Team Abu Dhabi will have high hopes as they begin their powerboat racing programme at the inaugural Grand Prix of Dubai, round one of the 2016 UIM F1 H20 World Championship, at the Dubai International Marine Club on Friday.
Team Abu Dhabi, the defending world champions, will be banking on their trusted pair of Thani Al-Qamzi and former world champion Alex Carella for a second season of F1 H20 races.
“We have been testing almost every day over the last few weeks in Abu Dhabi to make sure that everything is perfect for the start of the season,” said Carella, who has a new boat for the race and will be chasing a 12th career win.
“We have really improved a lot and Thani and I are really positive for the new season. This year I think we are in a much stronger position. The boat is ready and the engine is perfect. We know it will not be easy.
“Our rivals will be the same. Sami Selio is always very fast, Philippe (Chiappe)is the champion and Shaun (Torrente ) is very quick. But, as a team, I feel we are the strongest one!”
Team Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Al-Mehairbi and Rashed Al-Qamzi finished fourth and sixth in last year’s F-4S Championship and the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club has entered a pair of boats for this weekend’s two 20-minute races.
This is the first time Dubai will host a round of the H2O championship after a multiyear agreement with promoters.
