Rashed Al Qemzi Aims for Consecutive Grand Prix Victories in Lithuania
Rashed Al Qemzi, the reigning world champion from Team Abu Dhabi, is setting his sights on a second consecutive victory this weekend in Lithuania, a key race that could significantly boost his quest for a record fifth UIM F2 World Championship title.
Fresh off a triumphant win in Norway two weeks ago, which catapulted him to the top of the championship standings, Al Qemzi returns to Klaipėda with renewed confidence. His focus is now on maintaining this momentum to help Team Abu Dhabi secure a landmark victory in the 2024 season.
Joining him in this pursuit is his teammate Mansoor Al Mansoori, who climbed to fourth place in the standings after securing a second-place finish in Tønsberg. The duo is determined to make this season one to remember.
“The championship is tougher than ever this year, and that gives us extra motivation as a team,” said Al Qemzi. “After our difficult start in Italy, we had the perfect result in Norway, and we want to build on that. Mansoor and I work well together and support each other, and we want to keep up the good work in Lithuania and make this an amazing season.”
Lithuania has been a fortunate venue for Al Qemzi, who has claimed three Grand Prix victories in the country, including a flawless start-to-finish win in Klaipėda last year, despite starting from fourth on the grid.
Al Mansoori also has fond memories of Lithuania, where he captured his first Grand Prix victory two years ago, propelling him to the championship lead and eventually securing third place for the season. This year, he aims to at least match that achievement.
The competition will be fierce in Klaipėda, with 20 drivers, including local favorite Edgaras Riabko, who is just one point behind Al Qemzi in the championship standings, vying for victory. The Team Abu Dhabi pair knows they must be at their best to overcome the challenges ahead.
The third round of the six-event series kicks off on Friday with free practice, followed by the three-stage qualifying series in the evening, where Al Qemzi will be targeting his second consecutive pole position. Al Mansoori, meanwhile, will be aiming to close the gap on British driver Matthew Palfreyman, who currently sits in third place, five points ahead of him, after winning the opening round in Italy but failing to finish in Norway.
