Cappellini's safety-first tactics pay off

Abu Dhabi: Mechanical problems and engine trouble wreaked havoc for the drivers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the penultimate round of the UIM 2007 Formula One Powerboats World Championship on Friday.

But nine times world champion, Italian Guido Cappellini ran a safe tactical race, especially after the retirement of UAE's Thani Al Qamzy his nearest rival, before the start to compete for the title and finished second behind Finn Sami Selio who won the event in style having led the race from the word go.

Selio, who won the pole on Thursday, was leading the pack with Cappellini second and Al Qamzy close behind.

In the 15th lap, Al Qamzy overtook Cappellini and was forcing his way to overtake Selio but his engine broke and had to retire to the dismay and disappointment of the spectators who were still cheering for overtaking Cappellini only seconds before.

"It was sheer bad luck," Al Qamzy told Gulf News.

"My engine broke only seconds after overtaking Guido (Cappellini).

"These problems are common is speed races and we have to live with them. I have no hope to win the title but I will do my best in the remaining round in Sharjah next week and I do hope that everything will go according to plan."