Gary Ballough and John Tomlinson rewrote the history books Friday by claiming Team Abu Dhabi’s first ever UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The pair headed into the second 10-lap race of the weekend with an eight-point lead over the Italian duo of Giovanni Carpitella and Luca Formilli Fendi in T-Bone Station.
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After taking an early lead they fell behind Victory 3’s Arif Saif Al-Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi when they lost water pressure in one engine, but they then shadowed the Dubai team knowing second place would be good enough, eventually finishing 21.39 seconds behind to seal a maiden world title triumph.
“It feels good. I’m so happy to do it for Abu Dhabi, for Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, and for everyone involved with the team. It’s just a great day,” said Tomlinson in the UAE capital.
“We had a good start and were able to get out in front. Then on the second or third lap – I can’t remember which one – the one engine lost water pressure and started to overheat.
“I had to drop back and wait for it to clear, and that cost me first position.
“It was nerve-racking every lap after that. But we managed it to make sure that we didn’t have the problem again.”
Team-mate Ballough could not hide his emotion.
Abu Dhabi 6 MTI Catamaran wins UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship! #MTI #Championship #UIMClassone
— Randy Scism (@mtiboats) November 6, 2015
“This is the greatest day of my racing career. I’m so proud to represent Abu Dhabi and very happy to have brought home the team’s first Class 1 world title.”
“My heart was in my mouth when we lost water pressure in the one engine, but John is so experienced, he knew how long it would take to clear and stayed calm.”
Darren Nicholson and Matteo Nicolini in Victory Team 7 finished third.
Tomlinson and Ballough’s Team Abu Dhabi stablemates Rashid Al-Tayer and Majid Al-Mansoori started from fifth and managed to pass T-Bone Station early on, before dropping back to their starting position to finish fourth overall in the world championship.
The boat number five pair were full of praise for their team-mates, although both are already looking to personal success next season.
Throttleman Al-Mansoori said: “We’re so happy that the team has won its first Class 1 world championship title.
“Now, for next season, we’re hoping that everything will be brand new – new boat, new engine, everything.”
Driver Al-Tayer added: “We’re very happy John and Gary won the world championship for the team. It has been a fantastic season. We’re looking forward to next season already and hope to finish first and second in the championship.”
