Team Abu Dhabi's Al Mansoori Secures Pole Position For Grand Prix Of Portugal
Team Abu Dhabi's Mansoor Al Mansoori surprised many by securing pole position for the Grand Prix of Portugal, the penultimate round of the UIM F2 World Championship. His team-mate and favourite, Rashed Al Qemzi, missed out on a spot in the six-boat qualifying shootout.
Al Mansoori showcased his rising championship potential with an impressive performance in Peso Da Régua. The qualifying session saw Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg crash spectacularly, leaving her mechanics with significant repairs before she starts in fifth place tomorrow. Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko qualified third and is just one point behind Wiberg.
This season has been one of the most competitive in the championship's 30-year history. The intensity was evident during the official practice session for the 16 starters. Wiberg edged out Al Qemzi by five thousandths of a second, with Al Mansoori close behind in third.
The qualifying session combined Q1 and Q2 into a single 40-minute battle to secure spots for the six-boat Q3 shootout. Al Mansoori was fastest midway through, while Al Qemzi was down in eighth place and went into the pits for a new propeller.
Riabko briefly led the standings before Palfreyman took over, only for Al Mansoori to set another fastest time as drama unfolded. Unfortunately, Al Qemzi couldn't improve his position and will start eighth tomorrow, leaving the world championship outcome uncertain.
Championship Standings
The current championship standings are as follows:
| Position | Name | Country | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rashed Al Qemzi | UAE | 52 |
| 2 | Mathilda Wiberg | SWE | 44 |
| 3 | Edgaras Riabko | LTU | 43 |
| 4 | Mansoor Al Mansoori | UAE | 31 |
| 5 | Matthew Palfreyman | GBR | 29 |
| 7 | Duarte Benavente td > POR td > 16 td > tr > 8 td > Giacomo Sacchi td > MON td > 12 td > tr > 9 td > David del Pin td > ITA td > 12 td > tr > 10 td > Mette Bjerknæs td > GBR td > 11 td > tr > This season promises an exciting climax over the next eight days in Portugal . With less than a second separating the top seven during practice , every race counts . As we look forward to tomorrow ' s race , all eyes will be on how these competitors perform under pressure . The stakes are high , and each racer will be pushing their limits to secure victory . The Grand Prix of Portugal is set to be an exhilarating event , showcasing some of the best talents in powerboat racing . Fans can expect thrilling action as drivers vie for crucial points in this closely contested championship .
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