UAE Sportbike Championship returns to Dubai Autodrome

Sport360 staff 13:05 20/03/2014
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  • The UAE Sportbike Championship returns to the at Dubai Autodrome on Friday after a two-week break, with the 2013-2014 title chase in the spotlight.

    Two wins last time out has bolstered Abdulaziz Binladen’s championship ambitions aboard his Liberty Kawasaki. The Saudi rider has won eight out of 11 races so far in the 600 Class this season.

    Chasing hard is reigning champion Mahmoud Tannir, who has only one victory to his name this season, but has been a model of consistency and thus with only four rounds to go is trailing Binladen by just 10 points.

    The Dubai-based Lebanese rider made his debut on a Honda last time out, and with dealer support could well find the extra pace he needs to defend his title.

    Ahead of the weekend, Tannir explained the benefits of the deal he has struck with Honda. “One of the big advantages of becoming a dealer-backed team is the additional support that Al Futtaim Honda are able to provide, which means the team now has three fully trained mechanics at the test and race days, as well as extensive marketing support.”

    Gernot Dobida makes a welcome return to 600 Class action in the UAE’s premier sportbikes category aboard a Triumph Daytona.

    In the Rookie Cup, Yamaha rider Michael Collins has all but wrapped up the title, and deservedly so with nine wins out of 11 starts. Rookies challenging him on the day will be the likes of Ahmed Khammas (Yamaha), Vafi Khan (Yamaha) and Nasir Hussain (Triumph).

    In the race-within-a-race the non-championship 1000 Class, with pace setter Alan Boyter absent, it is likely to be a battle between KTM-mounted Steve Blackney and BMW rider Nasser Al Shaiba.

    Action takes place on the International Circuit configuration of Dubai Autodrome, with UAE Sport-bikes warm-up scheduled for 09:00 on Friday, followed by qualifying at 09:25.

    The first of two 10-lap races are scheduled to be flagged off at 10:55 with race two set to start at 12:55.

    Also on the bill is a Track Day for advanced and novice drivers, while entry for spectators with access to the grandstands and paddock is free.

    VENUE: Dubai autodrome.

    WHAT: Rounds 12 and 13 of the 20013-14 UAE Sportbike championship, which resumes after a two-week break.

    WHEN: Friday, March 21, from 09:00 onwards.

    Sport360 VERDICT: If two-wheeler racing is your cup of tea, then head to the Dubai autodrome for some adrenaline pumping action.

    CONTACT: www.dubaiautodrome.com.

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