Abu Dhabi’s Mansoor prepares for intense climax of 2022 UIM F2 World Championship

With the final Grand Prix in Vila Velha de Ródão 270km away a week later, Al Mansoori is determined to follow teammate and three-time world champion Rashed Al Qemzi to the F2 title.

“I’m not surprised by the lead because from the start of the season my goal was to put myself in a good position,” he said.

“Playing alongside Rashid gave me a lot of extra confidence and it helped me get the title in my first victory in Lithuania.”

Al Mansoori paid tribute to Italian jet ski legend Guido Cappellini, who has won 14 world championship titles for the UAE capital since taking over as manager of the Abu Dhabi team in February 2015.

“We are all very grateful to Guido for the success the team has had since he took charge,” he said. “He built a great team spirit and used his experience to bring us to the top.

“The most important thing I’ve learned from him is focus and always stay calm. His advice on how to deal with the pressure from the boats behind was very important before the last round.”

“It’s not easy to stay ahead for 45 laps. But it was a great experience and now I want to finish strong again on Sunday to take me to the final round.”

Back-to-back victories at the same two Portuguese venues 12 months ago earned Al Qemzi a third F2 world title and he could also be on the F2 overall podium.

“I’m hoping for a strong finish to the season,” he said. “With 40 points to win, I can still finish in a good place in the standings.

“I like the conditions and the atmosphere here and always enjoy playing in Portugal, so it feels good to be back there and I want to win again. But I also want to help my team-mates as much as I can.”

1. Mansoor Al Mansoori (UAE) 35 points

4. Tobias Munthe-Cass (NOR) 12th

5. Edgarth Ryabko (LTU) 11

6. Giacomo Sacchi (Mon) 9

7. Rashed Al Qemzi (UAE) 9