Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Qemzi and Mansoor Al Mansoori are poised for an intense finale to the UIM F2 World Championship in Portugal this weekend, where either could be crowned world champion on Sunday. Al Qemzi, a four-time champion and the clear favorite, enters the final round at Vila Velha de Rodao with a six-point lead over Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko, who is four points ahead of Al Mansoori in third place. This means that a second-place finish in the Grand Prix of Portugal II would secure the title for Al Qemzi, making him the first-ever five-time winner of the F2 crown.
However, if Al Mansoori repeats his victory from last weekend’s penultimate round in Peso Da Régua, he could become world champion for the first time if his Abu Dhabi teammate Al Qemzi finishes fourth in the second race in eight days. Despite the close competition, there are no team orders prioritizing one driver over the other, and both Emirati drivers will avoid any unnecessary risks that could jeopardize the potential 18th world title for Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club since Guido Cappellini became team manager nine years ago.
“We’re teammates and friends, but we both want to win the title, and we both know what we have to do,” said Al Qemzi, who had already secured his fourth F2 triumph before concluding last season with victory on the Tagus river in Vila Velha de Rodao. “The team will ensure both boats are perfectly set up, as they are for every race. Then it’s up to us. It’s also up to us not to do anything that could hurt the team.” Al Mansoori’s primary goal is to secure a second consecutive pole position on Saturday. “That can make a huge difference on Sunday, but it will be tough to qualify first, as it was last weekend, and all season,” he said. “It’s the last race of the season, and apart from the top three, all the other drivers will be fighting hard for a good starting position. I want to get the best out of myself, and my boat. I can’t do more than that.”
Riabko finished third last Sunday in Peso Da Régua, where he won the penultimate round last season, and he will aim for a third career victory in Portugal, hoping it will be enough to secure the world title. While the top three battle for F2 glory, Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg, Britain’s Matthew Palfreyman, and Frenchman Nelson Morin are among a group of drivers who could still play a significant role in the championship decider.
