Dubai: Team Abu Dhabi’s Shaun Torrente was over the moon after leading his team to an exciting one-two finish alongside Thani Al Qamzi in the season-opening Grand Prix of Portimao in the 2018 UIM F1H2O World Championship.
Torrente ended at the top of the 19-driver standings, less than three seconds better that teammate Al Qamzi as two former four-time world champions — Philippe Chiappe and Alex Carella — took the next two spots on the Arade River circuit late on Sunday.
Starting from first and second on the grid, Torrente and Al Qamzi ran a flawless race despite a yellow flag situation on the opening lap, to take the top two positions and open out the title defence for the team from the UAE Capital backed by the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.
Torrente had all reason to celebrate his 2.09-second victory over his teammate in Portimão as this was the Miami driver’s first since the 2016 Grand Prix of Sharjah. “It has been a perfect weekend for me and the team. And to make a winning start for my new team is like a dream come true for me personally. This is the hard work, the long flights and the time away from family that is finally paying off for us. The last six months have been tough, and if the next six are going to be like this then I don’t mind it one bit,” Torrente told Gulf News from Portugal.
“It’s now time to play catch-up as I head home to be with my wife and celebrate her birthday, after which it will be business as usual as we head to London for the second round in June. Right now I am only thinking about being home with my family and loved ones so that we can celebrate this win together,” the Miami driver added.
At the lower end of the grid, it was a tussle between two multiple world champions as Chiappe managed to find a way to pass defending champion Carella with 13 laps left. The 52-year-old Frenchman then went on a charge to try and hunt down Al Qemzi till a mere 1.45 seconds separated the runner-up and third place.
Now with the famed Victory Team, Carella suffered trim issues and came under pressure from Chiappe’s CTIC China Team colleague Peter Morin, but held on to a slender advantage and seal fourth place. His Victory Team teammate Ahmad Al Hameli rounded off the top six and a vital 14 points for the team.
The second round of the 2018 UIM F1H2O World Championship will be held in London from June 15-17.
