ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi's Rashed Al Qemzi hopes to increase his challenge for a record fifth UIM F2 world title when the series returns to Norway at the weekend after a five-year hiatus.
After three days of rigorous testing in Italy this week, reigning champion Al-Qemzi and team-mate Mansour Al-Mansouri are determined to shake off a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they suffered technical problems.
Team manager Guido Capellini and his mechanics are using three days of preparation in San Nazzaro to get the two 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 behind us and we expect to be in a much better position to compete for the win this weekend,” said Al-Khemzi, who fought for sixth place in the first tournament . round while Al-Mansouri retired early.
“Everyone has worked really hard to make sure we have a chance to get the results we want and know what we can achieve 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 Palfreeman is back behind the wheel after a long absence from powerboat racing, leading the championship from Lithuania's Edgaras Ryabko and Portugal's Duarte Benavente.
Al-Qemzi, who finished second the last time the championship visited Tønsberg in 2019, remains confident he can add to his four F2 titles this season despite the obviously intense competition that now is demonstrated.
“You could see in Brindisi that there are a lot of good riders who want to win and it will be very difficult for anyone 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 with me, to fight for the points. So the first goal is to be on the pace when qualifying starts on Saturday and build from there.”