ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al-Qemzi is already looking forward to opening another chapter in his illustrious career as the Grand Prix of Sharjah brings the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship to a tense conclusion at the weekend.
For Al-Qemzi, Sharjah’s renowned Khalid Lagoon is where it all began in November 2000, when he made his debut in the flagship international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing.
On that occasion, his race ended prematurely in retirement. But in the 24 years since, he has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most enduring competitors in the F1H2O World Championship.
He has been world championship runner-up twice, finished third on six occasions, helped Team Abu Dhabi to a fifth consecutive world team crown two years ago, and still commands enormous respect at the top level.
On Sunday, Al-Qemzi will be starting his 158th Grand Prix, as defending champion Jonas Andersson and Sharjah Team rookie Rusty Wyatt go head-to-head in the title showdown.
While Al-Qemzi returns to action in Sharjah holding 11th place in what has been a difficult season for Team Abu Dhabi, he is determined to add to his career record of Grand Prix victories. If not at the weekend, then next season.
Joining forces again with Sweden’s Erik Stark, who returns to Team Abu Dhabi for a second spell in 2025, Al-Qemzi wants to get back to his best alongside last season’s world championship runner-up.
“The first priority is to find a big finish to the season in Sharjah,” says the veteran Emirati driver, who is once more partnered with cousin Rashed Al-Qemzi, the five-time F2 world title winner, at the weekend.
“It’s a long time since I started my first race there, and so much has happened in between. It’s always been a special place for me, and I look forward to racing on Khalid Lagoon again.
“Next season, it’s up to Erik and myself to push each other to get the results we’re capable of, and hopefully take Team Abu Dhabi back to the top.”
Starting his final Grand Prix for Victory Team in fourth place, before his move to Team Abu Dhabi, Stark will be looking to reproduce the form that took him to victory in the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh-Vietnam back in March.
2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship standings
1. Jonas Andersson (SWE) 99
2. Rusty Wyatt (CAN) 96pts
3. Peter Morin (FRA) 79.5
4. Erik Stark (SWE) 77.5
5. Bartek Marszalek (POL) 64
6. Sami Selio (FIN) 52
7. Marit Stromoy (NOR) 43
8. Stefan Arand (EST) 34.5
9. Ben Jelf (GB) 30.5
9. Ferdinand Zandbergen (NED) 30.5
11. Thani Al-Qemzi (UAE) 27.5
