TEAM ABU DHABI AIM TO WEATHER THE STORM IN XCAT WORLD SERIES SHOWDOWN
Al-Tayer, Al-Mansoori look for Speed Cat Run boost after being sidelined by engine problems
Abu Dhabi, 25 November, 2015 Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al-Tayer and Faleh Al-Mansoori will look to boost their title challenge in the UIM XCAT World Series tomorrow (Thursday) after a frustrating day in the build-up to Friday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Al-Tayer and Al-Mansoori, who head into final round of the series just a point behind XDubai’s defending champions Arif Saif Al-Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi, were unable to take part in the Abu Dhabi Match Race, staged to mark UAE National Sports Day, because of engine problems in Abu Dhabi 5.
“Our left engine developed an electrical problem and the mechanics will work on it overnight to get the boat ready,” said Al-Tayer. “It was disappointing to miss the match race but we still expect to be able to fight for the championship, and hopefully win it.”
Aiming to secure a second world powerboat title for Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club in the space of three weeks, Al-Tayer and Al-Mansoori will be looking to earn vital bonus points in the Thursday afternoon Dubai Duty Speed Cat Run, a dramatic head-to-head shootout over a 1km course between the Abu Dhabi Corniche and Breakwater.
Teams carried out their final checks in inclement water conditions today to make their final preparations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix during official practice and a series of Match Races, hosted by Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.
Team Abu Dhabi 5 was not the only absentees on the day, as both XDubai’s Saif Al-Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi, as well the other crew still in the title hunt, Matteo Nicolini and Tomaso Polli Six, also missed the practice session.
Twelve of the 15 boats were permitted on to the race course for official practice and the Italian T-Bone Station crew of Giovanni Carpitella and Darren Nicholson topped the lap times, despite windy and cloudy conditions and drizzle persisting throughout the one-hour stint.
Majed Al-Mansoori and Rashed Al-Qemzi in Abu Dhabi 4 ran for four laps and were classified in fifth position behind T-Bone Station, Lady Spain, Dubai and Yachts. Al-Tayer and Al-Mansoori kept their cards close to their chest and didn’t take to the water in the session after a minor left engine issue needed resolving.
With gusting winds creating difficulties with the setting of the match race course, the drag race event was delayed and with more storm weather on the way the conditions could have a big bearing on the climax of the XCAT World Series.
Team Abu Dhabi is supported by Etihad Airways as official carrier and sponsor. The team runs under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, advisor to the Head of State and chairman of the board of directors of the ADIMSC.
Tomorrow (Thursday), crucial XCAT championship points will be on offer during Pole Position qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This takes place between 11am and 12.30pm and precedes the traditional Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run and the carrot of further bonus points from 3.30pm.
Attention will then focus on the showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday afternoon and what promises to be a fascinating three-way contest between XDubai, Team Abu Dhabi 5 and Six for the 2015 UIM XCAT World Series crown.
Timetable of events – Thursday, November 26
11.00-12.30 XCAT Pole Position
14.45-15.25 Water show
15.30-16.30 Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run
Ends
For further media information and information about Team Abu Dhabi:
Please contact: Khalid Al Saadi, Media Incharge, Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, P.O. Box 45656, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Mobile Telephone: + 971 50 768 6761, E-mail: alsaadi@adimsc.ae.
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