- 22 November 2024
Al Sharqiyah GP - Day 2
Thrills, Drama, and an Unpredictable Race in Al Khobar Al Khobar. The second day of the Al Sharqiyah Grand Prix, the fourth stage of the UIM XCAT World Championship, delivered a mix of high-speed action and unexpected events.
The schedule included the official practice session, the Pole Position, and the much-anticipated Race 1, captivating fans and setting the stage for an adrenalinic weekend of racing. During the Official practice session, the #3 FAZ MARINE boat capsized in a heart-stopping incident. Fortunately, pilots Arif Al Zaffain and Konstantin Ustinov were unharmed, thanks to the quick and efficient response of the rescue team. While the boat sustained minimal damage, the duo was unable to participate in Race 1, marking a challenging turn of events for the team. The top three teams from the Pole Position session were:
1️⃣ #96 HPI Fujairah Racing Team
2️⃣ #10 222 Offshore
3️⃣ #2 sweat
Intense Action in Race 1 The first race of the Al Sharqiyah GP brought electrifying moments on the water.
The podium was secured by boats #8, #96, and #7, who maintained their positions through a fiercely competitive race.
However, the race was not without controversy: #10 “222 Offshore” was disqualified due to a starting infraction. #2 “Swecat” was disqualified after losing part of its cowling following the 10th lap. These developments opened the field for the other competitors and highlighted the unforgiving nature of this championship.
Award Ceremony
The day concluded with an award ceremony attended by prominent figures:
-Abdulziz Al-Suwaiket, Vice President - Water Sports Association
-Thamer Habis, CEO, Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation
• Raffaele Chiulli, UIM President
• Ahmed Alblooshi, UIM Sport Commissioner
• Mohammed Harib, CEO, Dubai International Marine Club
Looking Ahead As the Al Sharqiyah GP continues, all eyes are now on the final race day, where teams will push their limits to secure crucial championship points.