Abu Dhabi’s Class 3 Revival sets groundwork for new championship series

The revival of this weekend’s Class 3 powerboat racing in Abu Dhabi could quickly lead to an influx of top teams from around the world hoping to compete in the new United Arab Emirates Championship, according to a press release. While there isn’t much word on the timing of the series resurface being brought forward, there are several teams involved in the kickoff of the Emirates Class 3 Powerboat Championships this weekend.

The Abu Dhabi 4 team is ready to help kick off the revival of the Class 3 Championship Series.Photo courtesy of ADMSC

American throttler Shaun Torrente and Emirati rider Faleh Al Mansoori – the former Fimoto XCAT World Championship winners of the Abu Dhabi team – have joined forces again to start a new series, led by Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.

The Abu Dhabi duo are expected to face strong opposition from Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Hendi in the first round of the Emirates Class 3 Powerboat Championships, having won the XCAT Home Waters World Championship for Dubai Police in 2021. Dmitry Vandyshev and Mikhail Kitashev, who led Rising Stars to fourth in the same series two years ago, is also in contention, along with Oman’s Abdul Latif Omani and Bader Al Dousari. Abu Dhabi’s other side – Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori – complete the line-up in the first round of the series, which officially kicks off this afternoon.

“The plan is to host other (level 3) competitions later this year, and then five to seven competitions in the UAE next year,” said Salem Al Remeithi, general manager of ADMSC. “This is just the beginning, but teams from other parts of the Gulf and overseas are already looking at what we’re doing and thinking about joining us next year. We think in 2024 the tournament will attract many of the top teams from Europe and the rest of the world .”

Abu Dhabi’s Shaun Torrente (left) and Feleh Al Mansoori –2018 XCAT World Champion——It is a pleasure to join forces again.

Three-time UIM F1H2O World Champion Torrente is hoping the Class 3 Championship will thrive.

“It’s great to have a champion back,” Torrent said. “I think it has a great future. Once all the boats are back here for the winter, we can win real championships. I was here 13 years ago in a Division 3 Championship. It was a good time. It’s Very good for the racers. The UAE did a great job of hosting us and the bonuses are good too.

“I’m delighted to be back with Faleh – he has a real feel for the ship,” he added. “We have a strong relationship, so it should be fine. He’s a great driver.”

After a second practice session on the circuit between Lulu Island and Abu Dhabi Corniche on Saturday morning, pole qualifying will take place in the afternoon before Sunday’s Group 3 race.