CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Sports / Qatar Sport

Al Banna secures win in opening round as Qatar Freestyle Championship season begins

Published: 04 Nov 2024 - 11:38 am | Last Updated: 04 Nov 2024 - 11:42 am
QRC Head of Marshals Khalifa Al Khayarin handed over the trophies to the podium winners.

QRC Head of Marshals Khalifa Al Khayarin handed over the trophies to the podium winners.

The Peninsula

Doha: The Qatar Freestyle Championship for the 2024/2025 season got underway in style as the opening round featured thrilling action drawing a large number of spectators at Qatar Racing Club’s (QRC) designated freestyle arena.      

Action during the Qatar Freestyle Championship season opener.

The championship is being held under the patronage of QRC Chairman H E Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani. 

Registration and technical inspection were initially scheduled for Thursday. 

However, at the request of participants and under the directives of the QRC Director Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid Al Thani, registration was exceptionally extended to Friday, allowing everyone the opportunity to participate. 

The championship’s organising committee set specific standards and requirements that all competitors needed to meet to join this round.

These requirements included vehicle modifications such as installing a roll cage, securing the battery, and ensuring a functional seat belt, among other conditions.

Competitor requirements emphasized safety measures, including the use of sports attire, a helmet, and a properly functioning seat belt. 

After registration concluded, a briefing was held for the participants with the organizers and the judging committee, where key technical and logistical details were clarified before the race began. 

According to the competition’s structure, each competitor is given one opportunity to hit the track and perform five maneuvers: drifting, reverse drift, the “knot” move, and a reverse move, all to be completed within a total time limit of four minutes.

The faster a participant completes these maneuvers, the more points they earn. Points are also rewarded based on the style in which the competitor performs their overall freestyle and individual moves.

The competition, which lasted over four hours, concluded with participant Rashed Al Banna securing first place, while Mohammed Al Muhanadi came in second.

The third podium spot went to Abdullah Al Qahtani, who outperformed Saud Al Marri and Saud Al Kuwari, who placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

Head of Marshals at the Qatar Racing Club Khalifa Al Khayarin awarded the top three winners on the podium, concluding the first round of the championship.

Preparations are now underway for the second round, scheduled for December 12 and 13.