Rashed Al Qemzi Secures Pole Position in Italy, Sets Stage for Title Race Lead

Rashed Al Qemzi of Team Abu Dhabi has positioned himself perfectly to reclaim the lead in the 2024 UIM F2 World Championship by clinching pole position for the Grand Prix of Italy. The defending world champion, who is aiming to become the first driver to win the title five times, delivered a stellar performance, edging out his teammate Mansoor Al Mansoori in a thrilling Q3 shoot-out.

Al Mansoori, who dominated the Q1 and Q2 sessions, finished second, completing a remarkable 1-2 finish for Team Abu Dhabi. He had initially set the pace in the six-boat Q3, but Al Qemzi managed to outperform him in the final moments, securing the top spot for tomorrow’s race.

As the championship battle intensifies, Al Qemzi enters the Grand Prix just four points behind current leader Edgaras Riabko of Lithuania, who qualified in fifth place. Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg, who shares the same points as Al Qemzi after her victory in the previous round, will start from third place, making the race an exciting showdown among the top contenders.

Al Qemzi's strong showing comes as no surprise, as he previously won in San Nazzaro last year, a victory that helped him secure his fourth world crown. With two more rounds remaining in the championship, set for consecutive weekends in September in Portugal, tomorrow's race could be pivotal in determining the title’s outcome.

Al Qemzi kicked off the weekend by setting the fastest time in the official practice session, while Riabko struggled, finishing eighth. Al Mansoori’s momentum continued into the afternoon, as he led the Q1 session before finishing on top in Q2. However, it was Al Qemzi who ultimately took pole position, setting the stage for an intense battle in Sunday’s Grand Prix of Italy.