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Tribune News Network
Doha
Mashel al Naimi topped the first free practice to emerge as the fastest rider in the opening round of the Qatar Superstock (QSTK) 600 which kicked off at the Losail International Circuit in Doha on Friday.
Naimi clocked a lap time of 2:06.607secs and was followed by Saeed al Sulaiti (2:07.523).
In free practice 2, Sulaiti lead the timings stopping the clock at 2:05.627 while Naimi came second with 2:05.919.
Khalid al Mal and Hassan al Mansoori managed to get to the Superpole 2 where the winner was Naimi.
Mashel did a great time of 2:04.914 and will start on Saturday from the first place at the grid. 'I am very happy with the result. My bike is really good, but my lap time hasn't been so good. I tried to make a good lap, but I don't know why didn't improve. Overall, I'm happy to start from the front row and have a good rhythm.
"The championship has just begun. Let's see if I can win both the races tomorrow. For sure, there will be a fight for the first place and I try to make a little adjustment in the warm up," said the QSTK poleman.
The second position in the starting grid will be for Saeed al Sulaiti, who got a lap time of 2:05.264 in the Superpole 2.
Sulaiti was happy as he is not far away from the top times."The lap time was not bad. It's a good to start at the front row but I would be happier if I could get the superpole but today it was not possible. We are not very far away. We need to work a bit on the set up and we'll be there.
"Regarding tomorrow's race, I expect it to be a big fight between the top three, Mashel, Nasser and myself. So. let's see what happens," he said.
The third rider in the front row will be Nasser al Malki who was very happy with his position after a long time without racing."I had a strange feeling on the bike, riding against the wind and too much push from the corner. During the FP1 and FP2, I was riding used tyres but in the superpole I changed to new tyres and I had more grip. I am happy to be in third position for tomorrow as it is important. Also, it is a long time for me since I didn't race and this is very good for me, almost two years without racing' stated Malki.
On Saturday, the first race of QSTK will start at 11:10am followed by the second race at 14:10pm. Entry is free for all spectators at the Grandstand and paddock.
