Doha, Apr 27: Johann Emmanuel has become the first Indian to win the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship (QSTK) by topping both the races in the postponed final round here.
The 19-year-old Chennai-based Johann, trailing championship leader Marton Belleli from Hungary by nine points going into the weekend’s double-header, needed to win both races to seal the title and he delivered in a stunning fashion.
Qualifying second, Johann won both races, withstanding immense pressure to clinch the championship with a 21-point advantage. He finished the season with six wins out of 10 races, having endured a 200 kmph crash and three retirements due to mechanical issues.
Speaking after the races, Johann said: “It’s an incredible feeling to secure my first international title in my debut season on a 600cc machine. I was thrilled after the race. Every bit of hard work and sacrifice was worth it. But this is just the beginning, and there’s still a long way ahead.”
Johann’s journey to the title was far from straightforward. An early-season crash at 200 kmph could have derailed his campaign, but instead, it became a turning point. Emmanuel returned stronger, using the setback as motivation in his pursuit of the championship. (PTI)
