UAE team shine as Torrente takes pole and sprint win

May 31, 2026 / 12:00 AM

Sharjah24 – WAM: Team Victory continued their strong start at the opening round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy, in Cagliari. Shaun Torrente topped the official qualifying session, securing pole position for the main race.

Torrente, driving ‘Victory 1,’ recorded the fastest time of 42.533 seconds, while teammate Erik Stark finished ninth with a time of 44.191 seconds.

Strong UAE showing across teams in qualifying and sprint race

Team Sharjah delivered an impressive performance, with Rusty Wyatt finishing second, Stefan Arand third, and Grant Trask sixth in qualifying. Team Abu Dhabi drivers Jonas Andersson, Alec Weckström, and Rashed Al Qemzi placed tenth, 14th, and 15th respectively.

Torrente went on to win the opening sprint race, securing 10 points after completing the 17-lap event ahead of Peter Morin of China and Poland’s Bartek Marszalek.

Dubai International Marine Club CEO Mohammed Harib praised Torrente’s performance, highlighting the team’s strong preparation and readiness for the season opener.