Batelco start title defence in style with Round 1 win

Dubai: Reigning champions Batelco got their title defence off to a fine start when they powered over the finish line yesterday to score a hard-earned victory in Round 1 of the 2012 Dubai Kartdrome Endurance Championship driven by MINI.

They faced arguably their sternest test in recent years with a number of teams in contention throughout the race.

It was not an ideal start 24 hours earlier for the team from Bahrain as they were forced to the back end of the grid after their kart was found to be underweight during qualifying.

Their first stint driver Alban Varutti made it into the lead, making a point to his rivals.