Young Emirati karting star Rashid Al Dhaheri continued a stunning season as the best rookie in the Italian Championship season, achieving fourth place in the morning final then victory in the afternoon final on a racing weekend in Italy. Rashid showed his mastery of wet weather drivingat Campionato Italiano Karting Round 4 Adria, from Sep 24, 2020 to Sep 27, 2020, in the Junior X30 category.   The opening to the weekend was challenging and his tough qualification experience was missing speed, ultimately seeing Rashid qualifying in fourth position in his group, with similar challenges during the qualifiers. The heats saw him placed on the third row of the grid, in a tricky outside position.   With a series of battles during the Saturday heats, young Rashid started the final in P4. After a stunning start and early lead, the young Emirati faced some technical issues and had to concede for the fourth position.   The weekend was a two-for-one, with the second final reversing starting grid positions from final results in the previous race, seeing Rashid start the grid this time in fifth position.   The clouds got thicker, and the rain came down, providing Rashid with the opportunity to demonstrate his wet weather driving skills. Right from the start of the race, the young star created an early lead. From his inside position, he managed to overtake the leader right from the get-go – creating a huge gap on the first lap.   Lap upon lap, Rashid maintained and built upon his lead as he advanced on the wet track. The race culminated in the young driver crossing the finish line with the checkered flag waving, with a significant seven-second gap ahead of the competition. Once more, he would ascend the top of the podium.   Rashid said “I am really proud to hear the UAE national anthem on the top spot of the podium. I think we have built up a good foundation this weekend and it will be beneficial to advance further in this new Junior category. We have been practicing in the wet and I am glad that the training has paid off. I look forward to the next race and building upon a solid foundation of opening season performances.”   Coach and ex-Formula 2 champion Fausto Ippoliti said: “Rashid is now the best rookie in the Italian Championship season, which is an excellent advancement for the tough level of the 11-14 years oldX30 Junior category. His natural abilities and determination are advancing Rashid to higher and higher levels. To win in the wet weather against such excellent drivers is an excellent achievement.”  

The Campionato Italiano Karting race took place on the innovative FIA approved Adria Karting raceway. This 1,302m course is challenging with its tight and twisty nature, with the straights connected by a series of hairpin bends.