The XDubai team of Nadir bin Hendi and Arif Al Zaffain wrapped up the 2015 UIM XCAT World Series with a masterclass in powerboat racing, leading the Abu Dhabi GP from start to finish and take the overall title for the fourth consecutive season.
Heading into the sixth and final race of the year, and starting in third position after a number of problems in qualifying, Bin Hendi had admitted to a few butterflies, with the Abu Dhabi team of Rashed Al Tayer and Faleh Al Mansoori just five points behind them in the overall standings.
But the vastly experienced defending champions mastered the rough conditions on the start lap to reach the first buoy, and the safety of the flat water, in first place.
– RECAP: Dubai clinch Abu Dhabi pole at season ender
– INTERVIEW: Ricciardo reflects on Red Bull’s season
– Yas Marina: A track record of F1 drama & innovation
The T-Bone Station team of Giovanni Carpitella and Darren Nicholson, who started in second, had come close to challenging them when taking a tight line into the first turn, but could not edge ahead.
Al Zaffain explained there were a few nervous moments in the boat when he thought they were experiencing gear problems at the start.
“At the start we saw the Abu Dhabi Team doing a big jump and we didn’t want to do the same so I put my finger on the right engine trim,” he said.
“I used too much trim and thought I had a problem with the gear box and then Nadir reminded me: ‘Your finger, your finger on the trim!’ So we went down, but it was for this reason that we lost maybe two seconds and for this reason that T-Bone Station came so close to us.
“But then we pushed again and it was good to finish the race without any problems.”
Congratulations @XDubai on winning the #XCATAbuDhabi Grand Prix. 2nd: T-Bone Station 3rd: @AdimscUae 5 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/JotDC1vZTx
— XCATracing (@XCATracing) November 27, 2015
Bin Hendi said there was much elation in the boat once they crossed the finish and the successful defence of their title was secured.
“It was a feeling we can’t express. We screamed in the cockpit very loudly. We were so hungry for it. Thank God we got it,” said Bin Hendi.
XDubai’s closest challenger in the Series, Abu Dhabi Team, eventually finished third and settled for second overall in the series.
The Dubai team of Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali, who started in Pole Position in Saturday’s race, had a horrible start and were well back by the first turn but managed to recover to finish in third spot.
XCAT racing will take a short break now as the 2016 season kicks off in March with new venues on the cards. The official 2016 calendar will be announced in the coming weeks.
