UIM F1 Championship: Team Abu Dhabi revved and ready for action in Lithuania

Team Abu Dhabi 35 in F2 race action. Courtesy Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club

Rashed Al Qamzi and Mohammed Al Mehairbi will represent Team Abu Dhabi at the next round of the UIM F1 Championship at Zarasai in north-eastern Lithuania this weekend.

Ninth in Norway

Al Qamzi and Al Mehairbi will line up with Team Abu Dhabi’s 35 and 36 boats to take part in the racing. The fifth round of the F2 world series comes just three weeks after the team were in action at Tonsberg in Norway, where Al Qamzi finished ninth.

Success across Europe

The team based at Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) have been enjoying a hectic few months of competition across Europe, and they have already experienced success in UIM F1 H20, F2 and endurance races in France, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Norway and Poland. This is the first time they will be competing in Lithuania.

Acclimatisation is key

“It’s been a very busy and successful season so far and everyone involved with Team Abu Dhabi is looking forward to racing at this new venue,” said Salem Al Romaithi, ADIMSC assistant general manager. “We know from the races in Campione d’Italia and Tonsberg that the competition is very stiff. But Rashed and Mohammed acclimatised well at those races, and I am sure that they will use that experience to their advantage this weekend.”

Lundin is the leader

Last year, Sweden’s Pierre Lundin secured the UIM F2 European title at Zarasai in a race that was fought over four heats, with Rupert Temper winning the first and Lundin securing success in the next three. Lundin leads the drivers’ championship this year by seven points from countryman Erik Edin, while England’s Matthew Palfreyman is third. Al Qamzi is 15th after finishing sixth in Campione d’Italia and ninth in Tonsberg.

The timings

The first 90-minute practice session gets underway at 11.15am (UAE time) on Saturday before the three-stage qualifiers begin at 2.45pm. The Speed Record and match races then start at 5.15pm. Teams will be permitted a 45-minute warm-up on Sunday morning, with the race beginning at 4.30pm.

* Agency