ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi's Rashed Al-Qamzi hopes to boost his challenge for a record fifth UIM F2 World Championship title when the series returns to Norway at the weekend after a five-year hiatus.
After three days of grueling testing in Italy this week, defending champion Al-Khemzi and team-mate Mansour Al-Mansouri are determined to put an end to a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they were beset by technical problems.
Team manager Guido Cappellini and his mechanics have used three days of preparation in San Nazaro to keep the two drivers and their boats in top condition ahead of Sunday's Norwegian Grand Prix in Tønsberg.
“It wasn't the start we wanted, but that's behind us now and we hope to be in a better position to challenge for the win later this week,” said Al-Qamzi, who struggled to a sixth-place first-round finish, while Al-Mansoori took the early lead. suffered retirement.
“Everyone is working hard to make sure we have the chance to get the results we want and that we can achieve together.
“We know our team can get the best out of our boats, and as drivers, we have to make sure we match their hard work and get the best out of ourselves.”
Back in the driving seat after a long absence from powerboat racing, Britain's Matthew Palfreyman leads the championship from Lithuania's Edgaras Ryabko and Portugal's Duarte Benavente.
Al-Khemzi, who finished second last time out in the championship at Tønsberg in 2019, is particularly confident he can add to his four F2 world titles this season, despite the obvious stiff competition on display now.
“You can see in Brindisi that there are a lot of good drivers who want to win, and it will be very difficult for anyone to take the championship this year,” he said.
“I want to be in a good position to win on Sunday, and Mansoor wants to be there with me, fighting for points. So, the first goal is to be on pace when qualifying starts on Saturday and build from there.”
