Mohammad al-Khayat (centre) will represent Qatar at the Middle-East drifting championship at Red Bull Car Park Drift Final 2015 on November 20.
Doha: Mohammad al-Khayat was crowned Qatar’s King of Drift after clinching the title at the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2015.
Doha witnessed an unforgettable furious night full of roaring engines and tires smoke at Losail International Circuit. Under the patronage of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the supervision of legendary drifter, Abdo Feghali, the night to remember marked a thrilling return of the Championship to Qatar after a break of five years. A record number of 6,000 spectators witnessed 10 drifters, who demonstrated their skills. Al-Khayat scored 367 points and impressed the four judges. He has now two weeks to get ready for Dubai, where he will represent Qatar at the Middle-East drifting championship at Red Bull Car Park Drift Final 2015 on November 20.
Competition was close between the 10 drifters, and an unexpected number of 6,000 spectators gathered to witness unprecedented drifting action, reflecting exceptional skills and technique in a safe environment.
Al-Khayat, driving a BMW 325, showed a consistent level across all runs. His final run was near perfect ensuring a clean and tidy pass and making no contact with the cones. The second place went to Ahmad Allouh, driving a BMW 316, with 277 points while Abdelrahman Fakhroo rounded the podium scoring 235 points on his Nissan Skyline. Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah, QMMF President, gave away the trophies.
“I am extremely happy and proud of this achievement. Drifting is my passion! Thank you Red Bull, thank you QMMF for the opportunity to represent my country Qatar in the Finals. I am really looking forward to this” said the al-Khayat.
The judging panel consisted of Paul Fadel (Motorsports expert), Mohamed Abu Issa (Red Bull Athlete, Qatari Dakar quad rider), Abdulla al-Hajaj (QMMF Official) and Elie Semaan (Clerk of the Course at QMMF).The process was based on drifting skills as a major criterion, in addition to car look and design, clipping point, car sound, tire smoke, and the box. Abdo Feghali, who holds Guinness World Record for the longest vehicle drift said: “Red Bull Car Park Drift is back to Doha and this gives us a great excitement. The level of drifters in this country and the interest in this activity are remarkable and we really aim through this competition to make champions out of drifters amateurs.”
