Elgammal Takes Pole Position Followed Closely by Al Musalam and Al Yaeesh
The qualifying round for race one in the Lumina CSV ME Championship’s fourth
round was held yesterday (Friday) at the Dubai Autodrome, and saw defending
champion Tarek Elgammal take pole position with a top lap time of 1.59.856.
Abdulaziz Al Yaeesh was earlier set to take second place with his time of
2:00.254, but it was taken from him late by Fahad Al Musalam, 0.285 seconds
faster in 1.59.969.
Elgammal commented, “I pulled out as I wanted to get my time in early. I really
want Fahad to win this championship as it is impossible for me to win, but of
course I’m still going to try and get the win today for my sponsor Castrol.”
Elgammal completed 9 laps and got his fastest time on his second lap.
Musalam also completed 9 laps and received his fastest time on his sixth. ”The
track feels really good and I’m glad that it is Tarek and I who are holding the
top two positions. I am very happy with my second place position; I didn’t feel
the need to push further. I am happy with my time and with my car. My main plan
is to beat third position which is held by Yaeesh, as he has his magnificent
flying starts as his advantage, having me and Tarek in the front row means that
it should hopefully be smooth sailing.”
Yaeesh added that he is happy with his placing and that he and fourth-place
holder Raed Raffii were set apart by only 0.00.064. “I had some run-ins on some
turns but hopefully I will get it right tomorrow in the race,” Yaeesh said. “I
had a few problems with my breaks yesterday and today but I’m hoping that it
wont cause too much trouble as most of the drivers will experience difficulties
after the seventh lap or so. I will be able to tell you my confidence level
after race one tomorrow, I would like to start the race smoothly and take Tarek
on the first turn.”
The first race of the championship kick starts at 10.35am local time followed by
the second race at 4.20pm. The starting grid for the first race of tomorrow is
as follows and will be reversed for the second race.
Qualifying session:
1. T. Elgammal 1:59.856
2. F. Al Musalam 1:59.969
3. A. Aziz Al Yaeesh 2:00.254
4. R. Raffii 2:00.318
5. A. Hamada 2:00.968
6. F. Hizam 2:02.042
7. J. Grogor 2:02.059
8. H. Al Khalifa 2:02.087
9. C. Mariot/J. Levet 2:02.368
10. R. Charawi 2:02.740
11. H. Fleischmann 2:03.459
12. A. Shaji 2:03.613
13. B. Al Selmi 2:04.274
14. H.Al Saleh 2:05.406
15. M. Al Eifa 2:07.423
