STANDINGS
MIDDLE EAST
13
Local drivers are enthusiastic about TCR
Forty-five local drivers registered to
test the Engstler Motorsport Golf
TCR, however only twenty-five
actually took the wheel due to the
limited track time that was imposed
by the race-day schedule.
Mohammed Al Hassawi, a competitor
in the Radical Cup, was the first one
to hit the track: “I was very
impressed, the Golf is incredibly
smooth to drive. It is different from
the Radical, but provides lot of fun
as well,” he said.
“TCR cars look great,” echoed Ramzi
Al Qassab who races in the BIC 2000
and tested the Golf immediately
before his wife Martina. “I’m sure the
Middle East series will be successful
as it will provide exciting races at a
budget that is comparable with that
of the Porsche Cup.”
Among the drivers who attended the
launch were Sheikh Salman Al
Khalifa and Karim Husseini who
became enthusiastic supporter of
TCR after taking part in the
International Series opener in
Bahrain.
“It’s a great idea to launch a TCR
series in the region. Motorsport is
growing fast in Bahrain and the
Emirates and TCR will offer local
drivers the opportunity to take part
in the first professional Touring Car
championship we have ever had at
affordable costs. It will also provide
great exposure and – as the icing on
the cake – the opportunity to join
the International Series at the
Formula 1 Grand Prix with the very
same car,” commented Sheikh
Salman.