DOHA: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) yesterday dedicated their spectacular maiden Moto2 race win to the Emir,
H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, saying the victory in Assen was “a Ramadan gift for the entire country”.
QMMF Racing Team rider Anthony West beat Maverick Vinales of Spain and Mika Kallio of Finland to win the Dutch motorcycle Grand Prix yesterday.
QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah yesterday said: “QMMF Racing Team’s first Moto2 win is dedicated to the Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Emir is the force behind Qatar’s rise as a sporting power.
“This was an amazing result for our riders and team in Assen. I would also like to congratulate
H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, Special Adviser to the Emir, on this historic result for
QMMF.”
Delighted with yesterday’s race, the QMMF President said: “In this hour of celebration, I thank H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, who has always backed our endeavors in the racing world.”
Al Attiyah also thanked the Ministry of Sport: “Our achievement would not have been possible without the wholehearted support of the Ministry of Sport, headed by H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali.”
Al Attiyah said Qatar was leading the way for motorcycling in the region. “Motorsport has always been a passion for fans in Qatar. With this Moto2 win, we have truly arrived as a bike giant in the region. We have managed podium finishes in Moto2 racing before and now we have won a Moto2 race against all odds,” Al Attiyah, who is a Vice-president at FIA and FIM, said.
“At this time, I also would like to acknowledge the commitment of young riders in Qatar who are taking the sport forward. We have a world-class facility at Losail International Circuit and we have an extremely busy racing calendar every season. We are moving in the right direction and this is only possible due to the support of the government,” a pleased Al Attiyah added.
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