JEDDAH, 28 September 2007 — F1 team’s Hussein Al -Sharif topped Mobily Karting Championship (overall) by collecting 110 points through its six rounds held at Durat Al-Arrus. The second position was won by Mohanad Bashraheel of Red Speed Team with 98 points. Mohammad Al Nahdi, companion of Mohanad Bashraheel, stayed in 3rd position with 96 points, the organizers said on Wednesday.
Going back to the last two rounds, the 5th round was full of action and amusement, especially among professional drivers including Husein Al Sharif, winner of the 1st round, Mohammad Kereidiah of F1 team, Abdulrahman Al Haraki of RMC, Maher Moumenah of Raf Rider, Mohammad Al Nahdi and Mohanad Bashraheel of Red Speed, Sohail Al Naqeeb of Naft, and Bandar Al Sylami and Moutaz Jamal of Samurai team.
When the race began, all drivers started to compete trying to pass each other. Mohanad Bashraheel managed to be first clocking 35.922 followed by Moutaz Jamal in the second position with 36.861. Mohammad Al Nahdi ranked third with 36.885 followed by Hussein Al Sharif fourth with 36.937.
As for the 6th round, Bahraini driver Abas Sarhan of F1 team, who participated for the first time in the Kingdom, managed to be first with 35.629 followed by Mohanad Bashraheel who clocked 35.671 leaving Hussein Al Sharif in 3rd position with 36.027.
Abas Sarhan started the race in 1st position after a trial session on the first day. Running at the front of the field with the threat of a penalty, Abas Sarhan maintained the virtual lead over Mohanad Bashraheel and Maher Mouminah to move to 1st place. Mohammad Kereidiah and Mohammad Al Nahdi were down in 4th and 5th places and not able to close the gap on the leaders. Bandar Al Silami eventually pulled out before 23 laps had been completed. By lap 25, Abas Sarhan’s lead had been completed with 00:35:629:76, as Mohanad Bashraheel clawed his way into the 2nd place with 00:35:671. Hussein Al Sharif completed the race 3rd with 00:36:027. Both Mutaz Jamal and Suhail Nageb were robbed of potential podium finishes just three laps from the end. They were forced to stop with technical problems.
“It was a difficult race for me,” said Abas Sarhan. “Several boats tried to jump the start and that meant both Mohanad Bashraheel and Hussein Al Sharif were running behind and trying to get back to the front of the field. It was not easy to overtake. Several boats ran out of fuel near the finish and I was delighted to be first.” he added.
Mobily was the main sponsor of the race with the support of Bridgestone for the first time, Mobil 1, IN 10 SO and Okaz as a media sponsor. The race was held under the supervision of the Saudi Committee for motorsport and the Presidency of Youth Welfare.
Abdullah Bakhashab, the organizer of the event, said that the karting races would give a big boost to the tourism sector in the Kingdom. “The competition has put the country on the international map of sporting events,” he said, adding that efforts are being made to stage international karting races in the Kingdom in the near future.
