Defending Qatar Superstock 600 champion Saeed al-Sulaiti took the first pole of the season at the Losail International Circuit.
The Qatari ride, who posted a lap time of 2:04.381, will start the race in the first row, ahead of compatriot Mishal al-Naimi, who posted the second best time of 2:04.914 despite having fever.
Nasser al-Malki will start in third position on the grid.
“In the first free practice, I did only 2 laps just to make sure the bike was okay and I was able to make a good time with used tires. For FP2, I was focusing to get some rhythm, getting ready for the race tomorrow and the time was consistent, so I think I am ready for the race tomorrow,” al-Sulaiti said.
Al-Naimi said, “I am not feeling good today. I was in the hospital this morning with high fever and I missed the free practice 1. Superpole 2 was better than free practice 2. I felt really tired on the track, but overall, due to my condition, I am happy my lap time.”
In the QSTK Trophy, the fastest rider was Essa al-Mutawa with a lap time of 2:10.733.
For the second round of Qatar Touring Car Championship, table-topper Abdullah al-Khelaifi was the fastest driver during the Free Practice session with a lap time of 2:26.081, while Saadon al-Kuwari was second fastest with 2:26.739.
During the Qualifying session, al-Khelaifi took pole with a lap time of 2:24.128 and Adham El Dib finished in second place with a lap time of 2:25.551. Mahmoud al-Khalaf finished third in the qualifying session, with a time of 2:25.638.
“First, in the free practice, I had to test several set-ups for qualifying. I found the good spots and luckily in the qualifying I was the first one to go outside, so the track was clean. I was able to focus and actually broke the record. I hope tomorrow I can catch Adham because he has the advantage in the straight line and will definitely pass me. I will try to attack him in the braking zone and continue until the end of the race,” al-Khelaifi said.
El Dib, who finished third in the previous race, is looking forward to today’s race. “The track is fantastic, very grippy and the car is in great shape. I changed some tyre settings and it worked like magic. I am very happy with today’s results and looking for another podium,” he said.
Today, the QSTK Race 1 starts at 11:30am and Race 2 at 2:30pm. For QTCC, the first race is scheduled at 1pm and the second race at 4pm.
Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar Touring Car Championship are organised by Losail Circuit Sports Club and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation with Pirelli Qatar and Inside as sponsors of both championships.
The Karting track will also be open today from 2pm to 7pm.