Al Qassimi wins inaugural Colin's Crest Award

Ford team driver Khalid Al Qassimi won the inaugural ‘Colin´s Crest Award’ for the longest jump on the Vargasen stage, run on Saturday as SS11 and SS14.

The award was set up to honour the former champion Colin McRae, who died last year. Al Qassimi’s Ford Focus flew for 36 metres after it was launched off the crest - which earned its name after a jaw-dropping flight by McRae in a Subaru Impreza.

Khalid’s car landed 90 centimetres further down the road than his closest rival, WRC privateer Peter van Marksteijn. The winning jump was one and a half metres further than that of pre-rally favourite, the Flying Finn Mikko Hirvonen.

“I am delighted to win the longest jump at Colin’s Crest,” said Al Qassimi. “To have my name associated with one of the greatest names in motorsport is an honour and I am very proud, both for the team and for Abu Dhabi.”

Al Qassimi will be presented with his award at the official price giving ceremony at Färjestadtravet on Sunday afternoon.