ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi's Rashid Al Qamzi expects to step up his challenge for a fifth UIM F2 world title when the series returns to Norway this weekend after a five-year hiatus.
After three days of tough testing in Italy this week, defending champions Al Qamzi and team-mate Mansour Al Mansouri are determined to shake off a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they were plagued by technical problems.
Team principal Guido Capellini and his mechanics will use three days of preparation in San Nazaro to get the two drivers and their boats in top condition ahead of Sunday's Norwegian Grand Prix in Tønsberg.
“It wasn't the start we wanted, but it's behind us now and we expect to be in a better position to challenge this weekend,” said Al Qamzi, who finished sixth. ended, while al-Mansouri experienced early retirement.
Everyone has worked hard to make sure we have the chance to achieve the results we want and we know we can achieve it together.
We know our team can get the best out of our boats and as drivers we have to make sure we match their hard work and get the best out of ourselves.”
Britain's Matthew Palfreeman returned to the driving seat after a long absence from powerboat racing, taking the championship from Lithuania's Edgaras Ryabko and Portugal's Duarte Benonete.
Al Qamzi, who finished second the last time the championship met Tanzberg in 2019, is clearly confident he can add to his four F2 titles this season, despite the obvious fierce competition now on display.
“You can see in Brindisi that there are a lot of good drivers who want to win and it will be very difficult for anyone to win the championship this year,” he said.
I want to be in a good position to go for the win on Sunday and Mansour wants to be with me and fight for points. So, the first goal is to get up to speed when qualifying starts on Saturday and improve from there.
