Doha, Qatar – Saud Al Marri secured his first victory of the 2025-2026 season at the third round of the Freestyle Drifting Championship, held at the Qatar Racing Club this past weekend. The three-day event, which concluded with a lively awards ceremony, drew a record number of spectators. Al Marri’s performance marked a shift in the competition, following two consecutive wins by Abdullah Al Qahtani.
The tournament, organized by the Qatar Racing Club, saw drivers compete over three hours of intense drifting action. Rashid Al Banna achieved his first podium finish of the season, taking second place, while Al Qahtani settled for third. Ahmed Al Musaned, a consistent top-three finisher in previous rounds, finished fourth, followed by Ahmed Al Banna in fifth.
Qatar Hosts Thrilling Round of the Freestyle Drifting Championship
Freestyle drifting, a motorsport that combines speed, skill, and car control, has gained significant popularity in the Middle East, particularly in Qatar. The sport involves drivers intentionally oversteering, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels while maintaining control, and performing a series of dynamic maneuvers. This round of the championship showcased the growing talent and dedication within the regional drifting community.
Prior to the competition, thorough technical inspections were conducted. According to event organizers, these inspections ensured all vehicles met stringent safety standards and adhered to the championship’s technical regulations. Key requirements included a fully installed roll cage, secure battery placement, functional seat belts, and appropriate driver safety gear like racing suits and helmets.
Competition Format and Scoring
The competition framework demanded precision and creativity from each contestant. Each driver was allotted a single four-minute run on the track to execute a series of predetermined maneuvers. These included initiating and maintaining a drift, performing a reverse maneuver, completing a figure-eight knot, and executing a reverse spin.
Judges evaluated drivers based on the technical execution of these maneuvers, as well as an additional “style score” that considered the overall flow, creativity, and entertainment value of the run. This scoring system rewards both precision and artistry, making freestyle drifting a visually captivating spectacle. The emphasis on style differentiates it from traditional circuit racing.
The event’s success highlights Qatar’s commitment to hosting international motorsports events. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities to attract such competitions, boosting its profile as a sporting hub. This investment also supports the development of local talent in motorsports like car drifting.
The large audience turnout suggests a growing interest in motorsports among the Qatari population and regional visitors. The Qatar Racing Club has been instrumental in fostering this enthusiasm through regular events and initiatives aimed at promoting safe and responsible driving practices. This round of the championship provided a platform for drivers to showcase their skills and connect with fans.
While Al Marri’s victory marks a turning point in the championship standings, the competition remains tight. Al Qahtani still holds a strong overall position, and the coming final round will be crucial in determining the ultimate champion. The performance of Al Banna also indicates a rising level of competition within the series.
The series will now enter a hiatus before resuming with the final round at the end of April. The exact location and details of the final event are yet to be announced, but organizers have indicated they are exploring options to further enhance the spectator experience. The outcome of the final round remains uncertain, and fans will be watching closely to see who will ultimately claim the drifting title.
Looking ahead, the championship’s organizers will likely analyze data from this round, including audience demographics and driver feedback, to inform future event planning. Continued investment in safety measures and driver development will be key to the long-term success of the motorsport series. The growth of drift competitions in the region will also depend on attracting sponsorship and media coverage.
