Binladin begins new season in style
DUBAI — Abdulaziz Binladin started his 2013-2014 UAE Sportbike Championship campaign in the best way possible, by winning the first two races on the opening day of the season at Dubai Autodrome’s National Circuit configuration on Friday, a Press release said.
The Dubai Falcons Kawasaki rider has returned to contest the 600 Class after a season in the non-championship 1000 Class. On the day he was the class of a quality field, winning Race 1 by 5.348 seconds and Race 2 by a whopping 12.157 seconds.
Binladin summed up his day: “It was very hot out there but we managed to get it right, although we tried some setup changes in the second race which did not quite work. I really enjoy the National Circuit configuration as it suits my style and the Kawasaki.
“I want to thank my team and also Liberty Kawasaki for the support. We did the deal to race this season at short notice and I am glad we can start the season with two wins,” added the Saudi rider.
It is always encouraging to see new talent emerging onto the local scene, and better still when they impress as did Gautam Mayilvaganan who signaled his arrival with two impressive races, which saw him finish second in both aboard his Honda. He showed maturity as he battled in among some of the more seasoned campaigners in the field.
Mayilvaganan said afterwards: “It was a good day and I am happy to be on the podium, and it is part of the plan to do as well as possible at every round and even challenge for the championship.”
Ducati mounted Joe Oxley was in the wars all day, but showed his tenacity by finishing third in both races.