Abu Dhabi Powerboat Team Races in Portugal for UIM F2 Title

The Abu Dhabi Powerboat Team is gearing up for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 UIM F2 World Championship, with the final two rounds set to take place in Portugal. The races will be held in the picturesque cities of Peso da Régua and Vila Velha, promising thrilling action for fans and participants alike.

This stage of the championship is critical, as teams and drivers will compete fiercely for points that could determine the world title. Abu Dhabi’s delegation is entering Portugal with strong preparations and high hopes, aiming to return to the podium and secure vital points.

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Race Schedule and Format

The fourth round will begin with a “Qualifying Race” scheduled for Saturday, followed by the main race on Sunday. This format allows teams to test their boats, refine strategies, and adjust performance for the main competition.

The fifth and final round of the championship will take place on 20th-21st September, marking the grand conclusion of the F2 season. These races are expected to be highly competitive, with top drivers from around the world vying for supremacy in the series.

Team Abu Dhabi Lineup

The Abu Dhabi Powerboat Team will be represented by Rashed Al Qemzi, a world champion and one of the most experienced drivers in the championship. He will be joined by Salem Al Yafei, who is participating in his first full season in the F2 category. Salem made his debut in the previous round in Italy, where he gained valuable experience that will help him in these decisive races.

The team’s delegation is led by Nasser Al Dhaheri, Director of Marine Sports at the club, who has been overseeing the preparations and strategy. Additionally, Jumaa Al Qubaisi serves as the team’s “Radio Man,” responsible for communication during the races and ensuring smooth coordination between the drivers and technical crew.

Previous Round in Italy Cancelled

The championship’s previous round, scheduled in San Nazzaro, Italy, was unfortunately cancelled due to unstable water currents. This unexpected cancellation left the overall championship standings uncertain and wide open, adding extra pressure and excitement to the final rounds in Portugal.

Drivers now have a renewed opportunity to gain points and climb the leaderboard, making the Portuguese races crucial for determining the eventual world champion.

Current Standings

As the championship enters its final stages, the top contenders in the overall points standings are:

• Peter Morin from France leads with 30 points

• Helmer Aiberg from Sweden is in second place with 24 points

• Matthew Palfreyman from Britain holds third place with 22 points

With such a close competition, every race in Portugal will be decisive, and every point will matter significantly in the fight for the world title.

Team Abu Dhabi’s Goals in Portugal

Thani Al Qemzi, Team Manager of Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the participation in Portugal represents a major milestone for the team this season. The team’s primary goals are:

1. Return to the podium – After strong performances earlier in the season, the team is focused on achieving top positions in both rounds.

2. Secure crucial points – Every point earned in these races can make a difference in the championship standings.

3. Stay in contention for the world title – By maintaining consistent performance and maximizing their results, the team hopes to remain a strong contender for the ultimate prize.

The team has undertaken intensive preparations, including detailed technical tuning of the boats, reviewing past race data, and optimizing strategies to adapt to Portugal’s unique river conditions.

Driver Perspectives

Rashed Al Qemzi, the world champion, is expected to lead the team with his experience and skill. His knowledge of high-pressure races and ability to handle challenging water conditions will be a key asset.

Meanwhile, Salem Al Yafei is gaining confidence with each race. His debut in Italy provided practical insights into F2 racing, and now he aims to improve his performance and support the team’s overall goals.

The synergy between the drivers, combined with the guidance of the technical and management team, is designed to optimize the performance of the boats and the strategy on race days.

Team Strategy and Boat Preparations

Technical tuning of the boats has been a major focus for the Abu Dhabi Powerboat Team. Each boat has undergone careful inspection and adjustment to ensure maximum speed, stability, and reliability.

The team has also studied the water conditions in Peso da Régua and Vila Velha to develop effective race strategies. Factors such as river currents, wind, and turns have been analyzed in detail, allowing the team to adapt quickly during races.

Communication between the drivers and the technical crew, especially through Jumaa Al Qubaisi’s radio role, is vital for real-time decisions and adjustments during the races.

Importance of the Portuguese Rounds

The Portuguese rounds are not just another stage of the championship; they are decisive for the world title race. The outcomes here can influence the final standings dramatically.

For the Abu Dhabi Powerboat Team, success in Portugal represents both prestige and achievement. It is an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international platform and demonstrate the results of months of preparation and teamwork.

As the Abu Dhabi Powerboat Team heads to Portugal, excitement is building among fans and stakeholders alike. With experienced drivers like Rashed Al Qemzi, promising talents like Salem Al Yafei, and a committed support team, the Abu Dhabi team is ready to face the challenges ahead.

The final two rounds in Peso da Régua and Vila Velha will test the limits of skill, strategy, and determination. Whether they return to the podium or fight for the championship, one thing is certain – Team Abu Dhabi is prepared to give their best in the race for the UIM F2 World Championship title.