DOMINANT AL KHELAIFI BAGS WINS IN FIRST ROUND

The Peninsula

Defending champion Abdulla Al Khelaifi continued with his good form, clinching victories in both the races of the opening round of Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) at Losail International Circuit this weekend.

In the first race, the Qatari driver took the lead starting from pole position and crossed the checkered flag clocking 24:32.701 with his new championship’s car, Honda S2000.

“(Ahmed) Al Asiri was pushing very hard in the first three laps and I tried to get rid of him because as long as he caught me in the straight I am done, so I had to build a big gap,” Al Kheliafi said after the win.

“I managed to do that by the fifth lap and by that time Al Asiri pace came down so I was in the safe zone and managed to win,” he added.

New talent Ahmed Al Asiri driving a Honda Civic, and Hamad Al Sulaiti in a Toyota GT86 secured second and third positions respectively.

“The race was good for me considering it was my firs race. I had to push 12

“This is great, I am very happy with my result, first time racing in the championship and getting the third place is amazing for me. Hope I can stay like this and be back in the podium,” he said.

The second race had to be re-started due to a red flag in the first lap as drivers Ibrahim Al Mannai and Nasser Al Ahbabi crashed in turn 7 and their cars got stuck in the gravel.

After the green flag and the reverse grid in race two, Al Khelaifi took only three laps to regain the lead and claim another victory. Mohammad Al Khaiat came second in the podium driving a Toyota GT86 while Al Asiri took third position.

“Race 2 was a bit difficult after the crash and the re-start of the race but I managed to overtake Al Khaiat who was leading the race by the fourth lap. Al Khaiat kept the pressure on me really hard, he is a really good driver and I didn’t expect him to be so good in the first race,” said Al Khelaifi.

Al Khaiat, who got the second place in the second race, was happy with the results.

“Overall I am very happy, being my first time in this championship and my car did it very well and didn’t face any mechanical failure with the car,” he said.

Trophies were presented by Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC Vice President and General Manager and Juan Baquero, LCSC CEO.

The next round of Qatar Touring Car Championship will be held on December 14 and 15, 2018.