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Team Abu Dhabi take honours in Race 1; Fendi impresses

ABU DHABI - Team Abu Dhabi came up with a stellar show to win Race 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the 5th Class 1 Powerboat World Championship at the Breakwater at the Corniche on Thursday.

Team Abu Dhabi, piloted by Emirati Rashid Al Tayer with throttleman John Tomlinson, rallied well from third to take the top spot ahead of Victory 2010 and Negotiator, piloted by Luca Formilli Fendi, who was racing for the first time. Luca Formilli Fendi is the son of Franca Fendi, who along with the other four sisters, created the famous brand in fashion FENDI.

Team Abu Dhabi logged a time of 00.31.44.59, while Victory 2010 had a time of 00.32.22.53. Negotiator logged a time of 00.32.52.00.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the penultimate round of the championship and the capital is hosting the event for the second year in a row. It features two rounds. The event is being held under the patronage of Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who is the chairman of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC).

The remaining two rounds will be held in Dubai. Nine boats took part in the race, which featured one start lap, eight race laps and three long laps.

Championship leader Fazza, piloted by Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi were leading the race before they suffered problems and dropped down to sixth. Team Abu Dhabi, who were placed third until then, got ahead to land the spoils.

“It was a good race. Fazza were leading but we managed to do well. I’m thrilled to win Race 1 and it this season is a good experience for me. I’m looking forward to Race 2 on Friday,” the 30-year-old Rashid Al Tayer, told the Khaleej Times, after the race.

Victory 2010 was piloted by Giorgio Manuzzi with Mohammed Al Marri being the throttleman. Negotiator was piloted by Luca Formilli Fendi with Giovanni Carpitella being the throttleman. The duo were racing for the first time together.

“Unbelievable. I will never forget this race, this sea and this fantastic city in which I have raced for the first time in Class1. It was a strong race, an incredible start, with many boats all together at the first turn.

“Their spray was a close door for us, but we exited from that mess, finding good reliability. At the end of the race, on the podium, with our Italian flag and the cup of the third position, was one of my best moments in my powerboating career. I would like to thank my teammate Giovanni,” an elated Luca Formilli Fendi said.

Giovanni Carpitella said: “Luca was at his first race, and him reaching the podium first time out means that we can only improve. And in 2011, we will have our own boat.”

The other boats which feature in the championship are GSG Ceramic Design, Welmax, Giorgioffshore and Relekta. GSG Ceramic Design’s driver is former F1 powerboating champion Guido Cappellini of Italy.

Earlier, Welmax, piloted by Kolbjorn Selmer and throttleman Jorn Tandberg, took the Pole Position honours. Fazza were second, while Team Abu Dhabi were third.

Race 2 will be held on Friday.

Results

1.Team Abu Dhabi (Driver: Rashid Al Tayer/Throttleman: John Tomlinson) 20 pts

2. Victory 2010 (Giorgio Manuzzi/Mohammed Al Marri) 15 pts

3. Negotiator (Luca Formilli Fendi/ Giovanni Carpitella) 12 pts

4. Relekta (Paul Gaiser/Christian Zaborowski) 9 pts

5. GiorgiOffshore (Sandro Sardelli/Nicola Giorgi) 7pt

6. Fazza (Arif Al Zafeen/ Nadir Bin Hindi ) 5 pts

7. Skydrive Dubai (Abdullah Al Mehairbi/Talib Al Sayed 4 pts

8.Welmax 90 (Kolbjorn Selmer/Jorn Tandberg) DNF

9.GSG Ceramic Design (Guido Cappellini/Giampaolo Montavoci) DNS

james@khaleejtimes.com