DOHA: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycling Federation (QMMF) yesterday hailed the support of the Emir and the Heir Apparent after a QMMF Racing Team rider managed the country’s first podium finish in Moto2 racing.
Anthony West yesterday managed a second-place finish at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the QMMF Racing Team’s first podium finish in Moto2 championship.
“I would like to give my thanks to the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Heir Apparent, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani on this great day,” Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, President of QMMF, said from Malaysia.
“They have always supported bike racing and it is because of their backing that we have managed to create a viable bike culture in the country,” Al Attiyah said.
“Their leadership in promoting sports, and motor sport especially, has helped us produce this great result,” Al Attiyah said over phone.
Qatar spent nearly $75m to build a state-of-the-art Losail International Circuit in 2003 and within only 9 months, held their first MotoGP race in October 2004.
In 2008, the same venue staged the first ever - and the only race so far - under lights.
After attending the mandatory press conference following the Moto2 race, Al Attiyah praised West for his fine performance.
“Anthony thanked QMMF for the support we have given him. He said that during the press conference,” Al Atiiyah said.
“He said he always wanted to give back something to QMMF because he enjoyed riding for our team. He was kind enough to say this.
He thanked the team mechanics, and the support staff,” the QMMF President added.
“Today was a good day for home riders too. There were some 70,000 fans at Sepang and Malaysian riders did well in the 125cc category,” he added yesterday.
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