Al Sayed replaces Al Suwaidi

Oslo, Norway: In a sudden twist, Victory Team has opted for new face Talib Al Sayed to drive alongside Nader Bin Hindi in Victory 7 for the Scandinavian Grand Prix this weekend.

The decision was announced after yesterday's testing for the Scandinavian Grand Prix - the third round of the WPPA Class One World Powerboat Championship.

Al Sayed replaces Ahmad Al Suwaidi as the driver in Victory 7, while Bin Hindi - a former three-time Jet Ski World Champion - will continue in his role as throttleman.

"This was a team decision and we have opted to give a new face the chance to prove himself," Victory Team manager Gian Franco Venturelli told Gulf News.

"Talib has been travelling with us for some time now and we feel he is ready to race alongside Nader in Victory 7," Venturelli added. This will be the first-ever Class One race for Al Sayed after serving a one-year stint as reserve driver for the Victory Team last season.

Victory 77's Aref Al Zafein - also making a dream debut this season with Jean Marc Sanchez - are sitting cozy as overall leaders, while former world champion Mohammad Al Merri is accompanying the set-up as driver coordinator and reserve driver.