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Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Qemzi is heading into the Grand Prix of Zhengzhou, China, for the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship without the pressure of chasing a top result. The five-time UIM F2 world champion, who recently secured his latest F2 title, is set to race alongside his cousin, veteran driver Thani Al Qemzi, after a mutual decision saw Team Abu Dhabi and Alberto Comparato part ways.

“Like everyone in the team, I wish Alberto success in the future, and I’m sure we’ll see great things from him in the years ahead,” said Al Qemzi. “Now, I have another opportunity to show my potential in the F1H2O World Championship, and it’s great to be racing with Thani again.”

Al Qemzi, who has been a dominant force in the F2 category with five titles in eight years, has stepped up to Team Abu Dhabi’s F1H2O lineup multiple times. Last season, he finished seventh in Zhengzhou after holding fourth place for half of the Grand Prix. He was also part of the team’s 2021 UIM World Endurance Championship victory.

Despite the challenge posed by strong competitors, including Sharjah Team’s Rusty Wyatt, Victory Team’s Erik Stark, and defending champion Jonas Andersson, Al Qemzi is focused on giving his best performance. “There’s no extra pressure from the team. The competition is tough, but I’ll be giving everything I have to achieve the best result possible.”

Thani Al Qemzi, who will make his 157th Grand Prix start in Zhengzhou, is eager to improve his ninth-place standing and add to his career tally of ten Grand Prix victories and 45 podium finishes.

The battle for the championship continues with Wyatt leading the standings after his second victory of the season in Shanghai. The qualifying session and sprint races on Friday will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Grand Prix.

2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship Standings

1. Rusty Wyatt (CAN) – 87 pts
2. Erik Stark (SWE) – 69.5 pts
3. Jonas Andersson (SWE) – 69 pts
4. Peter Morin (FRA) – 54.5 pts
5. Bartek Marszalek (POL) – 48 pts
6. Stefan Arand (EST) – 34.5 pts
7. Marit Stromoy (NOR) – 32 pts
8. Sami Selio (FIN) – 31 pts
9. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) – 27.5 pts
10. Ben Jelf (GB) – 26.5 pts

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