Dubai: Team UAE will join seven other countries in the two-day UIM H20 Nations Cup in Shanghai, China, from September 21-22.
The sixth edition of the event returns to the international powerboat calendar for the first time since March 2015. It was last won by Russia in Qatar.
This year’s UAE team consists of Abu Dhabi drivers Rashid Al Tayer, and Rashid Al Qamzi, who will be looking to extend upon the UAE’s three wins in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
“The UIM H2O Nations Cup is an important event in the UIM calendar and I am delighted that Team UAE will be represented with a strong team and looking to claim a fourth victory,” said Salem Al Romaithi, assistant general manager of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC).
“The boats are built to similar specifications and that levels the playing field for everyone. The format is challenging, but our team drivers are not short on recent racing experience (having come fresh from a UIM F2 Championship event in France) and I am sure that they will push hard to bring the victory back to the UAE.”
Other teams consist of defending champions Russia, last year’s runners-up Italy, third-place finishers Germany, Australia, Malaysia, the USA and hosts China.
Promoters will provide identical boats on Monday, with two free practice sessions on Tuesday.
Competitive action starts with time trials and the match race on Wednesday, followed by a further two races on Thursday.
