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The second race of the 5th round for the Bahrain based Batelco 2000cc Challenge moved into top gear earlier in the day as a mixture of local and regional talents pulled up to the starting line at Bahrain International Circuit. The series, an established platform for the development of aspiring drivers, sees some of the Middle East’s most skilled competitors give it their all in this sprint style race. With several contenders for this year’s title and not many rounds to go before the season finale, both races of the 5th round provided spectators with adrenaline pumping racing action as the 8 drivers made full use of the technical passing opportunities to be found on track. After 9 thrilling laps which covered a distance of 32.161 Kms, Shaikh Hamad, Shaikh Al Khalifa and Shaikh Jaber Al Khalifa claimed all podium positions resulting in an all Al Khalifa victory.
 
Following his unsatisfactory placing in the first race of the round, Shaikh Hamad Al Khalifa blistered around the track with a vengeance in his Honda Civic leaving the rest of the pack far behind as he crossed the finish line in first place in 15 minutes and 10.801 seconds, a full 9 seconds faster than race 1 winner Raed Himmo. The reverse grid start in race 2 made this no easy feat as Shaikh Hamad began in 7th, far behind the pole position of Tim Burkin. Passing several drivers in the opening lap of the race, he speedily made his way to the front of the pack, and remained there for the duration of the race. 
 
In hot pursuit of Shaikh Hamad’s number 33 Honda, Shaikh Salman Al Khalifa put in a good showing of technical ability and driving skill after starting in 3rd, but ultimately it was not enough to clinch first place. With a 4th and 3rd place finish in the 5th round of the season, Shaikh Salman remains in contention for the title, which only has 3 rounds remaining.
 
The 2nd race saw Shaikh Jaber start the race in 4th, slightly further back than his 2nd place position in the race 1 starting grid. However, this did not have an affect on his performance as he crossed the finish line to claim the final podium spot, giving the Honda Integra driver 2 solid 3rd place victories for the round.
 


Results: Batelco 2000cc Challenge race 2
 
1             Sh. Hamad Al Khalifa                     Honda Civic                       15:10.801
2             Sh. Salman Al Khalifa                     Honda CRX                         15:11.994
3             Sh. Jaber Al Khalifa                        Honda Integra                  15:13.344
4             Essa Al Kooheji                              Honda Civic                       15:14.460
5             Raed Himmo                                 Honda Civic                       15:19.531
6             Tim Burkin                                    Honda Integra                  15:37.805
7             Rahman Ghuloom                          Honda Civic                       15:38.793
8             Mustafa Al Khan                             Honda Integra                  16:33.218