ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi's Rashed Al-Qemzi expects to strengthen his challenge for a record fifth UIM F2 World Championship title when the series returns to Norway this weekend after a gap of five years.
After three days of rigorous testing in Italy this week, defending champion Al-Qemzi and team-mate Mansoor Al-Mansoori are determined to shake off a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they were dogged by technical problems.
Team principal Guido Cappellini and his mechanics are using three days of preparation in San Nazzaro to put the two drivers and their boats in top 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 challenge for victory this weekend,” said Al-Qemzi, who fought his way to sixth place first- round goals, while Al-Mansoori suffered an early retirement.
“Everyone has worked very hard to make sure we have the chance to get 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 have to make sure we match their hard work and get the best out of ourselves.”
Back in the driver's seat after a long absence from powerboat racing, Britain's Matthew Palfreyman leads the championship from Lithuania's Edgaras Riabko and Portugal's Duarte Benavente.
Al-Qemzi, who finished second the last time the championship visited Tonsberg in 2019, remains characteristically confident he can add to his four F2 world titles this season, despite the obvious intense competition now on display.
“You could 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 the points. So, the first goal is to keep the momentum going when qualifying starts on Saturday and build from there.”
