UAE Rotax MAX Challenge round 8 preview
For the one and only time this season the United Arab Emirates Rotax MAX Challenge moves to the state-of-the-art Al Forsan circuit in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. With its many tight corners and hairpins drivers will need to be extra careful, most notably through the opening complex.
Oliver George is still the man to beat in the DD2 class but will be weary of the threat posed by Sanad Al Rawahi. Al Rawahi has been traditionally very quick around the Al Forsan circuit. Since halting Georges’ winning streak at the last race he will be looking to close the point’s gap.
The usual protagonists are expected to be fighting it out in 125 MAX, with Ameer Hassan, Abdullah Al Rawahi, Philippe Valenza, Alexandre Silanine and Piers Pakenham-Walsh expected to be running at the front. Hassan won last time out by a slender margin, but on the tight and twisty Al Forsan asphalt the starts will be key.
Thomas Bale returns to the Junior MAX 125 class this weekend but all eyes will be on Pasqual Pook as he tries to consolidate his place at the top of the table. Taymour Kermanshahchi is expected to be leading the assault to take top honours.
In the Mini MAX class, Tehmur Chohan will have to contend with an ever-quicker field. The advances made by Alain Bauwmans and Ivan Berets in recent races means that an all-out dog fight is expected. Sem Knopjes will need to be quick if he is to hold off the advances of his newest rival; Ziggy Kermanshahchi.
Racing takes place at Al Forsan International Sports Resort on Friday 15th February with the first race expected to commence at 10am. Entrance fees are AED 50 pp.
Martin Fullard
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