Experience will
do for Alkuwari

Alkuwari scored his maiden WRC point in 10th overall on the gravel event back in May. But with days two and three of the season-closer on asphalt, the Qatari is playing down his chances at the wheel of his MINI John Cooper Works WRC due to his absence of asphalt experience.

“I’ve not driven this car on Tarmac before so really it is about learning and getting the experience and not trying to score points,” said the Seashore Qatar Rally Team driver.

Alkuwari, who was 15th fastest on Thursday’s Qualifying Stage, is one of five drivers competing in a MINI in Spain. Jarkko Nikara joins Dani Sordo at the Prodrive WRC Team for the first time, while Chris Atkinson and Paulo Nobre front WRC Team MINI Portugal’s bid.

Nobre has yet to score a point in the WRC but team boss Bruno De Pianto has high hopes for the Brazilian in Spain: “Paulo’s made great progress on Tarmac during the reason and little-by-little he’s becoming more comfortable on it. Who knows, we might even see him fulfill his dream and claim that elusive Top 10 he’s been after all season. Here’s hoping.”