars winner Nasser Al-Attiyah’s disqualification rumbled on.

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    Al-Attiyah won the race with ease but was thrown out following the cancellation of the final stage with the FIA claiming a “suspension travel irregularity” with his Mini All4.

    The Qatari was understandably upset with the decision and his team has now appealed.

    He said: “We will appeal because it wasn’t my mistake as it was a technical fault.

    “Yesterday’s stage, we had hit something and the front suspension bolts bent. 

    “I really don’t know the exact reason for why I was disqualified. I’m really disappointed because this was a good win for me.

    “The team told me that there was one problem found in my car. It was the decision by the stewards.

    “The team are appealing, not me. I had won the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and I really enjoyed it but it’s a shame to have something like this because we were racing in the desert and not on the circuit and because of that surely something will bend.

    “Wednesday’s stage wasn’t checked by the scrutinising team.

    “I wouldn’t say the team is at fault, but the team should check the problems.

    “We’ve worked day and night to win this race and for it to be screwed is not easy to take.”

    With Al-Attiyah excluded, the title went to Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev with Marc Coma winning the bikes race.

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