Qatar’s al-Sahouti bags second place at Asia Talent Cup

Qatari rider Hamad al-Sahouti finished an impressive second in Race 2 of the opening leg of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday.Japan’s Amon Odaki was able to break clear in the latter stages and take his maiden ATC win, with wildcard and local hero al-Sahouti taking second ahead of Veda Ega Pratama of Indonesia in third. Al-Sahouti covered 14 laps and a distance of 75.32 kilometres in 30 minutes and 52.033 seconds, 1.313 behind Odaki.The promising al-Sahouti is the current leader of the Qatar Superstock Championship in the 300cc category and his latest podium finish comes as a significant achievement following his participation in competitions in European.Off the line, Odaki got a better start but didn’t quite keep the holeshot, with Malaysian Hakim Danish scything through to lead. As ever, it remained a group battle at the front though, with nine riders able to break away and fight it out.As the laps ticked down, it was duel between Odaki vs Pratama before al-Sahouti made the move. The Qatari rider put in a few fastest laps over the line, and the scene was set for a showdown to the wire.While Odaki pulled away to victory, Pratama, tucked in behind, suffered a huge moment – and pulled off an incredible save. The Indonesian stayed on but was shuffled back in the group, and in the wake of the incident a gap opened up between Odaki and the chasing pack.It was a slipstream showdown won by al-Sahouti as the wildcard took second and his first podium. Pratama, despite having dropped back after his moment, completed the podium.