Fujairah: This weekend’s second round of the UIM SkyDive Dubai XCAT World Series will mark the return to action of the Fendi Racing team.
Luca Fendi and throttleman Giovanni Carpitella will bid to challenge the likes of series leaders Fazza, with Arif Al Zafein and Nader Bin Hendi on board, after purchasing a Victory Team-built boat.
“We decided to buy a boat from Victory to have more races and more fun during the year and also of course to try and win the series,” Carpitella, who also races with Fendi in Class One powerboating, said.
“We have one race less [after missing out on last month’s first round in Dubai] but the target is to stay on the podium for all the races and then also better prepare ourselves for Class One as well.”
Speaking about the boat, Carpitella added: “I have never tried it, but I have driven a lot of Victory boats. I think this is a boat for flat water and flat conditions.
‘A good toy’
“I took some measurements and I think it’s a boat for turning fast and acceleration. I don’t think it would be very good in rough water, but if you look at the calendar, most of the races are on flat water so I think we have bought a good toy.”
As for what he’s expecting at the Fujairah International Marine Club this week, the Italian said: “I have raced here in Fujairah in XCAT before and I know it’s normally flat water, although I’ve raced here twice in Class One and it was very rough. But I see the weather forecast is more or less okay. So we will try to reach the podium because Luca is a good driver and I also have experience in XCAT.”
Carpitella is no stranger to XCAT racing, having claimed three victories — in 2001, 2006 and 2009 — and he paired up with Alfredo Amato in the Videx team for this season’s opening round in Dubai.
First practice will be at 1.30pm on Wednesday, with the boat parade at 4.30pm. Pole position will be contested at 1.30pm on Thursday, with the Speed Cat Run at 2.45pm.
Final practice will be at 10.30am on Friday, with the Fujairah Grand Prix starting at 3pm.
