Dubai: Italian-born, Dubai-based powerboating stalwart Matteo Nicolini says he considers this weekend’s Emirates Airline XCAT Grand Prix his home race.
Nicolini and his driver in the boat ‘Six’, Tomaso Polli, are relishing the prospect taking to the water at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) for the final round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Powerboating Series starting on Thursday.
“Dubai for me is my home race. I have lived in Dubai for many years and I have raced in Dubai since 1992,” Nicolini said.
“At DIMC, where we race, I have some of my best local friends, so I consider DIMC like a family and I can add that it is for sure the best location and organisation for a race, so I am always more than happy to race in Dubai.”
Currently lying in fourth place in the standings with 511 points after four rounds, the Six team still have a shot at finishing the season in the top three.
“It is our target to finish top three this season and we will do our best to get this result, even if I know that our competitors are very strong and will not be easy for us,” Nicolini said.
Asked about the race itself, Nicolini added: “I never like to talk about the result before the race. Each race has its own history. For sure my team is racing to win, but at the same time I know that before any win there is a lot of work done by the team before the race.
“We have done some work but haven’t had the possibility to test yet, so I will be happy if the changes that I’ve done on my boat will give me what I expect.”
XCAT action will get under way on Thursday with official practice, before the race for Emaar Pole Position takes place on Friday morning. The head-to-head drag race-style Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will take place that afternoon.
The main event will take place on Saturday afternoon.
Entrance to the public areas is free of charge and there will be plenty of attractions on offer.
