The Qatari rider optimistic of a strong start to the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani has set his sights on finishing the season-opening Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next week in first place but is concerned by the size of the field.
The four-race UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship starts on the waters off the Corniche next Wednesday and the President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation will be part of a three-pronged Spirit of Qatar team which includes Class 1 debutant Ali al Neama and Italian Matteo Nicolini.
"The first race of the season is very important to every team as well as us," Sheikh Hassan said. "For that reason, as we always do, we will aim for the top spot on the podium."
Eleven boats have so far registered for the new season of Class 1 racing and Sheikh Hassan has concerns the Abu Dhabi course may not be suitable for such a large field.
"It's great to have 11 boats ready for the start of the new season," he said. "But, last year, six boats started the race in Abu Dhabi and three crashed at the turn. Basically 50 per cent of the fleet had retired and this is not good. Now we will have 11 boats on the same course. This could be a concern.
"I'm not sure how things will look if this is the case."
Sheikh Hassan has been preparing physically and mentally for his return to Class 1 racing alongside British throttle man Steve Curtis.
"Ali and I have been training regularly in the gym to give ourselves the best possible preparation for the new season," Sheikh Hassan said.
The Spirit of Qatar boats arrived in the Middle East from the United States two weeks ago and a team of mechanics and technicians have been working around the clock to ensure that everything is ready for the opening race at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.
"We will just have enough time to get the boats ready for testing and the guys are working all hours to make sure we are ready," Sheikh Hassan said.
"They will both need to be rejigged completely, as both had gone to the paint shop and undergone full hull maintenance after our last season in the US.
"Now it's a case of putting them back together. Then, hopefully, we can carry out a test or two to make sure the boats are working fine."
