MANAMA: Preseason testing for the 2025 Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship concluded on Friday at the Bahrain International Circuit, marking the final stage of preparations ahead of the opening race of the season this weekend.
Both of the official testing sessions were marked by excitement and intense concentration, accompanied by close technical monitoring by the participating teams. In the first session, Jacob Micallef of Team Zahid recorded the fastest lap time of 2 minutes 8.238 seconds, with an average speed of 151.9 kph, just 0.004 seconds ahead of Scott Kin Lindblom from Team Red Bull, followed by Thibaut Ramaekers, also from Team Zahid.
In the second session, driver Theo Palmer of Team JACO achieved the best time of 2 minutes 7.613 seconds, with an average speed of 152.6 kph, 0.002 seconds ahead of Kit Belofsky from Team PEAX, with Adam Alzahrani from Team Valvoline recording the third-best time.
Testing is a key milestone in preseason preparations that enables teams to evaluate the performance of their second-generation Tatuus F4-T421 cars and refine setup before racing begins. Friday’s sessions also gave drivers an invaluable opportunity to gain confidence and sharpen their racecraft under real race conditions on a technically demanding circuit known for its mix of fast straights and tight corners.
With testing complete, the 2025 Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship shifts gear into race mode on Saturday and Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit, followed by Round 2 at the same track on Oct. 15-16.
The action moves to Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the fastest street circuit in the world, for Rounds 3 and 4 on Nov. 10-11 and Nov. 14-15, before concluding with a final round on Dec. 5-6, also in Jeddah.
The F4 Saudi Arabian Championship, part of an FIA-sanctioned, single-seater, entry-level series, aims to provide a key platform for the development of emerging motor sport talent in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The event is promoted by Altawkilat Motorsport under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.
Preseason testing for Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship wraps up in Bahrain
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Preseason testing for Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship wraps up in Bahrain
- Jacob Micallef of Team Zahid is fastest in day’s first session with a time of 2:08.238, while Theo Palmer of Team JACO tops the second session with 2:07.613
- The championship shifts gear into race mode on Saturday and Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit, followed by Round 2 at the same track on Oct. 15-16
Police raid Argentine soccer clubs and AFA as part of investigation into alleged money laundering
- The raids were part of a judicial investigation into alleged ties to financial services company Sur Finanzas
- The official said the raided clubs included leading teams Independiente, Racing and San Lorenzo, as well as Barracas Central
BUENOS AIRES: Federal police in Argentina carried out multiple raids Tuesday on the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and at least 17 soccer clubs.
The raids were part of a judicial investigation into alleged ties to financial services company Sur Finanzas, which is under investigation for alleged money laundering and tax evasion. Ordered by federal judge Luis Armella, the more than 30 raids were conducted simultaneously on first and second division clubs and the AFA headquarters in the Argentine capital.
Sur Finanzas, owned by Ariel Vallejo, sponsors AFA tournaments and several first and second division clubs.
A judicial official with access to the case told The Associated Press that police officers are searching for contracts signed by the clubs with the financial firm and other documentation stored on electronic devices. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The official said the raided clubs included leading teams Independiente, Racing and San Lorenzo, as well as Barracas Central, which were founded by Matias Tapia, a son of AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
The courts are investigating a complaint filed by the Customs Revenue and Control Agency (ARCA) against Sur Finanzas.
According to the complaint obtained by the AP, the alleged illicit transactions total 818 billion pesos, approximately $560 million.
Police also raided the facilities that the AFA owns in Ezeiza — about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Buenos Aires — where the national team trains.
Television channels broadcast images of police inside the offices of the sports organization’s headquarters.
Excursionistas, a club in the third division, distanced themself from Sur Finanzas.
“The club do not maintain any type of corporate, financial, or administrative relationship with the company under investigation,” stated a message signed by the board of directors and posted on social media.
