ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi's Rashed Al-Qemzi expects to return to Norway at the weekend after a five-year hiatus to step up his challenge for a record fifth UIM F2 world title.
After three days of rigorous testing in Italy this week, defending champions Al-Qemzi and team-mate Mansoor Al-Mansoori are determined to shrug off a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they were plagued by technical problems.
Team manager Guido Cappellini and his mechanics are using three days of preparation in San Nazzaro to get both 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 over now and we expect to be in a much better position this weekend to fight for the win,” said Al-Qemzi, who fought his way to sixth. the round ended while Al-Mansoori suffered an early retirement.
“Everyone has worked very hard to make sure we have the chance to achieve the results we want and we know we can achieve them 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.”
Britain's Matthew Palfreyman, who returned to the seat after a long absence from powerboat racing, leads the championship ahead of Lithuania's Edgaras Riabke and Portugal's Duarte Benavente.
Al-Qemzi, who finished second when the championship last visited Tonsberg in 2019, remains characteristically confident that he can add to his four F2 world titles this season despite the obviously strong 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 someone to win the championship this year,” he said.
“I want to be in a good position to go for the win on Sunday and Mansoor wants to be there with me and fight for the points. So the first goal is to get up to speed when qualifying starts on Saturday and go from there.”
