Their haul of 22 gold medals and 82 overall in Paris is even more impressive given the death and destruction since Russia invaded in February 2022
Rashed Al Qemzi is aiming for a second successive victory in Lithuania at the weekend to propel Team Abu Dhabi towards a standout triumph in the 2024 UIM F2 World Championship.
Chasing a place in the record books as the first five-time winner of the F2 world driver’s title, Al Qemzi returns to action in Klaipėda in a buoyant mood after his win in Norway two weeks ago which gave him the lead in the championship.
With his teammate, Mansoor Al Mansoori, up to fourth place in the standings following his second-place finish in Tønsberg, the four-time champion wants the partnership to make this an exceptional season.
“The championship is tougher than ever this year, and that gives us extra motivation as a team,” said Al Qemzi. “After our difficult start in Italy we had the perfect result in Norway, and we want to build on that.
“Mansoor and I work well together and support each other, and we want to keep up the good work in Lithuania and make this an amazing season.”
Lithuania has been a happy hunting ground for defending champion Al Qemzi, who has secured three Grand Prix wins there, including last year’s impeccable start-to-finish victory in Klaipėda, despite qualifying fourth.
Al Mansoori scored his first Grand Prix victory in Lithuania two years ago to take the lead in the championship, eventually ending the season in third place, which is now his minimum target this time.
The Team Abu Dhabi duo know they will have to be at their best in Klaipėda, where the line-up of 20 drivers includes home favourite Edgaras Riabko who trails Al Qemzi by a single championship point and will be battling to give Lithuania something to celebrate.
The third round of the six-event series gets under with free practice on Friday lunch time ahead of the early evening three-stage qualifying series, where Al Qemzi will be looking to claim a second consecutive pole position.
Al Mansoori’s first target will be to close in on British driver Matthew Palfreyman, who leads him by five points in third place following his opening round victory in Italy and a non-finish in Norway.
Their haul of 22 gold medals and 82 overall in Paris is even more impressive given the death and destruction since Russia invaded in February 2022
India won 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, the most by the country in the history of the competition
Rice symbolised the freedom provided by 'Carsball' as he was allowed to advance far further forward than at the Euros
Mainly packed stadia, iconic venues and the feelgood factor derived from the Olympics that came before them turned the Paralympics into a festival of sport
The tournament featuring 12 corporate teams will allow local talents to showcase their skills in the 100-ball format
Left with a depleted attack, Afghanistan have named three uncapped players
This US Open was the first Grand Slam Sabalenka had won since the death of her former boyfriend in March
The grueling 160km race, held in Monpazier, France, attracted 118 riders representing 39 nations