UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes double target in Sardinia Grand Prix

SARDINIA: There is little that Thani Al-Qemzi has not achieved in a remarkable UIM F1H2O World Championship career, and the Team Abu Dhabi star wants to add to his haul in this weekend’s Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy.

The veteran Emirati driver reached the 150 Grand Prix milestone at the previous round in France, marking it with a 44th podium finish, and is back in Sardinia at the scene of a record-breaking performance last season.

After setting the first sub-30-second lap time in F1H2O history to clinch pole position in Olbia last October, Al-Qemzi powered his way to a 10th career Grand Prix victory, and he wants a repeat performance on Sunday.

“That has to be the target that I start with, because I know I can win, I have a great boat, and I have a great team behind me,” said Al-Qemzi, who relishes the prospect of another battle with Jonas Andersson, as the Swede looks to clinch a second world title.

“Of course, it will be very difficult, especially with Jonas looking so strong this time. But I always have a lot of belief in myself, and the team, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Twice a runner-up in the F1H2O drivers’ title race, most recently to Andersson two years ago, Al-Qemzi has on six occasions finished in the bronze medal position.

That will be his minimum expectation this time, as he returns to action in Olbia lying fifth in the championship, with December’s final round awaiting in Sharjah.

The other big target is to secure a sixth successive F1H2O world team title this season, with Team Abu Dhabi currently in third place, trailing Team Sweden by five points and Sharjah Team by two.

Meanwhile, after securing his fourth F2 world title in Portugal earlier this month and signing off