Price on course to be crowned world champion

Abu Dhabi: American Jay Price is looking in good shape to win his first F1 Powerboat World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix today.

Price, who drives for the Qatar Team, is only six points away from securing the title. He leads the championship with 85 points and only 40 points are at stake today in Abu Dhabi and next week in Sharjah in the final two rounds of the championship.

His nearest rival is Swede Jonas Andersson on 49 points, followed by defending champion Sami Selio of Finland with 47, the UAE's Ahmad Al Hamli, 40, and Australian David Trask with 32 points.

Price is expected to take a tactical approach rather than pressing for the lead because he only needs to finish fifth to secure the world title. By going for the win, the American would risk falling foul of mechanical and engine problems that could force him to retire and lose his chance of wrapping up the title. In the last two races of the previous season, both Italian Guido Cappellini and the UAE's Thani Al Qamzi suffered setbacks as Selio came form behind to win the last two races and the title.

"I have nothing to lose this year and I am determined to win at home," Al Qamzi, who has not finished a single race this season, told Gulf News yesterday. "I will use these two races to prepare for next year and I hope that I will be lucky for a change this year - even if it is too late [to win the title]."

Al Qamzi finished third last year.

Al Hamli is Team Abu Dhabi's best bet for a top three title finish this season. He needs to do well in the last two races to finish as one of the top three drivers in the championship.

"I am satisfied with my performance this year, but hot happy because I should have accumulated more than 40 points. I haven't been very fortunate. It is my first full season on the F1 circuit and I should be happy to finish on the podium," Al Hamli said.

Scott Gillman, manager of Team Abu Dhabi, said preparations for the last two rounds had gone well.