The podium winners at the Qatar Touring Car Championship pose for a picture at the Losail International Circuit
Doha: Ghanim Al Maadheed and Ibrahim Al Abdulghani shared honours in the Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) 2K class while Abdulla Al Khelaifi clinched a double victory in the QTCC M240 during the second round held this weekend at the Losail International Circuit.
In the first race, the Lotus Elise driver, Al Maadheed, crossed the checkered flag in first position in the QTCC 2K class, with a total time of 24:47.340, followed by Al Abdulghani who is driving a Honda S2000 and Mohamed Al Aseeri also driving a Honda car.
With the reverse grid in the second race, Al Maadheed had a problem with the throttle wire and had to abandon the race so Al Abdulghani took the win in this second race. The QTCC 2K second podium was completed by Hamad Al Asma and Nasser Al Ahbabi.
Al Abdulghani is leading the QTCC 2K class with 58 points.
"It was a really great round for me. In the first race I had a small issue with the car but I managed to stay in second place as in the qualifying. In the second race, unfortunately Ghanim had an issue with his car in the first laps so it was easier for me to overtake the other drivers with the reverse grid and I ended in first place in my class. Hopefully he can fix the car and be back in the next round as his presence is really good for the championship" said Al Abdulghani.
In the new class, QTCC M240, where all the drivers are competing with the same car, Al Khelaifi had a great performance winning both races in his class.
"It is really nice to finish again first on both races. The second race with the reverse grid was really tough, with many accidents, mistakes even from my side and the conditions of the tyres at the end of the day didn’t help.
I am glad I did a clean race and finish without any issue is the best for me although there is a small thing in the car but doesn’t affect the performance so hopefully can be fix for the next round" said Al Khelaifi. Hamad Al Sulaiti, who is driving for first time a racing car, was very happy to finish second in both races in the QTCC M240 class.
"It was a very good weekend for me with an incredible experience driving this car for first time. I enjoyed it a lot and everybody is driving under the same conditions, all is about the driver and his ability so you can test yourself. I hope to continue like this in the coming round" stated Al Sulaiti.
The rally driver Roger Feghali, who is 14 times Lebanese Rally champion, took part in the QTCC M240 class and ended third in both races.
Trophies were presented by Abdulrahman Al Mannai, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President, Abdulrazak Al Kuwari (QMMF General Secretary) and Khalid Al Remaihi, Losail Circuit Sports Club Vice President & General Manager.
The next round will be on the January 24 and 25.
