Birkin clinches 2,000cc title

Manama : Tim Birkin did so in style, taking both a podium and a victory in the season’s seventh and final round, held at a floodlit Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.

The veteran headed into the meeting as the championship leader and was heavily favoured to come away with the crown, as only one other driver still had a mathematical chance of stealing away the championship, but chief rival Mohamed Faqihi had an unlucky finale.

This helped seal the title for Birkin, who managed to finish his campaign with a strong third-place classification in race one and then a well-deserved victory in race two.

“I now know why Nico Rosberg resigned after winning his title; I’ve just been a nervous wreck, worrying about everything and anything possibly breaking down,” said a visibly relieved Birkin after the round’s podium ceremony.

“The first race was really nerve-wracking,” he added. “In the second race, I could let my hair down and go for it. Luckily, I came out in first place, which is a nice way to round off the season.”

Birkin captured the maiden 2,000cc title of his career. The Abu Dhabi resident first made his debut in the BIC-based series in the 2008/2009 season, and has since consistently been one of championship front runners. He had previously come close to winning the crown twice in the past, in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 campaigns.

“I can still remember my first race in the 2,000cc like it was yesterday,” Birkin commented. “I finished eighth out of 14 and I was quite happy, but gradually my times improved and so did my results. This is a fantastic family in the Circuit Racing Club (CRC), where all the drivers are so friendly and no wonder why it’s the longest-running championship in the region, It’s such a good one.”

Raed Himmo driving a Honda CIVIC topped qualifying to take the leading grid position in race one alongside Faqihi, who was also driving a CIVIC. Lee Stones in a BMW 3 Series/F20C started from third and Birkin, in a Honda Integra, was in fourth place.

Faqihi managed to gain the lead early on in the race, but after just four laps, he was forced to pull off to the side of the track with car trouble. He eventually retired from the 12-lap sprint.

Himmo (16 minutes 29.038) went on to regain the lead and hold on to it until the chequered flag followed by Lee Stones (+5.507 seconds) in second place followed by Birkin (+20.878) in third and locking up the championship.