Drivers run across the track to their karts at the start of the Motorcity 24 Hours at Dubai Kartdrome
01 April, 2011-The first round of the 2011 edition of the Motorcity Endurance Challenge got underway today the Dubai Kartdrome.
The UAE national flag waved at 2pm to signal the Le Mans style start of the Motorcity 24 Hours at the Kartdrome, pitting teams from around the region and Europe against one another in a test of endurance, stamina, strategy and speed.
Reigning champions Batelco featuring the likes of ace karters Alban Varutti, Ramez Azzam, Ali Hassan and Yousef Mohseni set a blistering early pace with Varutti doing the driving. The Bahraini team were in inspired form and within the first hour had edged a 25 seconds lead on their closest rivals.
Alban Varutti leads early on for reigning champions Batelco team
The battle for second place early on was between Dubai Falcon Racing, Publisis Group racing and Ocean Rubber racing. The trio circulating the Kartdrome circuit nose to tail throughout the first hour stint.
Mostly likely challengers to Batelco are the Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum led Falcon Racing outfit with top Emirati drivers Mohammed Al Mutawaa and Saeed Al Mehairi joined by ace lady racer Fabienne Lanz.
Also in the hunt for the big prize is the Forza RS Team from Russia featuring a line-up of very talented youngsters who are expected to show their hand as the race progresses.
In the Corporate Category – the race within the race – a fierce battle looks likely to brew between pace setters Choueiri Group Racing, MBC Action and OMD Racing.
The race, which started at 2pm, will continue through until 2pm Saturday and top teams are expected to notch up well over 1000 laps in the contest for top honours.
