Abu Dhabi: UAE prodigy Rashid Al Daheri scored impressive back-to-back wins with a commanding all-round performance at the South Garda kart track in Lonato, Italy, to keep his Parolin Academy Championship title hopes alive.
The weekend started well for the seven-year-old as he recorded the fastest times in free practice, but he was hampered by mechanical problems in qualifying, although he was still quick enough to claim third place on the starting grid in the Pre-Final the following day.
Race day was wet and the track was slippery, but Rashid coped well and took first place in the Warm-up Round in a confident display.
For the Pre-Final, conditions had improved and the UAE driver was soon in command, remaining in front until the end of the race to notch his second win of the day.
In the all-important final, Rashid controlled the race from the outset, powering off the start to take an early lead and cross the line in first, setting the fastest lap of the race on the way. He banked maximum points, putting him in second place in the overall standings, just 20 behind the leader with one round to go.
Rashid’s father Ali Al Daheri was elated, saying: “We couldn’t be more proud of Rashid, it was a tough weekend and he consistently excelled under pressure. Despite missing the first race of the season, he has still managed to put himself in contention for the top spot.
“Anything can happen in motorsports so we are trying to stay focused on the race, but we should see an exciting end to a tough championship where our boy has definitely made his mark.”
The next round of the championship takes place in Adria, Italy, on October 11.
