New Nissan Patrol set for world stage

DUBAI: Nissan Middle East has announced that the powerhouse partnership of rallying ace Emil Kneisser and his New Nissan Patrol have recently won the T2 category in the Rally of Pharaons in Egypt.

The Rally of Pharaons was the first stage outside the Middle East, as the team has gone international by signing up for a series of international events in the demanding Cross Country FIA World Cup, says a press release.

Kneisser will compete in the T2 category where he has showered himself with glory in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Powered by Nissan and the Sealine Cross-Country Rally of Qatar, both also part of the World Cup competition. The next international test of the mettle of Kneisser, Russian co-pilot Kuzmich and the New Nissan Patrol will be in the Italian Baja from June 25 till June 28.

“We’re taking on the additional challenge of competing beyond the Middle East and it’s exciting but it will be extremely demanding. I’ve had great success in rallies in the deserts of the Middle East but the international courses will be really different and very gruelling too. But it’s all about having the right vehicle and I’ll be behind the wheel of the very best,” says Kneisser.

“The New Nissan Patrol has power and strength but it also has tremendous versatility. It isn’t called the ‘Hero of All Terrains in Life’ for nothing and this will be in evidence big-time when we tackle the international rallies.

The Lebanese driving champ says: “We’re also still on a high from winning T2 in the Rally of the Pharaons in Egypt. Everyone wants to compete there and win due to the exotic location. It’s very special driving up to the Pyramids and the Sphinx in the rally, but actually there’s not much time for sight-seeing!”

Nissan Middle East managing director Samir Cherfan says the achievements of Kneisser and the New Nissan Patrol are a source of great pride to the Japanese automaker and “going international is the next logical step.”

“The World Cup rallies will give Emil the chance to expand his already exceptional talents. His combination with the New Nissan Patrol is one to be reckoned with. Everyone at Nissan is excited at the prospect of the international contests.

“Emil is entering the big league of rallying. We’re happy to support him every step of the way. Emil’s triumphs will inspire many young Arab drivers to give motor sport a go, particularly rallying.”

Nissan is a major supporter of rallies and motor sport in general in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia’s Ha’il International Rally and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

Nissan also intends supporting more Arab drivers in the manner it has assisted Kneisser, according to the company.