Pilots arrive in Dubai for high-octane racing

Dubai: Forty-six pilots from as far as Norway, Italy, the UK, Lebanon and Bangladesh will join local and Middle East-based pilots for the fourth heat of the WPPA GCC Class III 6-litre Powerboat Championship in the Westin Mina Seyahi Grand Prix in the waters off Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) today.

The event, organised by the DIMC with the World Professional Powerboating Association, has attracted 23 teams this year with the last round of the tournament considered the World Championship.

Held over a cigar-shaped course, parallel to the DIMC, it will will be held under the WPPA and UAE Championship rules, and will cover a total of 44.72 nautical miles.

The overwhelming response to this year's competition is a clear indication that Class III racing is popular, and is considered one of the breeding grounds for future Class I pilots.

This year's event will include a host of experienced names such as Rashid Al Merri, Ian Blacker, Serafino Barlesi and Thani Atiq Al Qamzi.

Also taking part are Class 1 pilots, including Ahmad Al Suwaidi and 2007 WPPA Class 1 world Champion Arif Al Zafein.

Victory Team's Marwan Al Ayali will team up with Mohammad Al Muhairi, while Ahmad Al Suwaidi teams up with Ahmad Suhail Al Muhairi in Al Boom Holdings' new S12.

The national combination of Rashid Al Merri and Salem Fadil Al Hamli in Al Boom Holdings' S11 is also sure to enthral spectators.