Qabil misses podium, but maintains lead in Superbike Cham­pionship

In fine fettle: Qabil Irfan has won four out of the eight races in the season, with three other results being second-place finishes.

PETALING JAYA: Rider Qabil Irfan (pic) maintained his lead in the Spanish Superbike Cham­pionship despite finishing just outside the podium in Race 2 at the Circuit de Navarra in Spain yesterday.

Qabil, 13, who won Race 1 on Saturday, endured a tough race against his rivals to finish fourth with a time of 27:33.454s.

Switzerland’s Alessio Arnold took the chequered flag, clocking 27:32.883s, with Spanish riders Enzo Zaragoza and Izan Rodriguez coming in second and third respectively.

Qabil had started aggressively by overtaking and leading the race, but the back group were quick to catch up with the Terengganu-born rider.

The contenders went on to deny Qabil a podium finish despite his late charges in the final laps.

Qabil had taken the win in Race 1, ahead of Zaragoza and Rodriguez.

With three rounds remaining in the championship calendar, Qabil leads with 173 points, 49 points ahead of Rodriguez in second.

Qabil has won four out of the eight races in the season, with three other results being second-place finishes.

The championship will continue at the Circuit de Navarra for the fifth round from Aug 30-31.