UAE Rotax MAX Challenge rounds 5 & 6 summary
Oliver George took a double victory at Dubai Autodrome this weekend and moves into the championship lead for the first time this season. The DD2 driver saw off a fierce challenge from Saeed Al Mehairi and local Al Ain hero, Mohammed Al Dhaheri. Both Al Mehairi and Al Dhaheri took turns to mount an assault on Georges’ lead but the resilient Englishman held his nerve to the chequered flag to take a brace of top honours.
In the 125 MAX class, Alexandre Silanine took maximum points on Friday whilst Philippe Valenza beat Ameer Hassan to a terrific win on Saturday. Alain Bauwmans won the Mini MAX class beating Ivan Berets and championship leader Tehmur Chohan. Sem Knopjes dominated the Micro MAX class.
The Junior MAX class provided a real show with Stephanie Le Vesconte becoming the first female Rotax winner in the UAE for four years. After inheriting the lead after Tom Bale and Pasqual Pook both crashed out, Le Vesconte fought off the late advances of Sheikh Isa Salmon Khalifa of Bahrain to seal a popular debut win.
Round 7 takes place at Al Ain Raceway on Friday 1st February.
Martin Fullard
