Setback for UAE powerboat teams in F2 World Championship opener
Brindisi (Aletihad)Team Abu Dhabi's campaign for the UIM F2 World Championship started in the Italian city of Brindisi in a cloud of disappointment and misfortune for Abu Dhabi and Sharjah teams.For the latter, it was an agonising result because their driver André Solvang slipped from third place in the final laps, despite maintaining that position throughout most of the race.For Team Abu Dhabi, Mansoor Al Mansoori was involved in a collision with Monaco's Giacomo Sacchi on the final lap, forcing him out of contention. Reigning world champion Rashed Al Qemzi faced technical problems that prevented him from delivering his usual strong performance, and he ended the round without scoring meaningful points.In contrast, British driver Matthew Palfreyman claimed first place and earned 20 points, followed by France's Peter Morin in second with 15 points, and Sweden's Helmer Wiberg in third with 12 points. Sharjah's Solvang secured fourth place with nine points, after losing his third-place position late in the race.Abu Dhabi's Italian coach Guido Cappellini is now focusing on the team making a strong comeback in the second round of the championship, which will be held in Lithuania in July. The team remains determined to defend the world title won last season by Al Qemzi.The UIM F2 World Championship is one of the most prestigious competitions in international powerboat racing, featuring five rounds of fierce global competition. Both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah still have strong chances to rebound in the upcoming rounds.
Al Qemzi, a five-time world champion and one of the most accomplished drivers in the field, has previously recovered from slow starts to go on and win the title – keeping hopes high for a powerful return.
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