emirates7 - Rashed Al Qemzi of Team Abu Dhabi has made history by becoming the most successful driver in the UIM F2 World Championship, clinching his fifth driver’s title with a decisive victory in Portugal. This win marked his third Grand Prix triumph of the 2024 season, mirroring his success on the Tagus River circuit at Vila Velha de Rodão, Castelo Branco, from the previous year.
With this victory, Al Qemzi surpassed Sweden’s four-time F2 champion Erik Stark and contributed to Team Abu Dhabi's impressive total of 18 world titles since Guido Cappellini became team manager nine years ago.
Starting the final championship round from second place, Al Qemzi held a six-point lead over Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko and knew that finishing second would be enough to secure the championship. Any uncertainty about the outcome was quickly dispelled as Al Qemzi made a stellar start, overtaking Monaco’s pole-sitter Giacomo Sacchi to take the lead.
He maintained his lead comfortably, showcasing his prowess as one of the top talents in powerboat racing, ultimately winning by over three seconds ahead of Sacchi, while Riabko finished third, securing the runner-up position in the championship.
Despite facing mechanical issues that forced him to retire early, Team Abu Dhabi’s Mansoor Al Mansoori finished third overall in the championship, following his Grand Prix win in Portugal the week prior.
Expressing his joy at winning the championship again, Al Qemzi said, "I’m very happy to be world champion once more and I want to thank my team for their incredible support throughout the season for both Mansoor and me. This title was more challenging than my previous four. The competition was fierce, and I missed some podiums, but we worked hard to earn the points we needed."
Al Qemzi first gained recognition by winning the Nations Cup and F4-S world titles before debuting in the F2 World Championship in 2016, where he finished ninth overall. He captured his first F2 world title the following year, with additional wins in 2019, 2021, and last year, when he secured the championship in Portugal with one round to spare.
With this victory, Al Qemzi surpassed Sweden’s four-time F2 champion Erik Stark and contributed to Team Abu Dhabi's impressive total of 18 world titles since Guido Cappellini became team manager nine years ago.
Starting the final championship round from second place, Al Qemzi held a six-point lead over Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko and knew that finishing second would be enough to secure the championship. Any uncertainty about the outcome was quickly dispelled as Al Qemzi made a stellar start, overtaking Monaco’s pole-sitter Giacomo Sacchi to take the lead.
He maintained his lead comfortably, showcasing his prowess as one of the top talents in powerboat racing, ultimately winning by over three seconds ahead of Sacchi, while Riabko finished third, securing the runner-up position in the championship.
Despite facing mechanical issues that forced him to retire early, Team Abu Dhabi’s Mansoor Al Mansoori finished third overall in the championship, following his Grand Prix win in Portugal the week prior.
Expressing his joy at winning the championship again, Al Qemzi said, "I’m very happy to be world champion once more and I want to thank my team for their incredible support throughout the season for both Mansoor and me. This title was more challenging than my previous four. The competition was fierce, and I missed some podiums, but we worked hard to earn the points we needed."
Al Qemzi first gained recognition by winning the Nations Cup and F4-S world titles before debuting in the F2 World Championship in 2016, where he finished ninth overall. He captured his first F2 world title the following year, with additional wins in 2019, 2021, and last year, when he secured the championship in Portugal with one round to spare.