Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Team Abu Dhabi are almost double-handed and sit in a pretty place going into the final round of the UIM F2 World Championship in Portugal this weekend. Leader Rashid Al Qemzi is poised for a record fifth title while his teammate Mansoor Al Mansoori also has a chance to surge through to lift the crown.
The stage is set for a tense climax at Vila Velha de Rodao in Portugal which is hosting a second successive round after last week’s penultimate race was won by Al Mansoori, putting Al Qemzi’s party on hold.
The four-time champion and a strong favourite throughout the season goes into the finale holding a six-point lead over Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko, who is four points ahead of Al Mansoori in third position.
A second-place finish would be enough to clinch the title for Al Qemzi, and take him into the record books as the first ever five-time winner of the F2 crown.
However, a repeat of last weekend’s result will mean Al Mansoori could be installed as world champion for the first time should his teammate finish fourth or below.
Unlike McLaren’s dilemma in Formula One on preferring one driver over another – Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris – the two stars of Team Abu Dhabi said there are no team orders giving priority to either of them.
However, the two Emirati drivers will be on guard to avoid unnecessary risks that could jeopardise the arrival of an 18th world title at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club since Guido Cappellini became team manager nine years ago.
“We’re teammates and friends, but we both want to win the title, and we both know what we have to do,” said Al Qemzi, who had already secured his fourth F2 triumph before rounding off last season with victory on the Tagus river in Vila Velha de Rodao.
He is returning with fond memories to back him as the favourite of the two, though. “The team will make sure both boats are set up perfectly, as they are for every race. Then it’s up to us. It’s also up to us not to do anything that could hurt the team,” Al Qemzi said.
Al Mansoori’s first target is to aim for a second successive pole position on Saturday. “That can make a huge difference on Sunday, but it will be tough to qualify first, as it was last weekend, and all season,” he said.
“It’s the last race of the season and apart from the top three, all the other drivers will be fighting hard for a good start position. I want to get the best out of myself, and my boat. I can’t do more than that.”
Riabko finished third last Sunday in Peso Da Régua, where he won the penultimate round last season, and he will be aiming for a third career victory in Portugal in the hope that it will be enough to secure the world title.
While the top three battle it out for F2 glory, Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg, Britain’s Matthew Palfreyman and Frenchman Nelson Morin are among a cluster of drivers who could still have a big say in the championship decider.
