Wyatt Triumphs in Shanghai as Weather Shortens Grand Prix
Sharjah’s Team driver Rusty Wyatt extended his lead in the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship by securing a victory at the Grand Prix of Shanghai. The race, however, was cut short due to hazardous weather conditions, with only 11 of the planned 32 laps completed before it was called off for safety reasons.
Team Abu Dhabi's drivers, Thani Al Qemzi and reigning world champion Jonas Andersson, faced difficulties as the worsening weather took a toll on their performances. Al Qemzi, who had climbed to sixth place in the midst of the storm, dropped back to finish tenth. Meanwhile, Andersson managed to avoid a near-crash but was ultimately overtaken by fellow Swede Erik Stark, finishing third in both the race and the overall championship standings.
Despite the chaotic conditions, Wyatt navigated the challenging course with skill, securing pole position in the second practice session and leading the race by a comfortable 7.2 seconds over Stark. His victory now places him 17.5 points ahead in the championship standings.
For Team Abu Dhabi, the weekend proved difficult, with Alberto Comparato finishing 14th. Both Al Qemzi and Comparato are now setting their sights on a comeback at the penultimate round in Zhengzhou, set to take place in two weeks.
Al Qemzi, a veteran of the sport with a career dating back to 2000, will be making his 157th start in Zhengzhou. He aims to add to his impressive record of ten Grand Prix victories and 45 podium finishes.
The Shanghai race weekend saw multiple challenges, including the cancellation of Saturday’s sprint races due to a looming typhoon. Comparato, who joined officials in inspecting the track via a rescue boat, described the conditions as "too dangerous."
