Al Hamly and Al Qamzy shine in Abu Dhabi GP

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Racing Team II, led by Ahmad Al Hamly and Mohammad Al Qamzy, won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the penultimate round of the UAE Wooden Powerboats Championship, and moved a step closer in their quest to be on the podium at the end of the championship.

Al Hamly, who had finished second in the Portugal GP for the UIM FI World Championship last week, proved his capabilities amidst strong winds, that forced the organisers to change the race to the reserve course. Al Hamly overcame tough challenge from leaders Atlas, led by Mohammad Al Room and Marwan Al Ayali, for the first place.

Competition was fierce and the fast speed led to the retirement of Atlas who joined the other boat of the Abu Dhabi Racing Team, led by Thani Al Qamzy, that also had to withdraw in the first laps of the race.

Al Hamly and his co-driver Al Qamzy have jumped to the third place on the overall standings, increasing their tally to 791 points.

Increased chances

Atlas II, steered by Marwan Al Muhairy, finished second here to increase their chances of winning the title, having collected 1,069 points. They are chasing the Atlas team that have 1,200 points, having won all the earlier three rounds.

"We're pleased to win this round in the face of strong competition from Atlas," Al Hamly told Gulf News. "We'll do our best in the remaining round in Dubai to win a top place in the championship, though we have no chance of winning the title."

Al Room said: "We have another round to go in Dubai and I am confident that we will win the required points to win the title.

We're pleased to win this round in the face of strong competition from Atlas. We'll do our best in the remaining round."