Andersson Secures Pole in Sharjah as Al Qemzi Shines, Wyatt Faces Setback
Sweden’s Jonas Andersson claimed pole position for the Grand Prix of Sharjah, strengthening his pursuit of a third UIM F1H2O World Championship title. Veteran Team Abu Dhabi driver Thani Al Qemzi showcased his enduring talent on Khalid Lagoon, 24 years after making his debut on the same waters.
In a thrilling qualifying session, Andersson topped the six-boat shootout, outpacing Victory Team’s Erik Stark, with Al Qemzi securing third. The session took a dramatic turn when Sharjah Team’s Rusty Wyatt, a close title contender, was penalized for a collision with Poland’s Bartek Marszalek during Q2. The incident led to a barrel roll for Marszalek, leaving his team scrambling to repair the damage for the upcoming sprint races.
Wyatt, who had recorded the sixth fastest time before the collision, was disqualified for dangerous driving and will start 11th in the Grand Prix. The penalty handed Andersson a crucial advantage in his championship bid with Team Vietnam.
The Grand Prix of Sharjah has a history of pivotal moments, and no one understands this better than Al Qemzi, who made his first appearance on Khalid Lagoon in 2000. Starting his 158th F1H2O race tomorrow, the Emirati veteran remains a formidable competitor. Al Qemzi, who has achieved three career victories in Sharjah, is determined to end the season on a high, despite his last win being two years ago in Sardinia.
Friday’s free practice saw Al Qemzi clock the third-fastest lap, trailing only Andersson and Wyatt. He carried that momentum into today’s qualifying session, advancing through Q1 with the fourth-best time. French driver Peter Morin led Q1, followed by Wyatt and Andersson, while Rashed Al Qemzi narrowly missed advancing in 11th position.
In Q2, Stark emerged fastest, ahead of Morin and Andersson, with Thani Al Qemzi securing fifth place. Wyatt’s penalty shifted the championship dynamics, potentially paving the way for Andersson to claim both the drivers’ and team titles. The afternoon sprint races remain a critical factor in the championship outcome.
