Portugal: Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Qemzi and Mansoor Al Mansoori are preparing for a deciding event at the UIM F2 World Championship in Vila Velha de Ródão this weekend.
Al Qemzi, Four-time F2 world champion, holds a six-point lead over Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko entering into Sunday’s championship-deciding race. Riabko, in second position, is four points ahead of third-placed Al Mansoori, who has a probability of winning the title.
A second-place finish in the Grand Prix of Portugal II will be enough to make Al Qemzi crowned F2 world champion for a record fifth time. However, Al Mansoori repeats his victory from last weekend’s penultimate round in Peso Da Régua, and Al Qemzi finishes fourth, Al Mansoori will secure his first world title.
Despite the tension, both Emirati drivers remain focused on delivering a championship to Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, which has already claimed 17 world titles under team manager Guido Cappellini in the last nine years.
Al Qemzi commented that, “We’re sports team, but we both want to win the title, and we both know what we have to do.”
Al Mansoori, meanwhile, is concentrating on achieving pole position on Saturday, a critical factor for Sunday’s race. “It will be tough to qualify first, as it has been all season,” said Al Mansoori. “But I’ll do my best to get the best out of myself and my boat.”
Riabko, who finished third last Sunday, will be aiming for his third career win in Portugal, hoping it’s enough to secure the world title in the tight battle for glory.
With Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg, Britain’s Matthew Palfreyman, and France’s Nelson Morin still in contention for strong finishes, the championship decider promises to be fiercely contested.
Leading Championship Standings:
- Rashed Al Qemzi (UAE) – 61 points
- Edgaras Riabko (LTU) – 55 points
- Mansoor Al Mansoori (UAE) – 51 points
- Mathilda Wiberg (SWE) – 44 points
- Matthew Palfreyman (GBR) – 44 points
- Nelson Morin (FRA) – 27 points
The final round of the UIM F2 World Championship will put an end in Vila Velha de Ródão today, determining who will take home the coveted title for 2024.