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Dubai: The most successful rally driver from the Middle East is unsure whether he wants to make a comeback to the sport.
"I've never retired from the sport. What I am today is because of what I have achieved in my 20 years of rallying," Mohammad Bin Sulayem, the 14-time Middle East rally champion said in response to a query.
Bin Sulayem was attending the formal function to announce him as the latest brand ambassador for TAG Heuer, the leading Swiss watch brand.
"Today, Mohammad Bin Sulayem joins a growing family of world-class achievers who have achieved something special due to that extra internal flame," noted TAG Heuer's Middle East General Manager Eric Vergnes at the announcement.
"I've always enjoyed rallying because that is what kept me fit, healthy and sharp. I owe all this to my sport," Bin Sulayem said.
"But I keep asking myself the same question every day and I still don't have any answers," added the Middle East's most successful rallyist.
Growing challenges
Coping up with the recent dramatic changes in the UAE is one of the possible reasons keeping Bin Sulayem away from making a comeback.
"Dubai is changing every day and the pressure is growing all the time. One has to be at his best, both mentally and physically if one is to compete at such a level. I think the stress is getting more," he said.
Bin Sulayem secured his 14th Middle East title in 2002, but prior to that he had successfully launched the UAE Desert Challenge — one of the most popular rounds on the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup for cars and trucks and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.
"Many times I think I need to have an honest moment with myself where I can dedicate my time and energy to the sport I grew up with and love. But after more than 20 years I know what the pressure in a rally car is really like. I also know that my mind cannot be the same," Bin Sulayem said.
"We are talking about a total commitment to the sport and I doubt I can give that at this stage."
The champion driver deferred to even think about a possible switch to tarmac racing. "That's boring for me. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I have been brought up in a particular atmosphere. I would still enjoy that feeling of stepping out all dusty and tired after spending six days in a rally car," he said.
FOR A CAUSE: Entire sum for donation
Mohammad Bin Sulayem has pledged his entire earnings from the TAG Heuer sponsorship to an international children's charity.
"The money that will come to me from this deal may not make a difference to me, but it will certainly make a huge difference to a lot of children worldwide," Bin Sulayem said after he was announced the latest high-profile brand ambassador for the Swiss watch maker.
"Hopefully this will encourage other sportsmen to do the same," he said.
Bin Sulayem joins the likes of Tiger Woods, Kimi Raikonnen, Maria Sharapova, Lewis Hamilton and Shah Rukh Khan as TAG Heuer brand ambassadors.
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