Fazza vow to defend honour

Dubai: Nothing short of a win will do for World and defending champions Fazza as they prepare for the third heat of the 2013 UIM XCAT World Powerboat Series at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on Saturday.

“We are clear about what we want. We are here to win and nothing short of victory will do for us,” Fazza throttleman Arif Saif Al Zafein told Gulf News after finishing behind the Qatar Team boat in Friday’s Speed Cat Run.

It was the first time this season that the Victory Team-backed boat ended second best in all competitions held so far.

“Ending second in the Speed Cat Run is no big deal. It’s the main race that matters to us more,” Fazza driver Mohammad Al Merri told Gulf News.

“There are so many new boats now and most of these have been built and prepared by the Victory Team, so it is going to get tough out there at any race,” Al Zafein chipped in.

Showing their prowess were debutants Gabon with former Formula One World Champion Jay Price with Sultan Al Daheri leading the way in challenging the Dubai set-up.

After ending second best behind Westerlund Racing’s Joakim Kumlin and Daniel Svenson during yesterday morning’s official practice, Gabon 7 were the real deal in the Speed Cat Run held in rough sea conditions.

“This type of racing is the ideal training ground for a rookie like me,” the 2008 F1 world champion said.

“It’s a good switch to come in from F1 racing into this sort of powerboat and with a little bit of time we should be able to foster a good partnership,” confided the American throttleman.

There was plenty of excitement during the Speed Cat Run with Fazza looking the best on the water throughout the knockout heats till a split second delay at the start cost them a third straight win in this contest.

Action will continue on the final day on Saturday, with the pole position run scheduled from 10 to 11.30am off the Mina Seyahi waters of the DIMC. The main race will be held from 3.30pm, with the presentation of trophies immediately after the end.