Abu Dhabi: Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT driver Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi is gearing up to return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with Round 6, the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, scheduled from May 18-21.

Shaikh Khalid, who gets behind a World Rally Car after a break since Rally Spain about six months ago, will be behind the wheel of the new Citroën C3 WRC with Chris Patterson by his side reading the pace-notes.

Shaikh Khalid said: “We have to prepare very well for Rally Portugal as it’s been like six months since I have competed in the WRC. Moreover, I will be driving the all-new Citroën C3 WRC for the very first time in a competitive environment hence it will be an entirely new step forward.

“I will have to use every second in testing in Sardegna (Italy) ahead of the rally to understand the new car, get the best set-up, and to get used to its power. I will try and build confidence step by step during the rally, so of course no risks will be taken.

“Having said that, I’m looking forward to enjoying the new car at one of my favourite events; the atmosphere in Portugal is different where there are thousands of spectators especially at the big jump in Fafe.”

In addition to Shaikh Khalid/Patterson, Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT will be represented by Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle, Craig Breen/Scott Martin and Stéphane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau who will compliment the full line-up of four cars for Rally Portugal behind the wheel of the Citroën C3 WRC.

For the 2017 edition, the rally will see a fresh 1.90km street stage in the centre of Braga, which competitors drive twice at the end of Friday; this replaces last year’s similar test in Porto.

There are three new stage venues — a double run through Cabeceiras de Basto on Saturday and single passes through Luilhas and Montim on Sunday.

The Rally will run over a total distance of 1,529km of which 349.17km comprise of competitive stages and the remainder will be liaison sections. Following the Spectator Stage on Thursday (3.36km), drivers will then tackle eight special stages over about 148km on Friday and a further six special stages on Saturday covering a little over 154km.

Sunday, the final day, comprises of four special stages over a distance of nearly 43km. Sandy roads ensure grip is at a premium for the early starters during the first pass through the stages, while rocks and deep ruts present an altogether different hazard for the second pass, requiring teams to raise the ride height on their cars to avoid mechanical damage.