Al Qamzy determined to win at home

Abu Dhabi: Speed fans have a date today when Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) hosts the penultimate round of the 2007 UIM Formula One Powerboats World Championship at the capital Breakwater area.

It is a date with the thrilling and exciting competition between the fastest boats in the world with the nine-time winner, Italian Guido Cappellini heads the standings.

He is closely by UAE's ace driver Thani Al Qamzy (70 points) and Sami Selio, from Finland, third with 64 points.

"I am determined to win at home," Al Qamzy told Gulf News yesterday.

" It will be difficult but not impossible. My main worries are mechanical problems. In addition, of course, the tough competition which I expect from the other drivers who are all qualified to win the title."

Tough luck

Al Qamzy was unlucky to have to retire in both Portugal and France this year.

But he compensated for that by winning first place twice and second as many times in the last four races.

"I need to win both races in Abu Dhabi and in Sharjah, next week, to have my hopes alive to win the title.

"Guido (Cappellini) has a better chance to win the title. Even if I finish first in both races and he come second in both races, he will be the winner.

"You can never tell in such sport where engine trouble and mechanical problems do happen regularly. It is not only the drivers who decide the result but also the condition of the boat," Al Qamzy said.

Debutant, Ahmad Al Hamly, the other driver of the UAE F-1Team, is placed 12th on the standing. IHe logged 11 points having finished fourth in Qatar in his best result this year.

"I hope that Thani will achieve a good result. It is more important than whatever result I register. It is important for the morale of the team that one of us will end the season in a leading position," Al Hamly said.

"I am keen to score a good result to keep the leadership of our team in the Teams title and it will surely give me a motive to do better next season."

The UAE F-1 Team leads the standings of the Teams Championship with 114 points.

Selio fastest

Sami Selio of Finland won first place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday with the fastest time of 47.96 seconds leaving second place to Italian Guid Cappellini, 48.31 seconds while UAE's Thani Al Qamzy finished third in 48.41 seconds.

Selio will start the main race today leading the pack from the pit stop.