Dubai-based Mahmoud Tannir believes it will be a challenge if he is to clinch the Qatar SuperBike Championship title, which concludes after seven rounds on Friday at Losail International Circuit.
Lebanese rider Tannir is 17 points behind leader Jassim Al Thani of Qatar.
Having opened up such a commanding lead it looks imminent that Al Thani will be crowned champion if he finishes on the
podium, and Tannir believes the Qatari’s consistency is at the forefront of his success.
“Jassim’s had an interesting season. His lap times and general speed would be a lot less compared to other guys, but he hasn’t had any failures or crashes and that has helped him to finish every round with maximum points,” said Tannir. “All he needs to do is to finish on the podium and he’ll be the champion.”
Despite the implications at stake Tannir still thinks there’s a chance.
“If I can win this weekend and a bit of luck goes my way then it’s possible to win the championship.”
“But to achieve a second place finish in Qatar would be a major achievement and it’s something Honda and I will continue to build on for next season’s campaign,” he added.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Binladin is currently third in the championship and will mount a challenge for podium honours should he compete this weekend.
It’s Tannir’s first season racing in Qatar where he’s combined the competition in Doha with the UAE Sportbike Championship.
“I have to be happy. It’s our first season in Qatar where the competition is very difficult.
“The grid is quite big, with more than 45 competitors racing between the 600cc and the 1000cc,” said Tannir.
“The championship has been a learning curve but the key priority has been to understand how the bike works.
“It takes a while to determine a few things when you’re competing on two different circuits.”
“The atmosphere is different which makes it more enjoyable. The level is way higher than the UAE, and adding to that is the fact that you’re travelling which makes it feel more professional.”
The pressure of competing in two championships is something that has been questioned but Tannir is quick to take note of the positives.
“When racing in Qatar, I became a little aware of things I do during the race, and this has made me a better racer especially in Dubai where I finished second in the UAE Sportbike Championship last month.”
