The United Arab Emirates Rotax MAX Challenge begins 2013 with a double-header race meeting at Dubai Autodrome, Motor City. The welcome winter break will doubtlessly have allowed the competitors to compose themselves and try out new parts for their karts in an effort to close up the championship tables. The weather forecast for the weekend remains unpredictable, adding to the spice of the occasion.
Tehmur Chohan will be looking to extend his lead in the Mini MAX championship. With Zachary Robertson now having departed the Emirates for Great Britain, it will be a good chance for Alain Bauwmans and Ivan Berets to muscle in on the fight. An influx of new entries to the class will add to the already tight competition. Sem Knopjes, of the Micro MAX class, will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing round 4. The title favourite crashed out on the formation lap at Al Ain Raceway and lost several points to his rivals. The class, too, will be peppered with new faces which could help the young Dutchman extend his lead.
The Junior MAX class has 10 entries confirmed for this weekend’s race, but it could prove a double edged sword for the series leader; Pasqual Pook. If he is able to stay at the front and his rivals falter then he will make a massive leap forward. Of course, last months mechanical failure will be foremost on his mind and he will not want to be dropping any more points. Taymour Kermanshahchi has been his closest challenger so far this season and will certainly be eager to close the point’s gap. However, all eyes will be on guest racer, Thomas Bale. After winning a junior CIK race in Bahrain last month, he will be pitching his skills against some of his old competitors at the Autodrome.
As ever, the 125 MAX class will be the biggest and fiercest, with 28 drivers entered for the weekend. Abdullah Al Rawahi stole the show at a washed out Al Ain Raceway last month in a race that turned his luckless campaign around. He sits third in the championship 30 points behind Motor City local boy; Piers Pakenham-Walsh.
Pakenham-Walsh has been Mr. Consistency this season, and even without winning a final is only 17 points behind leader Alexandre Silanine. Philippe Valenza, currently fourth in the standings, has been commanding at times this year and he will be looking for his second win of the campaign. Kevin Day, who qualifies as a Master, sits fifth and came within a hairs breadth of taking maximum points at Dubai at the season opener. He will certainly be wanting an improved showing after his fourth round misfortune.
Finally, the DD2 class is certainly going to be the most competitive class of them all. Thus far, Sanad Al Rawahi, Oliver George and Mohammed Al Dhaheri have been inseparable. George will still be on a high after a tremendous wet-weather performance last time out and will be aiming to eat away at Al Rawahi’s title lead even further. Al Dhaheri needs to win this weekend if he is to keep his title hopes realistic.
