Oman’s Ammar Bulushi and Zakariya al-Ofi put on a strong show again as they continued to lead their respective groups after the second round of the Qatar Online Racing Championship (QORC) for rally cars yesterday.
Bulushi and al-Ofi dominated the simulated asphalt and gravel terrain of Spain, as the compatriots won five stages each. Bulushi with 80 points sits pretty at the top of Group B, with a huge 11-point lead over Adel Abdulla. Bulushi lost massive time in two stages but was dominant in the rest and the inconsistency from his rivals helped him stay at the top.
Abdulla, who was unbeaten in three-round qualifying stage last week, won just one stage yesterday. The Qatari ace remained in overall second position with 69 points, two points ahead of Ahmed El Kholy.
In Group A, al-Ofi held an eight-point lead over Khalid al-Maraghi. The Omani racer lost the first two stages but regrouped spectacularly to win the next five with ease. In third position was Mansour Dbeissy with 66 points.
The third and final round will be held tomorrow at the virtual asphalt terrain in Germany before the top three from each group qualify for the one final race on Saturday.
The online competition, conducted by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has gained in popularity after it was held for cars and bikes in the last two months. In total 28 competitors have registered for the championship.
The two-week event has attracted racing connoisseurs from Kuwait and Oman giving it a regional flavour. The winner will receive QR15,000 in prize money. The runner-up will take home QR13,000, while third-placed competitor will get QR10,000.
Round 2 Results
Group A: 1. Zakariya al-Ofi (Oman) 37:43.534 secs; 2. Khalid al-Maraghi +2.726; 3. Mansour Dbeissy +49.469; 4. Ahmed al-Kuwari +2:27.681; 5. Patrick Roux +3:55.482; 6. Misfer al-Hajri +4:24.521.
Group B: 1. Ammar Bulushi (Oman) 37:33.266 secs; 2. Ahmed El Kholay +9.899; 3. Adel Abdulla +10.866; 4. Mishari al-Thefiri (Kuwait) +24.750; 5. Hamad al-Sulaiti +2:41.696; 6. Nasser al-Kuwari +3:28.317
Overall Standings
Group A: 1. Zakariya al-Ofi (Oman) 80 points; 2. Khalid al-Maraghi 72; 3. Mansour Dbeissy 66; 4. Ahmed al-Kuwari 62; 5. Patrick Roux 60; 6. Misfer al-Hajri 58
Group B: Ammar Bulushi (Oman) 80 points; 2. Adel Abdulla 69; 3. Ahmed El Kholy 67; 4. Mishari al-Thefiri (Kuwait) 64; 5. Hamad al-Sulaiti 60; 6. Nasser al-Kuwari 58.
Tuesday’s round was held at the simulated asphalt and gravel terrain of Spain. (QMMF)
