The 2015 UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship reaches its climax at Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) this weekend, with hopes running high for a historic home triumph in the UAE capital.
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Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President and Chairman of ADIMSC, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises spectacular race action and other spectator attractions at the host club.
Team Abu Dhabi have the opportunity to produce a perfect finish to the season on home waters, as their first world title will be secured if John Tomlinson and Gary Ballough in the No.6 boat win the penultimate race of the season on Thursday.
With Tomlinson and Ballough holding a 16-point cushion, team-mates Majid Al-Mansoori and Rashid Al-Tayer in the No.5 boat will be looking to secure a runners-up position outright in the championship.
H.H Mohamed Bin Sultan Bin Khalif Al Nahyan Raise the #UAEFlag In AbuDhabi International Marine Sports Club #FlagDay pic.twitter.com/OaIca7TdHs
— نادى ابوظبي البحرى (@AdimscUae) November 3, 2015
They are currently tied in second place with the T-Bone Station Italian crew of Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella, with Dubai’s Victory Team partnership of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir bin Hendi, the defending world champions, just two points further adrift. The experienced combination of Darren Nicholson and Matteo Nicolini will provide support in a second Victory boat.
With the final race of the 2015 Class 1 campaign following on Friday, the two Team Abu Dhabi crews know any mistakes could still produce a late change in fortunes, and they are determined to make it a 1-2 championship finish to the season.
The Class 1 contest sees six boats roaring to life at the weekend, with the V1 championship also reaching its conclusion as four monohull boats from Belgium, England, Malta, and Italy simultaneously tackle an exciting course off Lulu Island, which has been designed to bring spectators closer to the action.
Victory in Thursday’s race for John, Gary in No.6 boat will clinch first #Class1 world title for #TeamAbuDhabi #UIM pic.twitter.com/Ek1ZRHSwVQ
— نادى ابوظبي البحرى (@AdimscUae) November 3, 2015
Relishing the prospect of a first Class 1 world crown for Team Abu Dhabi since they entered the series in 2010, Salem Al Rumaithi, Assistant Director General of ADIMSC, said: “We have a superb opportunity this weekend, and we hope this will be a historic moment for the team, and for Abu Dhabi.
“One of our priorities is to ensure that Abu Dhabi delivers a great spectator experience, so we have designed the course to run around Lulu Island and pass close to the Corniche in order to give people the best possible view of the races on both days.
“We are delighted, as a club, to be hosting the climax of the Class 1 World Championship for the seventh time, and to be playing our part in showcasing Abu Dhabi as a world-class venue for water sport.
“This is a series we have supported since 2009 and we are happy to be once again staging an event which increases Abu Dhabi’s exposure in the sporting arena and promotes the emirate as a unique tourist destination.”
4-5 & 6 Nov. From 11:00 to 6 PM Side Activities Such As Kid Zone,Traditional Wearing & Accessories Exhibition,Henna. pic.twitter.com/ph3FRIhf9b
— نادى ابوظبي البحرى (@AdimscUae) November 1, 2015
Spectators drawn to ADIMSC will be able to watch the high-powered World Championship racing from a specially erected grandstand, and have the chance to win a range of attractive raffle prizes.
These will include air tickets from Team Abu Dhabi sponsors and official carrier, Etihad Airways. “We are enormously grateful to Etihad Airways for their continuous support and encouragement, and we also thank Marina Mall for the invaluable backing they provide to ensure the success of our events,” said Al Rumaithi.
The first of two Class 1 races gets under way at 3.30pm on Thursday and the second starts at the same time on Friday. They will be preceded by pole position races starting at 10.30am on Thursday and 11.00am on Friday, and there will be extended coverage on Yas TV.
Lead photo caption: (L to R) Rashid Al-Tayer, Fadel Al Mansouri, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Nicoli Di San Germano, President H20 Racing, Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Board Member of ADIMSC, Haitham Al Subaihi, Etihad Airways, and John Tomlinson.
