Saeed Al Sulaiti
Doha: Qatar Superstock 600 defending champion Saeed Al Sulaiti launched the new season with the fastest times in the first official practice sessions at Losail International Circuit (LIC).
The first official practice sessions featured a total of 22 riders over the weekend.
Al Sulaiti was the fastest rider with a lap time of 2:05.131 on Day 2 during the last session, finishing ahead of veteran rider Mishal Al Naimi, the runner-up of last year’s championship. Al Naimi was second in a time of 2:05.178.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year rider Abdullah Al Qubaisi was third fastest in a time of 2:05.367.
Nasser Al Malki and Hungarian Balint Kovacs completed the top five while Fahad Al Sowaidi, Jassim Al Thani, Kuwaiti Mohammad Al Zaidan, Ali Al Shammari and Kuwaiti Nawaf Al Shuabi finished in the top 10.
The Championship is organised by Losail Circuit Sports Club LCSC) and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) with Pirelli Qatar as sponsor of the championship.
There will be a total of five rounds, with two races at each round and the two categories racing together - QSTK600 and QSTK Trophy.
The first round of the season will be held December 6 and 7.
Al Sulaiti was very happy with the overall results of the official test.
“To be honest, I faced difficult times for this weekend as unfortunately I broke my finger last week while training but I was able to ride and suffer the pain and in the second day when I set the fastest time,” Al Sulaiti said. “I am also really happy with Abdulla’s performance compared to last season. He is much faster and for sure that this season there will be more than two riders competing for the championship.
“Thanks to Abdulrahman Al Mannai, the QMMF President, and Khalid Al Remaihi, the LCSC Vice President and General Manager, for their generous support. I also want to thank my sponsors Ooredoo for their continued support,” Al Sulaiti said.
Veteran Qatar rider Al Naimi, despite struggling with front tyre issues, seemed pleased with his practice outings.
“I tried to find a good set up for the bike but we didn’t have enough grip to do a good lap time and I had a problem with the front tyre that was destroyed all the time,” Al Naimi said.
“The bike is working very well and I hope we can make a good result in the opening round. I take this opportunity to thank sponsors Ooredoo for their support and QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club for their backing,” Al Naimi said.
Hungarian rider Kovacs is back in Qatar to race in the hugely popular series.
Kovacs, who has been racing at the IDM and Suzuki Cup with a 1000cc bike, said ‘the QSTK championship is a great opportunity to train’.
“It is really nice to race again here. After racing with the 1000cc it is a bit difficult to get again into the rhythm of the 600cc bike but this test is good to get used to the bike. I am really looking forward for the opening round next weekend,” Kovacs said.
In this season, there are newcomer riders from Kuwati and Australia, organisers said.
Out of eight Kuwaiti riders that take part in this championship, Mohammad Al Zaidan is clearly one of the most promising riders.
“I am very happy with the result in the practice. Last week, during the track day, it was different but this time, with the support of all the mechanics, we have got a good set up in the bike and I am really excited to start again another season and join this amazing championship,” Al Zaidan said
“I also would like to thank QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club for their support,” he added.
Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC Vice President and General Manager, said: “We are very proud of what we achieved last season and we expect another fierce and strong competition among all the participants in both categories. He added: “It is great that more riders from abroad are joining our championship and for sure that all of them will give all the best in every race.”
