Abu Dhabi Class 3 revival sets stage for new championship to flourish

Abu Dhabi: The resurgence of class 3 powerboat racing in Abu Dhabi this weekend could quickly see an influx of top teams from around the world vying for the new UAE championship title.

Team Abu Dhabi’s former UIM XCAT World Championship duo Shaun Torrente and Faleh Al Mansoori have reunited for a new series organized by the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club (ADMSC).

In the first round of the Emirates Class 3 Powerboat Championships, they faced strong opposition from Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Hendi, who won the XCAT World Championship for Dubai Police in 2021.

Dmitry Vandyshev and Mikhail Kitashev, who led Team New Star to fourth in the same series two years ago, are also in contention, along with Oman’s Abdul Latif Omani and Bader Al Dousari.

Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori complete the line-up in the first round of the series, which officially kicks off this afternoon.

Salem Al Remeithi, managing director of ADMSC, said: “There are other rounds planned for later this year, followed by five to seven events in the UAE next year.

“It’s 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 top teams from Europe and the rest of the world. “

Torrente, three-time UIM F1H2O World Champion, said: “It’s great to have the Championship back and hopefully it will flourish. I think it has a great future. Once all the boats are back here for the winter we can win a very good champion.

“I was here 13 years ago in the Division 3 Championship. It was a great time. It was really good for the racers. The UAE did a great job of hosting us and the prize money was great.

“I’m happy to be back with Faleh. He has a real feel for the boat. We have a strong relationship so it should be fine. He’s a great driver.”

After the second official 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.