Birkin, Faqihi set for thrilling title showdown

Manama : Tim Birkin and Mohamed Faqihi are headed for an exciting showdown today for the coveted drivers’ title in the 2016/2017 BIC 2,000cc Challenge, in the season’s seventh and concluding round under BIC’s brilliantly floodlit 2.55-kilometre Inner Track to provide a top-class setting for the championship finale.

Birkin (181 points) who drives a Honda Integra, heads into the meeting as the title-favourite as he enjoys a 28-point lead over Faqihi (153) and needs a minimum of 23 points from the final two races to officially secure the crown. A victory in Race One would seal it, as it would earn him 25 points alone.

“I’m very excited about this final round, but I’m also very nervous,” said a cautious Birkin, who had finished as the championship’s runner-up in the 2,000cc Challenge twice in the past.

“I may be leading the championship but anything can happen. Reliability in my car will be key. It’s going to be super hot on Friday, even if we will be racing at night, so I need to make sure that I check everything in the car and that it’s all in tip-top shape. “I have finished second in the championship twice before, so I’m hoping it would be third time lucky if I win. It would mean a lot to me to get this title.”

Faqihi meanwhile, hopes to forge an upset in his Honda CIVIC but understands the massive task ahead of him. “Currently, the standings show that I am 28 points behind, but technically I still have a chance to win the title,” Faqihi said. “Tim has been consistent the entire year. He has shown that he has the pace and reliability, and he is considered to be one of the championship front runners.

“While mathematically winning the title is still possible, on the ground I would need to put in my best effort and have a little luck smiling down my way. I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Action begins at 4.30pm with a 30-minute Practice session. Qualifying follows at 5.20pm to determine the Race One grid.

The round’s opening 12-lap sprint is then scheduled to flag off at 7.02pm. That paves the way for the championship finale at 8.22pm. The Podium Ceremony will be held right after all the action at 9pm.

Behind Birkin and Faqihi on the championship standings are lady driver Martyna Alqassab (Renault Clio Sport) (138) ranked third and she will be battling hard to finish the season in second place, while Raed Himmo (Honda CIVIC) (131) is not far behind in fourth and Lee Stones (BMW 3 Series/F20C) (108) in fifth place.

All are welcome to attend the season finale and tickets are available at the gate and cost BD2 for adults and BD1 for children.