For exactly three decades, rally veteran Edith Wiess has been based in Qatar. The German is ready to give another shot at the podium at this week’s Qatar International Rally where she will partner Serena Mattivi of Italy behind the wheel of their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.
The long-time Qatar resident can barely wait to get going at the ceremonial start of the three-day off-road spectacle which will be headlined by Dakar Rally icon Qatar’s Nasser Salah al-Attiyah in the 16-entry field.
“I remember the entire journey like it began yesterday. Exactly 30 years ago, in February 1992, I took part in my first Qatar International Rally,” Edith told Gulf Times, ahead of this weekend’s Qatar International Rally organised by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). “And now after 33 starts, at various motorsport events only in Qatar, I’m really looking forward to a great competition at this week’s Qatar International Rally. Now, it’s the 34th start for me at a motorsport event in Qatar (International Rallies, National Rallies, National Bajas, Cross Country World Cup and Circuit Race in Losail).
“Qatar has one of the most demanding gravel surfaces around the world and I always look forward to participating at the Qatar International Rally. I love the stages and the whole event which is always well organised by QMMF. I take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to QMMF for their professionalism and their great organisational expertise seen at all motorsport events throughout the years,” Edith said.
“I say keep up the good work as Qatar remains the firm favourite of motorsport activities in the region,” she added. “It would be great if QMMF could bring the World Rally Championship to Qatar too. I would also like to say a big thank you to Qatar for whom I have had the honour of competing and winning many titles as a rally driver over the years,” she said.
“My biggest and heartfelt thanks also goes to Sheikh Hamad bin Eid al-Thani and his loving family. Sheikh Hamad bin Eid al-Thani accompanied me all those years from 1992 until his sudden death in October 2020. He and his family were always there for me,” Edith said of the Qatar rally legend who passed away a little over a year ago.
“I owe him and his family the best years of my life. I am so infinitely grateful for that,” Edith said. “His sudden death is an unspeakable, painful loss and I wish that he were here. I would like to dedicate this rally to him – and I hope – with a worthy result,” she added.
Edith, an insurance broker and tax consultant by profession, said she has been associated with the sport for the last 37 years. “My career in motorsport started in 1985 and since that time I have participated in more than 200 motorsport events worldwide in circuit events, hill climb contests and Formula races, Cross Country Rallies as well as in German, European, Middle East and World Rally Championships,” Edith said.
“I also featured in races at the famous Nürburgring racetrack in 1989, 1991 and 1993. I’ve had the good fortune of taking part in many events around the world. It has been a great journey of unforgettable memories. When I look back at my association with Qatar, it feels great to have spent so much time here,” Edith said. “One of my longing memories is that I was the first woman who started and finished the FIA World Cross Country Cup at the Qatar Sealine Rally in 2013,” Edith added.
Edith says this week’s race will be her final competition. “After all these unforgettable years – not only in Qatar – I also think it’s the right time to stop with my active side in motorsport,” she said. “Of course, I would like to continue in the whole Middle East Rally Championship, Qatar Cross Country World Cup, Qatar National Baja – I know every single dune in Sealine – but you cannot be successful without sponsorship. I have paid everything out of my own pocket over the years. Now it’s the time to take care of my retirement savings,” Edith signed off.
Edith Wiess with Qatar rally legend late Sheikh Hamad bin Eid al-Thani.
