FIM MiniGP Qatar Championship: Franklin Extends Lead in Round 3 with Double Victory
Lusail International Circuit (LIC) played host to an action-packed Round 3 of the 2025 FIM MiniGP Qatar Championship, where Jake Franklin delivered a commanding performance with back-to-back victories, further solidifying his position atop the championship standings.
The young riders from the Qatar Motorsport Academy (QMA) showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the day's races on the 1.124 km karting track, yielding thrilling performances with close battles and impressive lap times.
In the first race of the day, Franklin (#7) demonstrated superior pace, claiming victory with a commanding margin of 20.377 seconds over Andrea Giacchero (#6). Franklin's dominant performance included setting the fastest lap of the race at 59.364 seconds. Anas Boukabache (#27) completed the podium, finishing third.
The evening's second race delivered even more excitement as Franklin secured his second win of the day, but by the narrowest of margins. In a dramatic finish, Franklin crossed the line just 0.161 seconds ahead of Giacchero, who had set the fastest lap of the race at 59.668 seconds. Boukabache once again claimed third place, finishing 55.150 seconds behind the leader.
After three rounds of intense competition, the championship standings reveal an intense battle developing at the top. Franklin now leads with 118 points, closely followed by Giacchero with 116 points. Mohammed Al Mutawa, who did not participate in Round 3 but dominated the opening rounds with four consecutive victories, sits third with 100 points.
The FIM MiniGP Qatar Championship exemplifies LIC's commitment to nurturing grassroots talent in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030's focus on human development and sporting excellence. By providing a professional racing environment for competitors aged 10-14, the championship serves as a crucial developmental pathway for Qatar's next generation of motorsport champions.
The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) continues to strengthen the domestic talent pipeline through the QMA, offering world-class coaching and competitive opportunities that support the nation's sports development. Visit the LIC website for Rounds 4 and 5 as they promise even more excitement as the championship battle intensifies.