The Second Round of QMMF’s QSTK and QTCC kicks-off at Lusail International Circuit
The second round of the Qatar Superstock and Qatar Touring Car Championship kicked off at Lusail International Circuit on May 17. Organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), the championship provides a pivotal opportunity for local and regional drivers and riders to showcase their skills on a globally renowned, fast-paced circuit. A total of 51 drivers and riders are participating in the second round of the competition.
On Friday, drivers and riders had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the track layout and get a feel for its pace during the free practice sessions, which were also timed for qualification in the QSTK 600 category. In Free Practice 1 (timed for qualification), Abdulla Al Qubaisi was the fastest, concluding the session at 2 minutes 6.141 seconds, followed closely by Marshel Al Naimi at 2 minutes 6.222 seconds, and Saeed Al Sulaiti, securing a time of 2 minutes 8.875 seconds. In Free Practice 2 (timed for qualification), Abdulla Al Qubaisi clocked the fastest time again at 2 minutes 5.170 seconds, closely followed by Marshel Al Naimi at 2 minutes 5.258 seconds, and Saeed Al Sulaiti at 2 minutes 6.564 seconds.
In Superpole 1 of QSTK 600, Jassim Al Thani led the grid clocking 2 minutes 11.556 seconds, followed by Ali Boushehri at 2 minutes 13.594 seconds and Alexander Qabazard at 2 minutes 13.754 seconds. However, in Superpole 2, Marshel Al Naimi clocked the best time at 2 minutes 4.110 seconds, followed closely by Abdulla Al Qubaisi at 2 minutes 4.340 seconds and Saeed Al Sulaiti at 2 minutes 5.759 seconds.
Qatar SuperSport 300 (QSSP), a racing category for riders from Qatar Motorsports Academy to put their racing skills to test. In free practice 1 of QSSP, Rakshith Dave concluded the session at 2 minutes 23.695 seconds, followed by Johann Zharfan Zahren, clocking 2 minutes 25.487 seconds, and Edoardo Pia concluding at 2 minutes 26.185 seconds. In Free Practice 2, the results slightly changed, with Rakshith Dave retaining the best clocked time at 2 minutes 22.800 seconds, which improved compared to Free Practice 1. Edoardo Pia concluded at 2 minutes 24.249 seconds, followed by Aaron Robison at 2 minutes 25.519 seconds. In the qualifying practice session, Rakshith Dave retained the best time, clocking 2 minutes 22.416 seconds, followed by Marton Bellelli and Edoardo Pia, concluding the session at 2 minutes 23.515 seconds and 2 minutes 24.209 seconds, respectively.
In Race 1 of the QSSP, the riders from the Qatar Motorsport Academy showcased their skills in an intense battle for the podium. Rakshith Dave maintained his dominance on the grid and secured 1st place with 18 minutes 49.513 seconds. Marton Bellelli followed closely in 2nd place, clocking 18 minutes 54.238 seconds, and Edoardo Pia secured 3rd place, concluding the race at 18 minutes 54.346 seconds.
In the free practice, the QTCC drivers familiarized themselves with the track before the qualifying practice session. Ghanem Al Madheed clocked the fastest time at 2 minutes 26.534 seconds, followed by Abdulla Ali Al Khelaifi at 2 minutes 27.620 seconds, and Ahmed Al Asiri secured the third fastest time at 2 minutes 30.192 seconds. In the qualifying practice session, Abdulla Ali Al Khelaifi clocked the fastest at 2 minutes 25.263 seconds, followed by Ghanem Al Madheed at 2 minutes 26.200 seconds, and Mansour Al Hajri at 2 minutes 26.890 seconds.
The remaining races will take place on May 18, promising a day of intense competition and high-speed action. Drivers and riders will push their limits aiming to secure a place on the podium.