Sharjah24: As anticipation reaches its peak for the second day of Grand Prix of Sharjah, the climactic conclusion of the 22nd edition of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, excitement mounts for the thrilling events ahead.
Commencing tomorrow, Saturday, the action kicks off with the BRM Qualifications F1H2O and two Sprint Races, presented in a novel format introduced for the first time. These races aim to set pole positions for the culminating final race on Sunday, where 21 elite drivers from around the globe will vie for the championship title, promising a spectacular finale to bid farewell to the 2023 season.
The innovative modifications introduced by UIM F1H2O, the championship's promoter and organiser, enhance the process of securing the best pole positions by incorporating sprint races into the BRM Qualifications F1H2O. Pole positions will be determined by the combined results of these three races, offering enthusiasts and sports lovers the opportunity to witness their favourite teams and drivers live at Sharjah's Khalid Lagoon.
The BRM Qualifications F1H2O starts at 9:30 AM on Saturday, featuring three qualifying stages. The first stage identifies the 12 fastest boats qualified for the second stage, which, in turn, reveals the six fastest boats qualified for the third and final stage. The third stage also unveils the fastest time and pole position 1.
The modifications impact the qualification system and pole positions in the final race, introducing two 15-minute sprint races on Saturday afternoon, starting at 3:00 PM and 3:45 PM, respectively. Sprint Race 1 showcases boats that qualified first, fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth, 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 20th, and 21st in the three qualifying races. Sprint Race 2 features boats that qualified second, third, sixth, seventh, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, and 22nd.
These two sprint races determine the top five fastest boats in each sprint race, allowing them to start in the top 10 post positions in the Grand Prix of Sharjah on Sunday.
Italian Comparato and Swedish Andersson dominate Friday's Free Practice
Italian young racer Alberto Comparato, captain Boat 97, and the Swedish Jonas Andersson, current world champion, took turns dominating the Free practices on Friday, setting the fastest times in the two races held on the new track on Khalid Lagoon.
Comparato quickly asserted his dominance in the Extra free practice on Friday, crossing the finish line in 46.774 seconds, followed by American Shaun Torrente, captain of Team Abu Dhabi (Boat 1), who trailed behind the Italian by 0.00”378 seconds. Swedish Jonas Andersson, captain of Team Sweden (Boat 14), settled for third place, registering 47.385 seconds.
Swedish Andersson managed to make up in the official free practices of Friday, recording the fastest time with 46.475 parts of a second, leaving the second position with a narrow gap of no more than 0.00”039 seconds to the previous season's world champion, American Shaun Torrente. Eric Stark, captain of Team Victory (Boat 4), compensated for missing the first free practice by recording the third-fastest time in the official session, clocking in at 46.552 seconds.
Second Day (Saturday) BRM Qualifications and Sprint Races
Tomorrow's races, comprising the BRM Qualifications F1H2O and the sprint races, collectively form a competition within the Sharjah Grand Prix, deciding the current season's BRM Pole Position Trophy, awarded to the driver securing pole position the most in the season.
Swedish driver Jonas Andersson, captain of Boat 14 with 62 points, aims to secure all available titles in the World Championship after already clinching the F1H2O Drivers World Championship early on.
Andersson's aspirations collide with the hopes of last season's world champion, American Shaun Torrente, captain of Team Abu Dhabi (Boat 1). Currently in second place with 44 points, Torrente seeks to defend his 2022 BRM Pole Position Trophy.
Additionally, Team Sharjah drivers Dutchman Ferdinand Zandbergen (Boat 12) and Finn Sami Selio (Boat 11) are banking on the new modifications to secure the best possible pole positions in the main race. This effort aims to bring them closer to securing the F1H2O Teams World Championship, contingent on achieving 1st and 2nd place in Grand Prix of Sharjah.
The ambitions of Team Sharjah, currently the runner-up in the F1H2O Teams World Championship with 54 points, clash with the expectations of Team Sweden, leading the ranks with 65 points. The Swedish team, comprised of Jonas Andersson and Kalle Viippo, has a unique opportunity to conclude the 2023 season by securing three titles: the F1H2O Teams World Championship, F1H2O Drivers World, and the BRM Pole Position Trophy, dependent on Andersson's prowess in securing it.
During yesterday's press conference, Thani Al Qamzi, piloting boat number 2, expressed deep pride in representing Team Abu Dhabi in the final round of the F1H2O World Championship, the "Grand Prix of Sharjah." He stated, "This event serves as a golden opportunity for team members to showcase their exceptional abilities, rise above pressures, and overcome challenges. The championship's competition is fierce, demanding the team's full focus, strategic planning, and determination to secure victory." Al Qamzi added that he is confident in Team Abu Dhabi's capability to perform at a level befitting their prestigious reputation and rich sporting history.
On the other hand, Ferdinand Zandbergen (Boat 12), a member of Team Sharjah, emphasized the pivotal role of Sharjah on the international sports stage, expressing immense pride in participating in this prestigious championship hosted in the 'Smiling Emirate'. "Our aim is to emerge victorious from the competition. We have undertaken rigorous training, and we are equipped with the needed resolve, determination, and commitment to deliver the utmost performance and secure the championship title," Zandbergen emphasised.
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