Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi's Rashed Al-Gamessi is hoping to boost his challenge for a fifth UIM F2 World Championship title when the series returns to Norway next weekend after a five-year hiatus.
After three days of rigorous testing in Italy this week, defending champion Al-Gemsi and team-mate Mansour Al-Mansouri are determined to shake off a disappointing start to the season in Brindisi last month, where they struggled with technical issues.
Team manager Guido Cappellini and his mechanics spent three days preparing in San Nazzaro to get both drivers and their boats in tip-top shape ahead of Sunday's Norwegian Grand Prix in Tønsberg.
“It wasn't the start we wanted, but it's over now and we expect to be in a much better position to challenge for victory this weekend,” said Al-Games, who fought his way to sixth in the opening round as Al-Mansouri retired early.
“Everyone has worked very hard to make sure we have the opportunity to get the results we want and know that together we can achieve it.
“We know our team can get the best out of our boat and as drivers we have to make sure we work hard with them and get the best out of ourselves.”
Back in the driver's seat after a long absence from powerboat racing, England's Matthew Palfreyman leads the championship from Lithuania's Edgaras Riabko and Portugal's Duarte Benavente.
Al-Gamessi, who finished second in the last race he visited Tonsberg in 2019, remains in typical confidence that he can add another four F2 world titles to his tally this season, despite the apparently tight competition he is now showing us.
“You can see in Brindisi that there are many good riders who want to win, and it will be very difficult for anyone to win this year,” he said.
“I want to be in a good position to win on Sunday and Mansour wants to be there with me to fight for points, so the first target is to stay on the same level when qualifying starts on Saturday and build from there.”
