Summarize

Double Thruxton Podium for Jozi Lad Alibhai

South African youngster Aqil Alibhai put in a stellar performance to provisionally be classified third and second in the two British Ginetta Junior races at the high speed Thruxton circuit over the weekend. A first race third and provisionally second in race 2, with the win still not out of the question, saw the Ormonde, Johannesburg lad up to fourth in the illustrious championship after three rounds of racing.

Aqil qualified his Elite Motorsport Ginetta fourth, but his second quickest time also secured the race two pole position. Race 1 saw him in a multi-car battle over third, where Alibhai kept out of trouble to take his second podium on the trot. Televised live on ITV4, Alibhai led the field away from pole position carrying the onboard camera for the second action-packed encounter. He was only passed questionably close to yellow, and then red flags flying to end the race.

We went in the weekend filled with confidence,” Aqil explained. “I had a good qualifying run for fourth on the race one grid, and pole position for race 2 off my second best lap. “I had some crazy battles in the first race, so I’m pretty chuffed with third there. “Then I got away well and led race two for most of the distance. “Then I saw the yellow flags and the SC safety car board, so I tapped off as I must, and I was passed under the yellow flag! 

“The safety car ran for two laps before the red flag ended the race. “So, I have to provisionally settle for second despite having the pace and the position to win, so let’s see how the judicial process sorts all that out to get our victory back! Nevertheless, we had a brilliant weekend and now we have three podiums in the last three races and I have jumped up to fourth in the championship chase. “I cannot be happier!” 

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Aqil Alibhai

What:Ginetta Junior Championship Round 3 Report
Where:Thruxton, England
When:28-29 May 2022
Community:International

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