9:46 PM Thu 19 Nov 2009 GMT
Class 1 took to the waters of Abu Dhabi for the first time in today's first official practice session for this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, round 5 of the UIM WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, with the top-three protagonists setting the fastest times.
Current Middle East Championship leaders, Fazza, set the fastest time ahead of Australian outfit, Maritimo, with the newly-crowned European Champions, Victory 1, third fastest. Giorgioffshore and Sea Dubai completed the top five.
After just missing out on the European title in Italy, Fazza's Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi looked determined to extend their lead in the Middle East title race and to reclaim the top spot in the World Championship standings. 'Victory 1 is going to be strong again but if we finish the race we have a good chance to win. This is a tricky course we might have to compromise a bit on the start because the rest of the course is very different,' said Bin Hendi, after setting their fastest time of 2mins 37.04secs.
Maritimo Australia's Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen put their frustrations from the last race behind them, producing the second quickest time, 2mins 37.32secs, of the afternoon. 'We still have problems steering around the tight corners, but on the flat you can really open up [the engines],' commented Barry-Cotter, 'We want a win here to prevent a Victory clean sweep.'
Italian Nicola Giorgi, renewing his partnership with Norwegian, Christian Zaborowski, in Giorgioffshore were rewarded for an excellent session with the fourth fastest time. The pair teamed-up in Arendal earlier this season and are confident of a strong showing this weekend. 'It is always good to drive in Class 1. I was delighted when Nicola called me up and asked me to drive with him,' said Zaborowski, adding, 'The boat is running well and the communication between Nicola and me is very good. Our time was good today and I think we can shave several seconds off it over the weekend.'
Local driver Ahmed Al Hameli, racing with Giovanni Carpitella in Sea Dubai, produced an impressive showing on his Class 1 debut, posting fifth quickest of the session. 'I have raced in many different types of powerboat classes, but they have all been inshore formats, this is my first time in a Class 1. The boats are very different and I need to have time in the boat with Giovanni, but I am enjoying the step up and I'm looking forward to the races,' said Al Hameli.
World Championship leaders, Victory 1's Mohammad Al Mehairi and Jean-Marc Sanchez set a series of consistently fast laps to finish third in the official practice standings. However, with only four points separating them from their team-mates Fazza, they will be aware that they can afford no slip-ups this weekend. 'The championship win in Italy belongs to the team,' said Al Mehairi, 'We won it for them and we want to be strong again here. The course is tight, but the wind is the real danger as it is coming across the boat which can cause problems when turning.'
On a course that did not suit their raceboat Foresti & Suardi - Roscioli Hotels finished in sixth place ahead of Victory 7. While Welmax suffered from engine problems and were eighth quickest in today's session.
At the end of today's official practice session His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifah Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, was shown round Class 1's hospitality and pits by IOTA chairman, Gianfranco Venturelli and wished everyone well for the weekend.
Qualifying in the Edox Pole Position takes place tomorrow morning followed by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, race 1, in the afternoon.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, FIRST PRACTICE - Official Times
1. Fazza 3 - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) - 02.37,04
2. Maritimo 11 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) - 02.37,32
3. Victory 1 - M Al Mehairi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FRA) - 02.39,26
4. Giorgioffshore 18 - N Giorgi (ITA) / C Zaborowski (NOR) - 02.43,32
5. Sea Dubai 10 - A Al Hameli (UAE) / G Carpitella (ITA) - 02.45,93
6. Foresti & Suardi - Roscioli Hotels 8 - R Lo Piano (ITA) / G Montavoci (ITA) - 02.50,78
7. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) - 02.53,23
8. Welmax 90 - J Tandberg (NOR) / K Selmer (NOR) - 02.57,18
www.class1.com
by Class 1 media
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Casey, TAS
