Faisal, President of the Saudi Arabian Motorsports Federation, hands the winner's award to Saudi driver Hatim Natto after the Riyadh-leg of Red Bull Car Park Drift Competition.RIYADH — Saudi driver Hatim Natto clinched the Riyadh round of Red Bull Car Park Drift Competition to secure a spot in the third regional finale set to take place in Beirut during the summer. While Natto clinched the first spot, second and third places went to Saeed Al-Mouri and Ahmed Al-Khwader respectively. Prince Sultan Bin Bandar Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Arabian Motorsports Federation, crowned Natto on the occasion. Natto expressing his joy said: "I thank God for this win. All the drivers taking part in the competition were highly skilled. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Red Bull for organizing this outstanding event." The jury panel included Red Bull driver and rally champion, Abdo Feghali, in addition to Elie Semaan, Saudi Automobile Federation representative, Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al-Faisal, and Mamdouh Khayyat, Middle East Rally Champion. The drivers were assessed based on their skills in their modified cars as they maneuvered and wielded their handbrakes and whirled through dizzying turns in the most dazzling ways. In addition, the judges took into consideration the engines' roars and the physical appearance of the cars, the smoke produced by the friction of the tires, and finally the audience's involvement, excitement and cheers for each performance. Held under the auspices of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and the Saudi Automobile Federation, and sponsored by Chevrolet, Hankook Tires and Castrol Lubricants, the event will now move on to the Red Sea Mall's parking lot in Jeddah on April 12. The third and the final qualifier will take place at the Fouad Commercial Center in Al-Khobar on April 19. Commenting on the event, Ahmed Soudodi, Chevrolet Marketing Manager at General Motors Middle East Operations said: "Chevrolet is thrilled to partner with Red Bull to bring drifting enthusiasts the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2012. "Chevrolet is keen on developing local talent especially in motorsport," he added. Saudi Arabia's Saeed Al-Mouri had clinched the 2011 Red Bull Car Park Drift crown in Beirut. Lebanese drivers Firas Khaddaj and Garo Haroutiounian finished second and third respectively. — SG
