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F1 Team Abu Dhabi’s Al Qamzi Wins In Sharjah


Al Hameli Forced to Retire, Finishes Fourth in Championship










After leading from start to finish, F1 Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al Qamzi today triumphed in the UIM F1 Powerboat World Championship’s season ending round in Sharjah. In one of the closest races of the year, 30 year-old Al Qamzi repeated his 2006 win with a sterling display of driving prowess. Having qualified in second place, Al Qamzi was quickest off the pontoon start-mark, overtaking Finland’s Sami Selio to take the early lead. However, it was by no means an easy victory for the Emirati star. Selio, Jonas Andersson and Francesco Cantando harried him throughout the race, with the quartet often coming within inches of each other around the 2.235 kilometre eight pin circuit. As the race wore on, many of the drivers sought creative racing lines to try and round the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed driver, but Al Qamzi valiantly held them off and eventually opened up a commanding lead in the final 10 laps. “Getting a win in the final round is a major boost for my confidence. I’ve had a troubled season and to be victorious here, and to have finished on the podium in Abu Dhabi, means I’ve got some good results going into the 2009 season,” said Al Qamzi, who was forced to retire with mechanical failures from this season’s first six Grand Prix. “We’ve definitely got more work to do over the next couple of months, but I know I’ll be back ready and refreshed for the next race and the new season.” Al Qamzi’s first win of 2008 came on a bittersweet afternoon for F1 Team Abu Dhabi. Number two driver Ahmed Al Hameli’s season ended in heartbreak when mechanical failure forced his retirement after just two laps. The 2007 UIM Rookie of the Year went into the Sharjah GP chasing the Championship’s runner-up slot after finishing second in Abu Dhabi last week. Sharjah had started promising for Al Hameli – who has amassed four podium finishes this season – with the junior F1 Team Abu Dhabi driver qualifying in third place during Thursday’s Pole Position shoot-out. However, his Sharjah setback - and other drivers’ results - sees the 29-year old end his debut season with the team in fourth overall. “I am disappointed but there are so many positives to take out of this season. I’ve done more than I could have hoped for and it has been an important learning curve for me. I’ll carry my experiences into the new season, which can only help me become a better driver,” said Al Hameli. F1 Team Abu Dhabi’s sponsorship is part of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s strategy of utilising top-tier sports and event partnerships to increase global awareness of the emirate as a leisure, tourism and business destination of distinction.

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