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Carella disqualified from French GP

The Italian had dominated the 34-lap race from lap 17 to the chequered flag and looked to have a two-point lead in the World Championship.

Evian-les-bains — Team Abu Dhabi’s Alex Carella was dramatically disqualified from the 19th Grand Prix of France, round two of the UIM F1 H20 World Championship on Sunday evening, a Press release said.

The Italian had dominated the 34-lap race from lap 17 to the chequered flag and looked to have a two-point lead in the World Championship. But the decision was taken to disqualify the three-time champion after UIM officials decided that the set-up of his boat violated regulations.

Finland’s Sami Selio also slipped down the rankings from second to fifth after being awarded a one-lap penalty for striking and damaging a turn buoy. The controversial decision meant that Kuwait’s Youssef Al Rubayan claimed his first ever Grand Prix win and Shaun Torrente of the Victory Team regained the championship lead and moved up from sixth to fourth overall after fuel filter issues had cost him second overall near the end of the race.

Team Abu Dhabi is supported by Etihad Airways as the official carrier and sponsor.

The team is managed by the Italian nine-time UIM F1 H20 World Champion Guido Cappellini and recruited the services of former Qatar Team engine builder Brendan Power shortly after the opening race in Doha in March.