UAE RMC Round 1 press release

The vision of HE Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem for a successful grassroots motorsport infrastructure was realised on Friday, when a record-breaking total of 68 drivers took part in the first round of Al Ain Raceway’s UAE Rotax MAX Challenge (UAERMC). Among them were two young Emirati challengers, who are in the formative stages of their racing careers. Saqir Al Qassemi, seven, and Rashid Al Dhaheri, five, both displayed speed and consistency in the Bambino class, the entry level category. Al Qassemi was the fastest driver of them all and Rashid was a commendable fourth on his debut.

In the Micro MAX class, young Omani racer Shehab Al Habsi took a slender victory over reigning champion Sem Knopjes. Knopjes led early on only to be passed by Al Habsi on lap 2. Theo Kekati was third, narrowly holding off Ziggy Kermanshahchi.

Tehmur Chohan took a routine win in the Mini MAX class. Chohan crossed the line a near 10 seconds clear of his nearest rival; Yahya Houston.

Emanuele Pagani took a debut win in the 125 MAX class after taking the lead from Patrick Hannah on lap nine. In a thrilling spectacle, the Italian lead home a five-kart train, with Hannah in second ahead of Ameer Hassan, Abdullah Al Rawahi and Alexandre Silanine.

In the DD2 class, Maurits Knopjes – returning from a year’s sabbatical – raced to victory, fending off an early charge from rival Sanad Al Rawahi. Al Rawahi ran second for most of the race, but reigning champion Oliver George made a pass on lap nine, demoting the young Omani to third.

The Junior MAX Final was stopped after an accident and ran in two parts. Pasqual Pook capitalised and the reigning champion started his 2013/14 campaign in the same manner as last year; with a win. Taymour Kermanshahchi was a close second.

For full detailed results please click here.

Martin Fullard