The Fazza duo of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Hendi once again confirmed that they are the team to beat by setting the fastest time in official practice yesterday.
Taking to the waters off the Fujairah International Marine Club for the first practice of round two of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series, the defending champions overcame some initial problems to record a fastest lap of 2min 28.95sec.
Skydive Dubai (Sultan Al Dhaheri and Jay Price) were second with 2:31.65 while team-mates #MyDubai (Salem Al Adidi and Talib Al Sayed) third in 2:33.53.
Making the most of their first outing and completing 12 laps in practice in their new T-Bone Station boat were Luca Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella, who finished fourth fastest in 2:35.78.
“We went out and did a lap but we had a problem with the water pressure so we had to come back and lower the engines a bit more,” explained Fazza’s Bin Hendi.
“After that we did two laps – one lap we saw where we could improve and the second lap we did a good time, so we are getting there.”
Bin Hendi added: “It’s quite a tricky course because of the wind that goes around and because of the current, so have to be very alert.
“As you come in you start flying – the air comes in the tunnel and lifts you so you have no control over the steering. It’s a good race course but quite tricky too.”
Speaking about the new challenge from Fendi Racing, Bin Hendi added: “Their boat is running well. They told me they were happy with the setup of the boat.
“They have one prop – and they’re ordering another one, but they’re happy with what they have and let’s see what they’re going to do in pole position tomorrow.”
The race for Emaar Pole Position takes place at 10:30 on Thursday, and will be followed by the head-to-head Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run at 14:45.
The main race, the Fujairah Grand Prix, will be contested at 15:00 on Friday. Entrance to the action at the Fujairah International Marine Club is free of charge.
