Speed Test sees return of Battikhi to sport scene

Abir Battikhi (lright) at the finish line of the 2008 Jordan Rally (Photo courtesy of Jordan Motorsport)

AMMAN — The first round of the Speed Test Championship kicks off on Friday with the participation of more than 30 drivers at the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan racetrack.

The event will witness several veteran drivers headed by Abir Battikhi, who returned from Canada and will take part with a message of encouragement and support for all women drivers in the Kingdom.

“I am all excited to return to the competition scene in Jordan after spending some time in Canada. My participation will serve two things: to return to the sport I love and send a message to all the girls in the Kingdom who want to take part in real competition,” she told The Jordan Times.

“I have been competing in Canada and won the first place in Quebec championship in 2013/14 which gave me a big boost to come and share what I have learned there and I am willing to share it also with newcomers especially women drivers,” she added.

Battikhi, who used to be a frequent driver in Speed Test and rallying events stressed that women in Jordan need more encouragement and support.

“We need to look at the female participation and the reasons behind their absence from real competition. I am sure that their absence is due to lack of family and financial support because this sport costs a lot of money without which they cannot have a good car for the challenges,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jordan Motorsport has been working hard on the development of major events starting with the SOFEX Racetrack which has proved to be an excellent venue for Speed Test and Drifting championships.

“We have started working on rehabilitation of the SOFEX Racetrack according to international standards of the FIA and this is made possible after receiving a grant from the FIA for auto sports in Jordan,” Othman Naseef, Jordan Motorsport CEO, told The Jordan Times.

 “We have been discussing all issues with experts in the field of developing racetracks in the world and so far we are tackling all possible suggestions and ideas that will include safety issues and fans seating areas in addition to other issues,” he added.