Hamad Al Sahouti in action during the qualifying yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Hamad Al Sahouti made his Moto3 World Championship debut with the Rivacold Snipers Team, finishing 24th in the qualifying for the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix at the Portimao Circuit in Algarve yesterday.
Al Sahouti, the latest addition to the Italian team, filling in for injured David Almansa, had a best lap-time of 1:48.498 secs, with a top speed of 240kmph.
Earlier, after the free practice session was cancelled due to poor track conditions, Al Sahouti’s debut appearance saw him failing to excel in the first practice session, but the young Qatari improved his time in second practice.
The qualifying was topped by Spaniard Jose Antonio Rueda of the Red Bull KTM Ajo team (1:42.379secs), followed by Australia’s Joel Kelso of Boe Motorsports (1:47.175) in second place. Title favourite David Alonso of Colombia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) clocked 1:46.497 to book the remaining slot on the front row of today’s race.
