Rashed Al-Qemzi Targets Historic Fifth World Title in UIM F2 Championship
ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al-Qemzi is aiming for a flying start to the new season in Italy this weekend as he launches his bid to become the first five-time winner of the UIM F2 World Championship. The Emirati driver currently shares the distinction of having four F2 world crowns with Erik Stark, making this season’s competition particularly significant for him.
“I really want to be the five-time world champion,” said Al-Qemzi, who is set to test a new boat over three days in San Nazzaro ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix of Italy in Brindisi. “I hope everything works well, and that I’ll be fighting for the title again. At times, I do feel under pressure. Some drivers start the season very fast, and it can be tough. But if I win the first race, that puts me in a strong position, and that’s what I have done each year that I’ve taken the title.”
This season, Team Abu Dhabi has paired Al-Qemzi once again with Mansoor Al-Mansoori, who finished fifth in last year’s championship after securing a third-place podium finish in 2022. Their partnership is not new; the duo were team-mates during Abu Dhabi’s 2021 World Endurance Championship triumph, a victory that had a profound impact on Al-Qemzi, who was also part of the 2019 title-winning lineup.
Reflecting on his development as a driver, Al-Qemzi said, “I’ve changed a lot as a driver because of all the experience I’ve gained in F2 over the last few years. But my experience in endurance racing made the biggest difference. I was driving for 1 hour, 50 minutes at a time in the 12-hour and 24-hour races as part of a team that beat the best in the world to take the championship.”
His success in the F2 category last year contributed to Team Abu Dhabi’s remarkable tally of 17 world championship titles since powerboat racing legend Guido Cappellini took charge in 2015. Al-Qemzi acknowledges the crucial role Cappellini has played in his career. “Guido is always there for me and helps in many ways,” he said. “If I can’t find a good balance on the boat, I go to see him and he finds a solution.”
As the new season begins, Al-Qemzi’s determination to make history by securing his fifth world title is palpable. The upcoming races in Italy will be a critical test of his skill and resilience, and a strong start could set the tone for a landmark season. With the support of his team and the guidance of Cappellini, Al-Qemzi is poised to make a significant impact in the world of powerboat racing, potentially securing his place in the record books as the first driver to win five F2 world championships.