Italian Cappellini leads charge at Abu Dhabi GP
Local hero Al Qamzi still in with chance of title
Abu Dhabi: Italian ace racer Guido Cappellini continued his brilliant form to win the first race of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and lead the UIM World Formula One Powerboat Championship, leaving second place to local hero Thani Al Qamzi who finished fifth yesterday at the capital's Breakwater area.
It was Cappellini's fourth victory in Abu Dhabi since 1993, and the legendary pilot seems to be on his way to winning a record tenth World Championship title.
Finn Sami Selio started the race from pole but lost valuable seconds because of boat trouble and ended third.
Al Qamzi started fourth but was overtaken by Francesco Cantando. He will no doubt be looking to improve in today's race and this week's final round in Sharjah.
"I was happy with the result. It was not as good as everyone expected but that was in itself a big problem." Al Qamzi told Gulf News.
World champion
"There are still three races with 60 points and there are five of us who can still finish as world champion this year."
Al Qamzi is second on the drivers' standings with 119 points, ten points behind Cappellini. Jonas Andersson from Sweden is on 105, Selio on 100, reigning champion Jay Price on 95 and Cantando on 89 points. Ahmad Al Hamli, the other UAE driver, finished eighth to collect three points and take his tally to 69.
