- Published: August 12 2009
Bahrain International Circuit is gearing up for the new season in the Batelco 2000cc Challenge – one of the most popular motor racing series in the kingdom.
The new campaign will feature a new set of regulations, but plenty of the ultra-intense action and many of the same Bahraini star drivers will be returning for another crack at the prestigious championship.
The challenge is heading into its third season, and it promises to be the best one yet. It is being organized by the Circuit Racing Club (CRC) in cooperation with the Bahrain Motor Federation, BIC and official sponsors Batelco.
Mazen Al Hilli, President of the CRC, expects a tighter battle for the driver and team titles, as many of the competitors returning will be better prepared having two years of experience tucked under their belt.
Al Hilli and other members of the CRC met with some of last year’s drivers during the off-season and discussed any views and proposals they may have had in order to improve all aspects of the series.
Al Hilli also took the time to clarify any queries they had about the championship regulations.
The CRC will be holding a similar meeting for all the participants during the month of Ramadan to give them a clear picture of the new set of regulations for the new campaign, which is tentatively scheduled to flag off in October.
“The new championship will be full of thrills and be even more exciting than the first two seasons,” Al Hilli said. “The drivers have already begun their preparations, which indicate that there is going to be plenty of very close racing.
“Reigning champion Mustafa Al Khan is expected to put up a strong fight to keep his title. He will be bringing in a new car he recently bought from abroad.
“Runner-up Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa, who won many races last year, has been constantly working on his challenger, and will soon be all set for the new campaign.
“In addition, former champion Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is another strong competitor, are beginning to put together a very nice challenger for the new season.
“These are just some of the bigger names taking part this year. We are certain that there will be plenty more to look forward to from the rest of the field, and I am sure we will be in for a few surprises to go along with all the excitement to enjoy.”
Al Hilli praised Batelco for their unlimited support to the challenge.
“The success of the series in its first two seasons can be attributed to our strong partnership with our sponsors Batelco,” he said. “The attractive prizes they offer give the drivers added motivation to excel and makes them battle hard for victories.”
Al Hilli also thanked the CRC’s partners at the BMF and BIC, in addition to the various media outlets who help raise the challenge’s public profile and interest. He also thanked his colleagues at the CRC for all the hard work they put in ensuring the success of the series.
The Batelco 2000cc Challenge comprises cars of different models racing under a set of strict specifications that keep the playing field level. Drivers are however given the liberty to set up the cars as they wish, as long as they adhere to the regulations