Al Qemzi Fights Back as Wyatt Secures Pole Position for Sharjah Team in Sardinia
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al Qemzi reminded everyone of his prowess in the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship, while Sharjah Team’s Rusty Wyatt clinched pole position for the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy.
Al Qemzi, who last triumphed in Olbia two years ago, put on a gutsy performance in challenging conditions to qualify second, setting himself up for a potential repeat victory. Canadian Wyatt, who won the first round in Indonesia and is currently second in the championship standings, narrowly edged out the veteran Emirati in the six-boat qualifying shoot-out to claim his first-ever pole position.
Reigning world champion Jonas Andersson qualified fourth, just ahead of Victory Team’s championship leader Erik Stark, setting the stage for an exciting Grand Prix battle on the Mediterranean island.
Driving a brand-new boat, Al Qemzi is determined to spearhead Team Abu Dhabi’s recovery after a tough start to the season. His young teammate, Alberto Comparato, will start from the tenth position.
“It was a good race day,” said Al Qemzi. “In the morning it was flat water, before the wind got stronger for qualifying. But I was happy with my boat in the conditions. It was close in the end – nothing much between first and second. There was rough water out there and I didn’t want to crash the boat, with a long race ahead. Everything is under control.”
With a record of ten Grand Prix victories and 45 podium finishes since his debut in 2000, Al Qemzi recorded the fifth-fastest time in the first qualifying session, while Comparato was seventh as Wyatt set the early pace. As the wind picked up for the second qualifying phase, American Brent Dillard crashed out spectacularly in the tough conditions.
Al Qemzi initially led the timings before Wyatt edged him out to go through first into the shoot-out. Frenchman Peter Morin secured the third fastest lap.
Having surpassed the 1,000-point mark in the championship at the second round in Vietnam, Al Qemzi is eager for an 11th career win tomorrow to boost both his individual prospects and those of Team Abu Dhabi in the team title race. He also aimed to collect maximum bonus points from the day’s sprint races to strengthen his challenge further.
