So near, yet so far for Mishal

IT WAS a case of so near, yet so far for Mishal Al Naimi. Starting from the pole, Mishal pushed all the way to win Race 1 and drew level on points with Saeed Al Sulaiti.

He started with a bang In Race 2 also only to be done in by a technical problem with his bike and that reduced his mobility.

In the end, he had to play second fiddle to Saeed as the inaugural Qatar Superstock 600cc Championship (QSTK) was decided by a meagre five-point margin.

A former five-time national champion, who has the experience of competing in Moto2 Grand Prix’s and Spanish CEV Championship, Mishal was looking at the positives.

“I’m happy with my overall performance. I improved after every race. I want to thank my sponsor Ooredoo for the support throughout the series. A big thanks to the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Losail Circuit Sports Club for hosting such a competitive series,” said Mishal.

Having given Saeed a close fight right from the start till the end, Mishal hopes for better luck next time.

“Congratulations to Saeed, Nasser (Al Malki) and to all riders, who, with their performances showed that motor sports is alive and kicking in Qatar. Saeed deserves the title for sure, he’s a very good rider. Well, he made only one mistake when he pushed me out in the fourth round and I crashed and didn’tget any point in that race, but this is racing. Hopefully, with better preparation, I can beat him next season,” concluded Mishal.