Rashed Al Qemzi Triumphs in UIM F2 World Championship in Portugal

The Marine Event in Vila Velha de Ródão

Vila Velha de Ródão, the birthplace of the marine event in Portugal, features racers grappling with each other to reach the pole and secure the first position. Their powerboats must be as docile as possible to maneuver effectively and maintain agility to reach the finish line and grab the top spot.

Al Qemzi's Historic Win

On the 16th of October, Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Qemzi secured first place in powerboat racing for the 3rd time in the UIM F2 World Championship, following victories in the 2017 and 2019 championships. The event took place over the Tagus River course, providing a great playground for him to demonstrate his avid passion for the sport and dexterity.

Championship Standings

This victory marked his entry into the finale of the Grand Prix in Portugal, where he was just one position behind the championship leader, Edgaras Riabko, by a mere two points. However, Al Qemzi held an advantage as he was set to start from the 11th position on the compendium.

Even if he didn’t secure victory, finishing less than first might have been pacifying enough to provide Al Qemzi another F2 title to dedicate to the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club. Nevertheless, he likely aimed for a stunning triumph.

Team Performance

While Al Qemzi was winning hearts, his teammate Mansoor Al Mansoori leapfrogged Riabko to secure the 10th spot. He made a commendable effort to improve his position, ultimately surging by 6 places to finish 5th.

Qualifying Rounds

Al Qemzi was more elated than ever after achieving success in Ribadouro. He showcased his skills during the seven-boat final qualifying round, setting a winning time that could outshine Portugal’s 2020 F2 World Champion, Duarte Benavente.

The high spirits of the team were evident during the afternoon’s free practice sessions, with Al Qemzi recording the 3rd fastest time, just ahead of Al Mansoori. Unfortunately, Al Mansoori wasn’t able to qualify, but his determined partner Al Qemzi was ready to push past the pole.

Final Race Highlights

In the final race, Sweden’s Bimba Sjöholm overtook Al Qemzi with a fantastic final lap. Despite being challenged, Al Qemzi ultimately attracted the first position towards himself and emerged victorious once again, demonstrating his skill and perseverance required to achieve this success.

Conclusion

Rashed Al Qemzi qualified into the final round, scoring 27 points in the 2nd position in the top 10. Racing with powerboats is a unique event that can be tricky if water and velocity aren’t judged effectively. However, both drivers from the UAE proved that with a cool disposition and relentless training, their goals can be achieved. Competing against some of the finest players from Norway, Scotland, Portugal, and Lithuania, their success is expected to be registered as a proud moment for the UAE in its quest for excellence.