QMMF Racing team’s Saeed al-Sulaiti in action on raceday for the sixth round of the Superbike European Championship at the Jerez circuit on Sunday.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
QMMF Racing team rider Saeed al-Sulaiti finished both the races of the sixth round of the Superbike European Championship inside top 10 at Jerez in Spain on Sunday.
Al-Sulaiti was racing at the Jerez circuit for the first time, and managed a strong result despite difficult weather, including strong wind, at the venue.
The Qatari federation’s team were back fighting at the sharp end of race standings in both contests, showing a steady improvement.
Al-Sulaiti’s eighth and sixth place finish were the best two results of his career to date, and made clear that he is becoming more competitive with each passing round.
Teammate Mashel al-Naimi had a difficult race day finishing outside the top 10 despite competitive pace early on.
“I am very pleased with these results, especially because it is the first time I have ridden at this circuit,” al-Sulaiti said on Sunday.
“In the first race I gained a lot of positions and was fighting for the Top 5 during the race; eventually I lost places on the final laps. The conditions were very difficult, as there was a strong wind that almost blew me to the ground several times. I had to save three crashes with my elbow.
“The second race was one of the best races of my life. I was fighting from the first lap to the last; sometimes it was windy, sometimes it wasn’t, sometimes I was in a group and sometimes I was by myself. I was able to gain positions and reach Robertino Pietri, who was in fifth, but I had a big scare and I could see that the rear tyre had enough, so I decided not to risk a crash on last lap and finish the race in sixth, which is an excellent result.
“I am grateful to the team; they understand me very well and always give me a great setup. QMMF Racing have done an excellent job this weekend and I want to thank everyone, from the mechanics to the president.”
Talking about his 12th and 13th place finish, al-Naimi said, “Despite all the changes we made, I didn’t have a bike that left me feeling comfortable. I think I’m able to ride at a faster pace and, although I tried my best, I felt that the bike was not there with me. I hope to change something on the bike to allow us to make a significant improvement, making me more comfortable and able to ride at the level at which I know I am capable. Thanks to the team for their hard work and to QMMF for this opportunity.”
Team co-ordinator Luis Solano was encouraged by the performance of the two riders.
He said, “We should congratulate Saeed, who has spent all season working hard. The results of his effort are being shown in every race. In both races he has fought at a high level, with a very good and steady pace, at a circuit that he did not know until this weekend.
“Mashel did not have his best weekend. I think he has a problem with his arms that prevented him from performing at a higher level. In short, we must be very happy with the work we’ve done going into the last race of the season.”
