On-track action resumes at Bahrain International Circuit on Friday (January 8, 2010), with the staging of the fourth round of the 2009/2010 Batelco 2000cc Challenge.

The event is being organized by Bahrain’s Circuit Racing Club, in cooperation with the Bahrain Motor Federation, Bahrain International Circuit and leading telecommunications company Batelco, who are providing the attractive prizes for the drivers.

The meeting follows an extremely exciting third round held in December, which took place as part of the inaugural ‘Speed Weekend Bahrain’ which proved to be a grand success for the award-winning ‘Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’.

Brothers Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa both rose to the top of the podium in round three’s two races, while defending champion Mustafa Al Khan did enough to maintain his lead in the championship standings as the series approaches the middle of the season.

Al Khan heads into round four with 57 points in first place, having won two of the season’s six races so far while stepping onto the podium three other times.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa follows close behind in second place with 50 points. He has three race victories under his belt already this year, but a DNF to start his campaign has negatively influenced his standing.

Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa is in third place with 46 points, with Shaikh Salman bin Isa in fourth with 39 points.
All four are set to be among the top challengers once again for a place on the podium in the coming races.

The others who will be aiming to overthrow their highly touted rivals are Mohammed Saleh, Abdulrahman Ghuloom, Hisham Al Othman, Chris Rabie, Tim Birkin, Peter Turney, Stephen Kellogg, Raed Himmo, Osama Al Buflasa, and Hamed and Ahmed Kuzbar.

All are invited to attend the exciting day of racing. Action will begin from 9 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are 2 BD, while children up to the age of 15 years old can get in for just 1 BD. Tickets are available at the gate.

Only a week remains before the inaugural ‘Speed Weekend Bahrain’ takes Bahrain International Circuit by storm.’ The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ is gearing up to welcome thousands of race fans and entertainment seekers who will enjoy three of the region’s most captivating motor racing series: the Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Championship, the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the Batelco 2000cc Challenge.

Bahraini racer Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will have a unique task at the event, which takes place on December 11 and 12. Shaikh Hamad bin Isa will be competing in both the Chevrolet Supercars and the Batelco 2000cc – twice the battle that will require double the effort.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa commented: “Most of my focus is to get onto the podium in the Chevrolet Supercars second round, especially since we are racing at my home track. It’s going to be tough since I am also going to be racing in round three of the Batelco 2000cc, which I will also be giving as much attention as I can to.

“Hopefully I can achieve good results in both events. I am mentally and physically prepared, and I’m looking forward to having an enjoyable weekend out on the track.”
In the first round of the Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Championship held at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa put on a strong and consistent drive, finishing sixth in the SC09 category in both races. He is also now sixth on the SC09 championship standings.

“I was quite pleased with my performance, considering the high level of racing between all the competitors. I hope I can continue to be consistent and this time takes a place on the podium,” he said.
In the Batelco 2000cc Challenge, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa made up for a difficult first round in October by winning both races in round two held in November. His impressive double helped him rise to third place on the championship standings, and he will be aiming to continue his ascent.

“At present, things are looking good, but I will not take anything for granted and of course I will be going out to get the maximum points possible, and maybe again take a victory or two,” he said.
Shaikh Hamad bin Isa is sponsored by ROBECO Investment Bank. He is also the official ambassador to the International Automobile Federation ‘Make Cars Green’ campaign – which is a global environmental initiative aimed at reducing the negative impact of motoring on the planet.

Other international ambassadors include former Formula One Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard and current Formula One Red Bull Racing ace Mark Webber.
Tickets for ‘Speed Weekend Bahrain’ are now available at 7 BD for both days. Children aged 15 years old and younger will be able to get in free.