Total UAE Touring Car Championship start
7 October 2011 – National Race Day 1
Class 1: Ramzi Moutran does the double
Ramzi Moutran powered his Duel Racing SEAT to a double win in Class 1 of the Total UAE Touring Car Championship on the opening day of the track racing season at Dubai Autodrome today.
He triumphed over one of the strongest fields ever in the premier tin-top class. He said afterwards, “I did not know what to expect at the start of the day. The aim was to battle for the win and taking two victories is a bonus. There are some strong drivers in this championship and it’s good to have two wins as I expect things to get tougher as the season develops.”
“I am also pleased that I won on my least favourite configuration of the track. I am really looking forward to racing on the National and International circuits,” added Moutran.
In race one, British touring car specialist Martin Johnson in the Vauxhaul Astra started from the back of the grid and made his way to second place while Nader Zuhour, who led early on until he “ran out of brakes” and had to settle for third.
In race two, former Touring Car champion Mohamed Al Owais finished second in the Emirates Racing Team SEAT, with Johnson finishing third.
Class 2: Khan and Moola take a win apiece
Reigning champion Umair Khan at the wheel of the Lap57 Honda finished first in Class 2 and was followed across the line by fellow Honda driver Aslam Moola by just over two seconds.
In race two it was role reversal as Moola took the chequered flag by just under a second from Khan. The pair look set to slug it for the rest of the season in what should be an intriguing battle.
Khan said afterwards, “It was good to start the season with a win. In the second race I had fuel starvation problems towards the end. But the goal is to win my third championship and our team are focused on the that.”
Moola said, “Scoring a win on the opening day is a great result. I had a good battle with Umair.”
Khalid Bin Hadher in action at the wheel of the Emirates Racing Team Renault Clio
Clio Cup Class
Khalid Bin Hadher won the first ever Clio Cup race in the UAE and followed it up with runner-up in the second race in the Emirates Racing Team Renault after a bumper-to-bumper battle with Alexandros Annivas in the Gulf Petrochem backed Mouhrista Racing Renault who was second in the first race and winner in race two. Sami Moutran was third in both races.
Bin Hadher said, “This Renault Clio is the best car to drive around Dubai Autodrome. It was great fun, especially in the second race where I had a great battle with Annivas. I really look forward to more cars joining the grid.”
Official Report issued via Dubai Autodrome
