Sixteen drivers will take part in a two-day Toyota Karting Race 2009 at the Jeddah Raceway here. The first and second rounds of the race will be held on April 1 and 2. “All the final touches have been given to the venue for the launch of Toyota karting race championship 2009 in Saudi Arabia,” ace rally driver and race organizer Abdullah Bakhashab said. “This race will act as a great step toward attracting and spotting talent among youth for future participants of F1 competitions.” He said that he would make the karting race “completely similar to what happens in F1 races.” There will be qualifying rounds before the event at 8:30 P.M. on the opening day to determine the places of every driver. The race will then start an hour later at 9:30 P.M. “The race will be conducted according to the CIK-FIA rules,” Bakhashab said, adding that the organizers will choose the best cars for the tournament. Bakhashab said that all participants should have a license being issued by SATA locally, on behalf of CIK. Also, all drivers will take part with their own cars. The participating racecars have all to be Italian made Fortex with 125cc, one cylinder, 29 horse power engine. The track has been specially prepared for the purpose with the most modern equipment and has been prepared on an international level. The track is 1.10 km long and competing drivers, who will be divided into groups, will have to complete 17 laps. This will have to be done within 20 minutes. Detailing safety measures taken at the venue, Bakhashab said the most modern safety equipment has been provided in the interest of competing drivers and spectators. __
