Portimao, 12:20, it was time for the first Final, the Micro Max (Praga), at Portimao for the 2017 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals. Adrian Malheiro (PRT) showed consistent form at the front of the category, but his neighbour on the front row of the grid, Keanu Al Azhari (UAE) also showed great speed. Ryota Horachi (JPN) and Leon Zelenko (CRO) were on the second row. We also followed the progress of Théophile Nael (FRA) in 7th and Louis Iglesias (FRA) in 12th, in the beautiful weather of the Algarve. 10 laps were on the programme. The outside line was faster to start and Al Azhari took the lead over Malheiro on the first lap. Iglesias had a great start and passed for 4th while Nael did not leave the grid. Malheiro then dropped to 18th and Iglesias took 2nd place ahead of Zelenko, Masymilian Obst (POL) and Antonella Bassani (ITA). Al Azhari had taken a lead of almost a second on Iglesias who was doing everything he could to get closer to the leader, despite the constant pressure from Zelenko, Obst and Horachi behind him. The Frenchman attacked and took the lead on the 6th lap, with Zelenko in his wheeltracks. Al Azhari then returned to 2nd place before overtaking Iglesias, while Zelenko was distanced. Despite a last wheel to wheel fight, Al Azhari did not give in and won, 76 thousandths ahead of Iglesias. But it was Louis Iglesias who was celebrated as the winner and Al Azhari appeared in 14th position, apparently because of an illegal start. Zelenko finished 2nd, Horachi 3st and Obst 4th.
Info Kartcom with Kartlink / © Photos KSP