SHENZHEN // Ahmad al Hameli, Team Abu Dhabi's main hope in the World Formula-1 Championship, suffered engine problems that ruled him out of yesterday's six-boat shootout in the Grand Prix of Shenzhen, China. Hameli will start sixth behind defending champion Sami Selio of Finland, teammate Thani al Qamzi, championship leader and Team Qatar's American driver Jay Price, Swede Jonas Andersson and Italian Francesco Cantando.
Price holds a 30-point lead in the race series over his closest rival Andersson. And victory for the American will put him in a strong position for his first UIM crown. Hameli is lying fifth on 28 points and a podium finish will keep his hopes high with the last two races of the championship series in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. "It's a problem that has plagued me and Thani throughout this race series," said Hameli. "The technical staff are doing their best to have the boat ready.
"Obviously I hope to do well to keep Team Abu Dhabi in the competition. Thani's chances of winning the championship is gone but he still can finish on the podium as he has done in the last two years. And if we can come out of this race with a good result then there is every reason for us to have an opportunity to be on the podium." sports@thenational.ae
