Abu Dhabi: Team Abu Dhabi today confirmed that it will tackle the 2010 UIM F1 World Championship with team drivers Thani Al Qamzi and Ahmad Al Hameli.
The team also announced the new livery for the boats, which it hopes will help it regain the UIM F1 Teams' Championship and clinch the UIM F1 Drivers' Championship.
"We have made these changes to be consistent with the ambition of the club and the continued development of Team Abu Dhabi in UIM F1 racing," said Salem Romaithi, assistant general manager of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.
"The aim is to compete seriously for the overall World Championship title and to see one of our own local Abu Dhabi team drivers winning the title for the first time. The team has already won with former star Scott Gillman and it would be the next step for an Emirati national to win the title."
New boats
Romaithi confirmed that both Al Qamzi and Al Hameli will benefit from the latest equipment and new boats for the 2010 championship campaign, which gets under way in Portugal on May 8-9. "We want the new boats to represent the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club and to further widen the awareness of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through our valuable association with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority."
The race boats were shipped to Portugal a few days ago, although Team Abu Dhabi drivers have been able to test in home waters during the close season to ensure they are fully prepared for the new season. "We would like to express our gratitude to Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan for his support and his provision of equipment for the team," said Al Hameli.
"My motivation will be to become the best and to give my maximum efforts to reach the podium in every race."
Al Qamzi has also left nothing to chance for the start of the new racing season. "Good preparation and routine is critical to success," said the Emirati.
"The goal for us this season is quite straightforward. Team Abu Dhabi wants to win the world title and both Ahmad and myself want to win the individual title in 2010."
