Powerboating fraternity remembers its heroes

Dubai : Tributes and condolences continued pouring in for the two Victory Team pilots who died in a high-speed crash off Mina Seyahi on Friday.

Leading the tributes was 14-time Middle East rallying champion Mohammad Bin Sulayem, who is also the vice-president of the FIA. Bin Sulayem, who is currently attending meetings of the world governing body for motorsports, issued a statement yesterday condoling the deaths of the two drivers.

"I am still in shock and cannot imagine the pain of losing a dear one, much more at the peak of their careers," Bin Sulayem said.

"My heart goes out to the families of the deceased and may God give them the desired strength during this time of grief," he added.

This is a very sad day for powerboat racing. I became the world champion for a record tenth time and we lost two of our comrades at the very same time yesterday. I am shattered with the news."

Jean-Marc [Sanchez] and Mohammad [Al Muhairi] saw all their friends around them on the water. They gave up pursuing their passion and this is the best way we can commemorate them."

This has been a nightmare for all of us. I've known Jean-Marc for five years now and we were so fierce while competing, but great friends off the water."

 We have lost two great competitors on the water and two superb friends off it."

It is such a tragic end to two great guys. It is very hard for all of us and our hearts go out to their families."

We've lost two great personalities and friends. There was so much that we shared in common with them both, especially Jean-Marc whom I knew for 18 years. It's a huge loss to me personally and to the sport.