1 day Ago By Faizal Salim
KUALA LUMPUR: Young racer Qabil Irfan Azlan secured his second consecutive victory in the opening round of the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) after triumphing in Race 2 at the Jerez circuit in Spain on Sunday.The 13-year-old, competing in the ESBK Talent category, completed the 14-lap race in 26 minutes and 08.299 seconds to claim first place ahead of Spanish riders Izan Rodriguez (+0.
403s) and Andres Garcia (+12.562s).It was the second time the Frando Racing VHC Team Liquid Moly rider finished ahead of both Rodriguez and Garcia, having also won Race 1 on Saturday.
Starting from pole position following his victory in Race 1, Qabil made a strong start and held onto the lead through the first corner.Rodriguez, determined to avenge his earlier defeat, challenged Qabil throughout the race, frequently swapping positions with the young Malaysian.Heading into the final lap, Rodriguez was in front, but Qabil executed a daring overtaking manoeuvre just two corners before the final bend to snatch the lead and secure the win.
"I'm grateful to win Race 2. I knew Izan would be my fiercest challenger," said the former FIM MiniGP World Champion in a video provided by ZK Racing."It was a really tight race as we kept overtaking each other, and in the last lap, I tried to stay ahead of him.
If I hadn't, I wouldn't have had the chance to make the final move for the win."The second round of the ESBK will take place on April 19 at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
