ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al-Qemzi will be hoping to boost his challenge for a record-equalling fifth UIM F2 World Championship title when the series returns to Norway at the weekend after a five-year hiatus.
After three days of rigorous testing in Italy this week, defending champion Al-Qemzi and teammate Mansoor Al-Mansoori are determined to shake off a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they struggled with technical problems.
Team manager Guido Cappellini and his mechanics are spending three days of preparation in San Nazzaro to get the two drivers and their boats in optimum condition ahead of Sunday's Norwegian Grand Prix in Tonsberg.
“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but it’s behind us now and we expect to be in a much better position to fight for the win this weekend,” said Al-Qemzi, who fought his way to sixth in the first round, while Al-Mansoori retired early.
“Everyone has worked hard to ensure that we have the opportunity to achieve the results we want and know we can achieve together.
“We know our team can get the best out of our boats and, as drivers, we need to make sure we match their hard work and get the best out of ourselves.”
Back at the helm after a long absence from powerboat racing, Britain's Matthew Palfreyman leads the championship ahead of Lithuanian Edgaras Riabko and Portuguese Duarte Benavente.
Al-Qemzi, who finished second the last time the championship visited Tonsberg in 2019, remains, as usual, confident he can add another four F2 world titles this season, despite the evidently strong competition on offer.
“In Brindisi you could see that there are many good riders who want to win, and it will be very difficult for anyone to win the championship this year,” he said.
“I want to be in a good position to go and win on Sunday, and Mansoor wants to be there with me, fighting for points. So, the first goal is to be up to speed when qualifying starts on Saturday and build from there.”
