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Bahrain International Circuit, ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, hosted a thrilling second round in the 2009/2010 Batelco 2,000cc Challenge on Friday, as Bahrain’s very own Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stole the show.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa enjoyed what was nearly a perfect day – coming agonizingly close to winning pole position for Race One and then capping it hours later by securing a double for the weekend in Race Two. En route to his pair of victories, he also set the fastest lap in each event, which earned him the season’s best time so far out of all the competitors.

Friday’s round was organised by Bahrain’s Circuit Racing Club, in co-operation with the Bahrain Motor Federation, Bahrain International Circuit, and leading telecommunications company, Batelco, who are providing the prize money for the third successive season.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa had to battle hard in Race One to claim his first win of the year.

After starting beside pole man Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa in the front row, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa grabbed the lead at turn one.

He managed to hold on to the advantage throughout the remainder of the 15-lap race, despite his brother Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Shaikh Jaber bin Ali, and Mustafa Al Khan, the defending champion of the series, trailing hot on his heels.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa eventually finished in 19mins 53.390secs to claim first place in style. Shaikh Salman bin Isa was the runner-up 2.051secs behind, while Shaikh Jaber bin Ali was 3.119secs off for third.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa’s fastest lap in the race was 1min 18.455secs. He was driving a Honda Civic. Shaikh Salman bin Isa was behind the wheel of a Honda CRX, and Shaikh Jaber bin Ali a Honda Integra.

Al Khan was within striking distance of the podium. In his Honda Civic, he was 3.835secs out of first place.

With the grid being reversed for Race Two, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa pulled off a superior overtaking display and led the same top challengers in the front of the pack to the checkered flag. He also had a quicker pace in this event, and claimed the win in 19mins 45.135secs.

Al Khan was second this time around, finishing 2.703secs from the win. Shaikh Jaber bin Ali came third 4.541secs behind to gain his second podium of the day. Shaikh Salman bin Isa could not build from his earlier success, and was forced to settle for fourth.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa claimed his second fastest lap of the round, setting his quickest time of 1min 17.720secs. The mark is also the best so far this season set around the Bahrain International Circuit Inner Track of 2.550 kilometers.

Other drivers competing on Friday were Mohammed Saleh in a Honda Civic, Hisham Al Othman in a Honda CRX, Tim Birkin in a Honda Integra, Abdul Rahman Ghuloom in a Honda Civic, Stephen Kellogg in a Mini Cooper, Peter Turney in a BMW E30, Hamed Kuzbar in a Ford Focus, and Chris Rabie in a Renault Clio.

Following the events, the podium ceremony took place with Circuit Racing Club, Bahrain Motor Federation, Bahrain International Circuit and Batelco officials taking part.

The third round of the 2009/2010 Batelco 2,000cc Challenge will take place once again at the award-winning ‘Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ on December 11.

Race One result:
1 Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa 19mins 53.390secs
2 Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa +2.051secs
3 Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa +3.119secs
4 Mustafa Al Khan +3.835secs
5 Mohammed Saleh +18.005secs
6 Hisham Al Othman +48.281secs
7 Tim Birkin +1min 02.770secs
8 Abdul Rahman Ghuloom +1min 14.951secs
9 Stephen Kellogg +1 lap
10 Peter Turney +1 lap
11 Hamed Kuzbar +1 lap
12 Chris Rabie +1 lap

Race Two result:
1 Shaikh Hamad bin Al Khalifa 19mins 45.135secs
2 Mustafa Al Khan +2.703secs
3 Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa +4.541secs
4 Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa +22.484secs
5 Mohammed Saleh +1 mini 05.536secs
6 Chris Rabie +1min 09.320secs
7 Hamed Kuzbar +1 lap
8 Peter Turney +1 lap
9 Hisham Al Othman +6 laps
10 Tim Birkin +8 laps
11 Abdul Rahman Ghuloom +13 laps
Stephen Kellogg DNF