Abu Dhabi: Finn Sami Selio became the new leader of the UIM 2013 Formula One Powerboats World Championship after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in style on Friday to renew his hopes of winning the championship one round before the end of the competition.
Meanwhile, Thani Al Qamzy and Ahmad Al Hamly of Team Abu Dhabi had to retire from the race after being involved in an accident during a group race on the first lap.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was attended by Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the President of the UAE and President of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC), the organisers of the event.
Selio, of Mad-Cros Team, started the race from the first pit stop after winning the pole run on Thursday and he kept his first place all through the race despite two yellow-flag stoppages and tough competition from Frenchman Philippe Chiappe, the driver of China CTIC Team, who finished second, and reigning world champion, Alex Carella, the driver of Team Qatar, who finished third.
Commenting on Al Qamzy and Al Hamly’s accident, Salem Al Rumaithi, the Director of the ADIMSC and the Manager of Team Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News: “We thank God that our drivers are safe. We almost lost the teams’ title we won last year, but that is sport; you win some and lose some and we hope to come back next year stronger and with better luck than this year.”
Selio beame the new leader of the drivers’ standings with 64 points, one week before the final round of the championship in Sharjah, In second place is Shaun Torrente, of Team Qatar, with 62 points after finishing fifth yesterday, two points more than his teammate and defending champion Carella.
“It was a fantastic race and I am happy to win in this stage, which will strengthen my hopes of winning the title,” Selio said. “I am already looking forward to the final round in Sharjah, where the competition will be tough, strong and exciting because the difference in points between the top drivers is slim.”
