The Peninsula
For the fourth time in a row, Abdulla Al Khelaifi secured the prestigious Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) title following another double win in the penultimate round at Losail International Circuit, yesterday.
Driving Honda S2000, Al Khelaifi, who entered the round needing only 20 points to ensure the title, stormed to victory in both the races.
In the first race, Saadon Al Kuwari took the lead and battled with Al Khelafii during the first four laps, but then Al Kuwari had a problem with his Honda Civic and abandoned the race, with Al Khelaifi easing to victory.
Mohamad Al Khaiat (Toyota GT86) finished second, crossing the line 6.970 behind Al Khelafi and in front of Ahmed Al Asiri (Honda Civic), who came third.
In the second race, Ibrahim Al Abdulghani (Honda S2000) lead the race until the seventh lap, when the unstoppable Al Khelaifi, who started from the back due to the reverse grid, overtook him and won again the race by 6.577 ahead of Al Abddulghani. Mohamad Al Khaiat finished in third place.
Al Khelaifi was delighted to win another title before the last round of the championship.
“For this round, I came with the plan to collect just 20 points. In the first race, I changed something in the car to be as fast as Saadon, and I managed to follow him until he had a mechanical problem and retired. So, first race was easy, since I had only Saadon until he was out,” said Al Khelaifi.
“Second race was better and it was more fun. I went to the race with no pressure and I enjoyed with all the competitors. I stayed calm with the guys battling in front of me and took them one by one as soon as I had a safe gap. By lap seven, I overtook Ibrahim Al Abdulghani, who was a really good competitor and took another victory. I would like to thank Qatar Scientific Club for providing me their facilities to work on my car and to Qatar Islamic Insurance for sponsoring me in this round and the next one,” he added.
Al Khaiat was happy to step on the podium twice in the same round.
This is my first time that I am in the podium in both races and it is great,” said Al Khaiat.
With the title already taken by Al Khelaifi, the next round will decide the runner-up of the championship between Mohamad Al Khaiat (67 points), Hamad Al Sulaiti (65) and Ghanim Al Maadheed (63).
Trophies were presented by LCSC Vice President and General Manager, Khalid Al Remaihi and CEO of LCSC, Juan Baquero .
The fifth and final round of Qatar Touring Car Championship will be held from March 29 to 30.