From the archive
Karim Rizkallah Clinches Thrilling Victory in Qatar Karting Championship Round Three
Karim Rizkallah won the Qatar Karting Championship Round Three at Lusail International Circuit by a mere 0.031 seconds in a thrilling finish.
Karim Rizkallah secured victory in the third round of the Qatar Karting Championship 2026, which concluded recently at the Lusail International Circuit. The competition saw 18 participants vying for top honours at the Doha venue. Rizkallah's win marks a significant result in the ongoing championship series, adding a new dimension to the competitive season. The Lusail International Circuit, known for its challenging layout, provided an ideal setting for the high-stakes karting action. Drivers from various backgrounds competed fiercely, showcasing their skills and determination across multiple heats leading up to the final race.
Close Finish in Lusail
Karim Rizkallah completed the 12-lap final race, covering 12.488 km, in a time of 12:49.943 minutes. His victory margin was a narrow 0.031 seconds, noting the intense competition and the precision required to succeed at this level. The final lap saw a dramatic push from Rizkallah, securing his position at the top. Victor Litadoun secured second place, finishing with a time of 12:49.974 minutes, just fractions of a second behind the winner. Litadoun's consistent performance throughout the race kept him in contention for the win until the very end. Alfie McIlroy earned third position, recording a time of 12:55.263 minutes, demonstrating strong pace and strategic driving. McIlroy's podium finish is a notable achievement in a highly competitive field. Felix Carina followed in fourth place, clocking 12:56.346 minutes, showing impressive speed and consistency. Carina's performance positions him as a strong contender for future rounds. Tamim Hassiba completed the top five finishers, crossing the line with a time of 12:57.537 minutes, maintaining his strong presence in the championship standings. The top five finishers all displayed exceptional driving, navigating the demanding circuit with skill.
Championship Standings Update
Tamim Hassiba currently leads the overall standings in the Qatar Karting Championship with a total of 60 points. Hassiba's consistent performance across the initial rounds has established him as the frontrunner. Victor Litadoun holds the second position, accumulating 54 points following the recent round, demonstrating his strong challenge for the championship title. Litadoun's second-place finish in Round Three significantly boosted his points tally. Karim Rizkallah, who secured victory in Round Three, now ranks third in the championship, with his recent win propelling him up the standings. His strong performance indicates he will be a formidable force in the remaining races.
Danish Qureshi occupies fourth place with 44 points. Qureshi's early season success has kept him within striking distance of the top three. Arkadiusz Barski is positioned fifth in the standings, having gathered 27 points, showcasing his steady progress. Gabriel Al-Badawi follows closely in sixth place, with his points total standing at 25.5, indicating a tight race for the mid-table positions. Sasha Roulet and Alfie McIlroy are tied for seventh and eighth positions respectively, both with 15 points. Their shared points total shows the competitive nature of the championship, where every point counts. Sergey Tereshchenko is in ninth place with 14.5 points, demonstrating his presence among the top ten. Felix Carina rounds out the top ten with 14 points, securing a valuable position in the overall standings. The championship standings reflect a dynamic season, with several drivers closely contesting for top positions.
Season Notes and Context
Tamim Hassiba secured victory in the first round of the championship, completing the race in 13:03.377 minutes. His performance established an early lead in the season's point standings, setting a high benchmark for the competition. This initial win provided Hassiba with key momentum. Danish Qureshi followed with a win in the second round. Qureshi finished his race with a time of 14:02.802 minutes, contributing to his current fourth-place position in the overall championship standings. His victory in the second round showcased his ability to challenge the leading drivers. These early results set the stage for the competitive nature of the 2026 Qatar Karting Championship, leading up to Karim Rizkallah's recent win in Round Three. The diverse winners in the initial rounds show the depth of talent within the championship. Each round has presented new challenges and opportunities for the participants, making the 2026 season particularly engaging.