Cappellini eyes more world titles for Team AD
Team Abu Dhabi have won 11 world titles – four of them this year – under Guido Cappellini, who is seen here at the wheel of Rashed Al Qemzi’s boat after the Emirati driver clinched the UIM F2 Championship in September.
Team manager Cappellini has now delivered 11 world championships to Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club since taking charge in February 2015.
Shaun Torrente’s second UIM F1H2O World Championship driver’s title arrived in dramatic style in Sharjah last weekend along with a third successive team crown.
Sweden’s Jonas Andersson did everything in his power in his bid to win his first World Championship with a lap-perfect drive to win the Grand Prix of Sharjah, only to have the title cruelly snatched from his grasp on the final lap by defending champion Torrente.
It was the first time in the championship’s four decade 36 year history that the world title has been decided on countback with Torrente winning his second successive championship with a better second place tally.
It followed the team’s World Endurance Championships triumph earlier in the year, and Rashed Al Qemzi’s achievement in landing the UIM F2 world driver’s title with one round to spare.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved together as a team, with the backing of Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club,” said Cappelini, the ten-times former UIM F1H2O champion.
“Of course we have great drivers, but we also have a fantastic team spirit, and over the last five years everyone in the team has worked very hard to bring so much success to Abu Dhabi.
“This was shown in Sharjah where we had technical problems with Shaun’s boat all week, but the team found a solution which allowed us to finish the season as champions again.
“I’m very excited about what lies ahead for Team Abu Dhabi, and everyone in the team can’t wait for next season.”
In June this year, Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club announced that, as a reward for outstanding results, the Italian powerboat racing legend had signed a new contract that would see him continue as team manager until 2025.
Prior to this season, the team had won two UIM F1H2O drivers titles with Torrente and Alex Carella under Cappellini, three UIM F1H2O team championships, as well as UIM F2 and F4-S triumphs for Rashed Al Qemzi.
Last week, Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashid Al Mulla clinched a second successive UIM-ABP Aquabikes World Championship freestyle title with room to spare at the Grand Prix of Sharjah on Wednesday.
The Emirati Mulla extended his unbeaten run to 24 motos and 10 Grand Prix winning his fourth Sharjah title and his second world championship.
Meanwhile, Emma-Nellie Ortendahl, Sweden’s golden girl of aquabike racing, will pursue a fourth world title next season as a member of Team Abu Dhabi.
The 21-year-old, who clinched her third Ski Ladies GP1 crown at the Grand Prix of Sharjah on Wednesay, signed an initial contract for 2020 today to launch what is expected to become a long-term relationship with Team Abu Dhabi.
The 21-year-old, who clinched her third Ski Ladies GP1 crown at the Grand Prix of Sharjah last week, signed an initial contract for 2020 today to launch what is expected to become a long-term relationship with Team Abu Dhabi.
