News

Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 10, 2025: Team Abu Dhabi’s Formula 2 powerboat team is set to depart early Thursday morning for Portugal, where they will compete in the decisive final two rounds of the UIM F2 World Championship, to be held consecutively in the Portuguese cities of Peso and Vila Velha.

Representing the team in these rounds are Rashed Al Qemzi, a multiple-time world champion in the category, and his teammate Salem Al Yafei, who is competing in his debut F2 season following his first appearance in the previous round in Italy, after transitioning from Formula 4 competition.

The previous round, which was scheduled to take place in San Nazzaro, Italy, was canceled due to unsafe river conditions, keeping the championship battle wide open heading into the final two rounds.

Currently, French driver Peter Morin leads the overall standings with 30 points, followed by Sweden’s Hjelmer Wibergin second with 24 points, and Britain’s Matthew Palfreyman in third with 22 points. Team Abu Dhabi will be aiming to close the gap and push for the title as the season wraps up.

Thani Al Qemzi, Team Abu Dhabi Manager, emphasized the importance of the Portuguese rounds, calling them a pivotal stage in the team’s campaign this season. “We are highly motivated to return to the podium and earn the points that keep us in the title fight,” he said.

“Our preparations have been at the highest level, including a comprehensive training program and precise technical adjustments to the boats. The drivers are fully ready for the challenge,” he added. “This participation is not only a chance to demonstrate the strength of the Emirati school in powerboat racing but also a reflection of the tremendous support the team receives from the UAE leadership and sporting authorities. That support inspires us to achieve new milestones for Abu Dhabi on the global stage.”

The qualifying time trials for the Peso round are scheduled for Saturday, followed by the main race on Sunday. The final round of the championship will take place the following week on September 20 and 21.