The top 34 Rotax drivers out of 72 in each class proceeded to the final day of racing where they will contest the grand final to determine the World Champion in each respective class.
Abdullah Al Rawahi has been the star for Team Oman with a fifth place topping his heat performances, giving cause for real optimism going into the pre-finals.
On a very slippery track and wet tyres, the conditions in the pre-final were treacherous at best but, remaining in contention with the leaders, he would bring his kart home safely in 9th place to guarantee him a place in the showpiece event.
Reigning Indy Lights champion, Dubai-based Ed Jones, performed admirably but could not make up the vital places he needed to join Al Rawahi in the final.
Taymour Kermanshahchi, on the other hand, rode his luck as his pre-final was stopped due to extreme rain. He was tipped into a spin on the opening lap and was in the middle of a fight-back when the race was halted. The race was continued after the weather improved slightly and Kermanshahchi took full advantage, picking off his rivals systematically until he crossed the line in 13th place. Penalties for two of his rivals promoted him further to 11thplace and he joins Al Rawahi in the grand final.
In the MAX class Pasqual Pook endured a tense wait for final clarification and crossed the line in 15th place which was enough to qualify but a 10 second penalty almost cost him his final place.
Kermanshahchi impressed with a great drive through the field in Mini MAX and, coupled with penalties applied to drivers ahead of him, was classified in 11th place which gives him an excellent platform for the Grand Final.
Rashid Al Dhaheri and Oscar McElroy both made forward progress in the Micro MAX Pre-Final to finish 21st and 19th respectively. If they can do the same in the final a top-15 finish is realistic although both are hoping for much more. The Micro MAX Final will be the first race of day seven and will follow the driver’s parade where young Emirati national, Al Dhaheri, will carry the UAE flag with his team mates.
For each of the six Team UAE drivers who have qualified for the Grand Final, action on Sunday includes a brief morning warm-up and the official driver’s parade before the main event in the afternoon which will be followed by the trophy presentation to the class Champions.
The drivers (and race numbers) representing Team UAE and Oman at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals 2016 are:
Micro Max 43 – Oscar McElroy (Top ranked UAE-based Micro MAX competitor)
Micro MAX 44 – Rashid Al Dhaheri (Leading Micro MAX Emirati National)
Mini MAX 83 – Ziggy Kermanshahchi (Top ranked UAE-based Mini MAX competitor)
Junior MAX 166 – Tehmur Chohan (UAE Junior MAX Runner-Up)
Junior MAX 167 – Lucas Petersson (Top ranked UAE-based Junior MAX competitor)
MAX 267 – Pasqual Pook (UAE MAX Champion)
MAX 268 – Giulio Peroni (UAE MAX Runner-Up)
DD2 365 – Abdullah Al Rawahi (Oman DD2 Champion)
DD2 366 – Taymour Kermanshahchi (Former UAE Junior MAX Champion)
DD2 369 – Edward Jones (Indy Lights Champion 2016)
DD2 Master 471 – Anthony Hogg (UAE DD2 Master Runner-Up)
DD2 Master 472 – Hussain Umid Ali (UAE DD2 Master Champion)