Mid-match injury forces Medvedev to retire from quarter-final clash with Jiri Lehecka
The 11-year old, chasing his dream to become a Formula One driver, produced a superb performance to clinch the Mini Rok title in a field of 64 drivers at the famous South Garda Karting circuit. In the 12-lap final he shrugged off a powerful challenge from top young Russian drivers Dimtiry Matveev and German Foteev to advance his superb winning record in Italy. More than 300 drivers from 47 countries were in action at the weekend in the season-opening Winter Cup in Lonato, which has provided a ladder into Formula One for drivers including former F1 champion Jenson Button and current star Max Verstappen.
Rashid's latest race triumph comes as a study is being carried out in the UAE to help the Mena region develop world champions in motor sport.
Commissioned by Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the study is led by Professor David Hassan, one of the world's leading experts in sport management, and will be completed in the next six weeks.
"Rashid's performance at the weekend again underlined his enormous potential, and is a perfect example of the kind of young talent we have in this region which needs to be developed," said Sulayem, the FIA regional Vice President for Sport.
"The aim of the study is to find ways to attract more young people into motor sport and create a talent development model to turn our best young drivers into world champions."
Sulayem feels another step in that direction was taken last week in Oman with the launch of the Mena Karting Championship Nations Cup, designed as a multi-year development project for young drivers who are the region's future F1 and rally stars.
Organised by the Oman Automobile Association and staged at Muscat Speedway, the inaugural event saw the host country emerge as the first Nations Cup winners, with Morocco finishing runners up and the UAE claiming the third podium place.
Mid-match injury forces Medvedev to retire from quarter-final clash with Jiri Lehecka
The book captures the essence of 100 artists, each contributing to the fabric of UAE's culture with their unique artistic narratives
The high scoring IPL has left bowlers with few places to hide and raised concerns about the balance between bat and ball ahead of next month's T20 World Cup
There were no immediate reports from authorities of damage or casualties
His captivating performances quickly garnered attention within the magic industry, propelling him to prominence as one of Dubai's most sought-after magicians
Cyclone Hidaya is likely to 'bring strong winds and large ocean waves, with heavy rainfall' expected to hit the coast starting Sunday
Vadra's artistic prowess knows no bounds, as evidenced by his diverse portfolio spanning wildlife, street photography, and commercial art