Doha, Qatar – The second round of the 2025/2026 Qatar Drift Championship ignited the Qatar Racing Club (QRC) this weekend, drawing large crowds and fierce competition from drivers across the Gulf region. Ali Makhseed emerged victorious after a series of intense tandem battles, securing his first win of the season. The event, held under the patronage of QRC Chairman H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, marks a significant return to motorsports action in Qatar after a six-week hiatus.
The competition, which took place on [Date – infer from context, e.g., December 15, 2025], showcased both established champions and rising stars in the drifting scene. Qualifying rounds determined the initial bracket, setting the stage for head-to-head eliminations that tested drivers’ skill, precision, and strategic maneuvering. Spectators enjoyed a thrilling display of automotive prowess and competitive spirit.
Intense Qualifying and Early Rounds of the Qatar Drift Championship
Abdullah Al-Mouhtasib led the qualifying standings, demonstrating early dominance in the competition. However, the tandem battles quickly proved that qualifying position wasn’t a guarantee of success. Ali Makhseed advanced steadily, defeating Meysiar Abu Shaiba in the initial stages.
Several all-local matchups added to the excitement, including a close contest between Yasser Al-Shater and Mohammed Al-Jaber, ultimately won by Al-Shater. Riyadh Al-Mabsali, a strong contender from the first round, continued his pursuit of the championship title by overcoming Mohammed Al-Azmi.
The elimination bracket saw further progression for notable drivers. Mohammed Khourshid, who qualified second, secured a win against Saleh Al-Rumaihi, a first-time participant in the championship. Defending local category champion Yazan Jabshah also advanced, defeating Bakheet Al-Hajri.
Key Battles and Surprising Outcomes
The matchup between the opening round champion, Ahmed Al-Amri, and Saoud Al-Abdulhadi unfolded as expected, with Al-Amri continuing his winning streak. Meanwhile, Abdullah Al-Mouhtasib demonstrated his qualifying strength by defeating Saoud Al-Attiya in an all-local duel.
The second round of eliminations further narrowed the field. Ali Makhseed and Salem Al-Sarraf emerged as winners in their respective battles, earning their spots in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Mohammed Khourshid and Ahmed Al-Amri also secured their places in the final four.
Makhseed Claims Victory in a Thrilling Final
The semifinal rounds were particularly dramatic, with both encounters initially ending in draws. Judges were forced to call for reruns to definitively determine the winners. Ali Makhseed ultimately prevailed against Salem Al-Sarraf, securing his place in the final round.
In a parallel semifinal, Mohammed Khourshid upset Ahmed Al-Amri, who subsequently lost the third-place playoff to Al-Sarraf, resulting in Al-Sarraf taking third place for the second consecutive round. This outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of drift racing and the importance of consistency.
The final showdown pitted qualifying leader Ali Makhseed against Mohammed Khourshid. The duel was described as the most exciting of the round, with both drivers pushing their limits. Ultimately, Makhseed’s precision and control secured him the victory, marking his first win of the motorsport season.
QRC Director General Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid Al Thani presented the awards to the top three finishers, acknowledging their exceptional performance and contribution to the event. The event also served as a platform for showcasing the growing popularity of automotive sports in Qatar.
The third round of the Qatar Drift Championship is scheduled to take place in two weeks. The championship standings will be closely watched as drivers vie for valuable points and a chance to compete for the overall title. Potential weather conditions and driver strategies will likely play a crucial role in the upcoming competition.
