Midhat Sheikh Alardh (C, winner), Raed Abu Zinadah (L, first runner-up) and Zoumat bou Zoumat (2nd runner-up) celebrate on the podium.RIYADH: Midhat Sheikh Alardh came first in the first round of the second version of the Saudi Radical Racing Championship, which was held under the sponsorship of Mobil 1 at Reem International Circuit here. The Radical Racing Championship is part of the Saudi Racing Festival for 2010–2011 season. Through his stunning show Sheikh Alardh confirmed his readiness for the new season and his talent in 1500cc category of the Radical races. Raed Abu Zinadah of Saudi Falcon team came second followed by the Lebanese driver Zoumat bou Zoumat in the third place. In the 1340cc category, the Jordanian driver Saher Fatafitah of Capital Sigma team, came first followed by Mohammed Al-Tayeb and Abdullah Algain of GR8 team. The first round kicked off perfectly in front of a great number spectators without any significant incidents which usually happen in similar races. The main surprise of the event was the pole positions where Abu Zinadah came first as he set the best time in the official qualifying round (1.15.224 minutes) followed by Saeed Almori and Midhat Sheikh Alardh. Upon hitting the track, Abu Zinadah was under great pressure from both Almori and Sheikh Alardh. Almori could not get past Abu Zinadah and he crashed to leave the race though he set the fastest time in the fourth lap. Sheikh Alardh took advantage of the accident and romped home. Due to the accident Abu Zinadah came second after strong competition with his teammate Bandar Alireza and Zoumat of GR8 team where Alireza had to retreat leaving the third place to Zoumat. After crowning, Sheikh Alardh expressed his happiness for winning this round, and said: “Thanks to God for this great achievement. I have determined to outrace Abu Zinadah from the very beginning, and precisely followed the instructions of my team manager to quietly get past Almori without hitting him and to put pressure on Abu Zinadah. Thanks God, all things have gone well and I managed to win the race”. After the race, Prince Sultan bin Salman, Chairman of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, awarded the prizes.
