Tribune News Network
Doha
The Lusail International Circuit (LIC) delivered an action-packed race weekend, hosting the opening round of the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Qatar Cup, organized by Al Abdulghani Motors, over the weekend (January 30-31). Ten elite drivers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Italy, India, and Jordan battled in high-performance GR Yaris vehicles, showcasing their skill, strategy, and endurance in thrilling races.
Adding to the excitement, LIC also hosted the fifth and final round of the Qatar Superstock 600 (QTSK 600) and Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) on Friday and Saturday (January 31-February 1). Organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and LIC, the championships provided a platform for 48 talented competitors to display their racing prowess on Qatar’s premier circuit.
On Friday, the Yaris Cup drivers delivered an intense competition across two thrilling races. Faisal Al Yafei claimed victory with a total time of 16 minutes and 55.814 seconds in Race 1 and 19 minutes and 16.964 seconds in Race 2. Saadon Al Kuwari followed closely, finishing at 16 minutes and 58.602 seconds in Race 1 and 19 minutes and 23.206 seconds in Race 2, while Izz Bustami secured third place with times of 16 minutes and 59.202 seconds and 19 minutes and 25.124 seconds, respectively. Their impressive performances put them at the top of the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Qatar Cup Round 1 Championship standings.
Meanwhile, the QSTK/QTCC riders and drivers completed their free practice and qualifying sessions in preparation for race day, setting the stage for thrilling races and showcasing impressive performances, sparking excitement for the final showdown.
In Saturday’s QSTK 600 Race 1, rider Ferrandez Beneite set the pace at 24 minutes 48.877 seconds, with Mashel Al Naimi andSaeed Al Sulaiti completing the podium at 24 minutes 57.021 seconds and 25 minutes 10.200 seconds. Race 2 saw David Rodriguez take the checkered flag at 24 minutes 41.998 seconds, followed by Abdulla Al Qubaisi and Mashel Al Naimi with times of 24 minutes 49.965 seconds and 25 minutes 04.708 seconds. Following Race 2 of the fifth and final round, Abdulla AL Qubaisi leads the QSTK 600 championship standings with 236 points. Mashel Al Naimi holds second place with 197 points, while Saeed Al Sulaiti sits in third with 165 points.
As for the QSTK 600 Trophy Championship results, Alexian Macary won first place with a total of 190 points, followed by Alexander Qabazard and Emmanuel Geoffrey with 167 and 136 points.
The QSSP 300 championship delivered thrilling performances, with rider Johann Emmanuel claiming Race 1 honours at 18 minutes 59.703 seconds. Marton Bellelli secured second place at 19 minutes 01.069 seconds, while Johann Zahren completed the podium at 19 minutes 02.866 seconds. Race 2 saw Johann Emmanuel triumph with 18 minutes 41.344 seconds, followed by Saidatul Zakirah at 19 minutes 05.232 seconds and Marton Bellelli at 19 minutes 06.323 seconds. After Round 5, Race 2, Marton Bellelli leads the championship standings with 195 points, securing the top position. Mahmoud Elbanna follows in second place with 170 points, while Johann Zahren holds third place with 107 points.
In QTCC 2K competition, driver Abdulla Al Khelaifi secured Race 1 victory with 51 minutes 46.749 seconds, followed by Ahmed Alabbasi and Ali Emadadhi posting times of 51 minutes 49.462 seconds and 51 minutes 49.980 seconds. Race 2 witnessed Ghanim Al Madheed capture first place at 26 minutes 08.371 seconds, with Abdulla Al Khelaifi and Ahmed Al Emadi completing the podium at 26 minutes 09.666 seconds and 26 minutes 11.069 seconds respectively. As Race 2 of Round 5 concludes, Abdulla Al Khelaifi holds the first place in QTCC 2K Championship standings with 107 points, followed by Ali Emadadhi with 78 points and Ahmed Alasiri in third place with 72 points.
The QSTK/QTCC return in April 2025, with the first round of the season set to take place on April 25-26. Follow LIC’s social media channels for updates on upcoming rounds and championship information.
