Doha, Qatar – The second round of the Qatar Freestyle Championship (QFC) concluded Friday evening at the Qatar Racing Club (QRC), with Abdullah Al-Qahtani securing his second consecutive victory in the 2025/2026 season. The event, held under the patronage of QRC Chairman H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, drew a substantial audience and featured intense competition among skilled drivers. This round followed registration and technical inspections conducted earlier in the week, accommodating a surge in last-minute entries due to the prior celebrations of Qatar National Day.
The Qatar Freestyle Championship aims to showcase the technical skill and artistry of drifting and precision driving. Competitors navigated a challenging course designed to test their abilities in maneuvers such as drifting, reverse driving, the knot technique, and the “Riyous” maneuver – all performed within a four-minute time limit. Judges evaluated not only the execution of these skills but also the overall style and presentation of each run.
Qatar Freestyle Championship: Results and Competition Format
Abdullah Al-Qahtani’s win marks a strong start to his title defense, demonstrating consistency and mastery over the demanding course. Saud Al-Marri continued his impressive form, finishing second, mirroring his results from the opening round. Ahmed Al-Musnad rounded out the podium in third place.
The close competition continued with Mohammed Al-Farhan and Ahmed Al-Banna claiming fourth and fifth positions respectively. These results highlight the growing depth of talent within the Qatari motorsports community. Scoring is based on a combination of technical precision and artistic impression, encouraging drivers to blend control with creative expression.
Emphasis on Vehicle Safety
Organizers placed considerable emphasis on vehicle safety and compliance with regulations. Technical inspections conducted before the competition ensured all cars met specific standards. This focus on safety is a critical component of the QFC, protecting both drivers and spectators.
The inspection process carefully assesses aspects such as roll cages, fire suppression systems, and overall mechanical integrity to minimize risk during the high-speed, demanding maneuvers. According to officials, the stringent checks are essential for maintaining a professional and secure racing environment. Modifications to vehicles are permitted, but they must adhere to approved safety guidelines.
The popularity of motorsports in Qatar has been rising steadily in recent years, fueled by significant investment in facilities and a growing local fanbase. Events like the QFC contribute to this momentum, providing a platform for Qatari drivers to showcase their skills and attract international attention. This has led to an increase in both participant numbers and spectator attendance.
Furthermore, the event also promotes the importance of responsible driving and highlights the skill involved in controlled drifting, distinguishing it from dangerous street racing. The QRC regularly hosts a variety of racing events, including drag racing and circuit racing, catering to a diverse range of automotive interests. The local drifting scene has particularly benefited from the organized framework provided by the QFC.
The award ceremony concluded the second round, with the top three drivers honored on the podium to the applause of the crowd. Preparations are now underway for the third and penultimate round of the championship, scheduled to take place in two weeks.
Looking ahead, the championship organizers will continue to refine the competition format and safety protocols to ensure a high-quality and secure racing experience. The exact date and details for the third round will be announced shortly, and attendees will be watching to see if Al-Qahtani can maintain his winning streak. Any potential changes to the regulations or course layout will be closely monitored by competitors as the season progresses.
