The waters of Fujairah witnessed an exhilarating display of powerboat racing prowess as the world's top XCAT teams converged for the opening race of the Fujairah XCAT Grand Prix. The stage was set for an intense battle, with challenging wave conditions adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Despite the absence of the reigning champions from Team GB, who were forced to withdraw due to significant damage sustained in a prior incident, anticipation ran high as HPI Racing's crew surged to the forefront at the start, capitalizing on their pole position from yesterday's qualifying session. However, it was the Swedish crew, Swecat, led by the formidable duo of Sebastian Groth and Erik Sundblad Johansen, who quickly asserted their dominance, leading the pack throughout the race with masterful precision and skill.
As the race unfolded, spectators were treated to a breathtaking display of speed, agility, and strategy, as teams vied for position amidst the tumultuous waves. Victory Team made a triumphant return to XCAT racing, showcasing their experience and determination with a commendable second-place finish, closely trailed by the seasoned contenders from Sharjah Team. Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Belgian newcomers, Team Pastamato, showcased their potential with a solid fourth-place finish, narrowly missing out on a podium spot.
With their commanding performance, the Swecat team now finds themselves at the top of the overall standings, setting the stage for an enthralling battle in tomorrow's Race 2. As anticipation mounts and excitement builds, fans can expect nothing short of high-octane action and fierce competition as the world's best powerboat racers continue to push the limits in pursuit of victory.
Click here for Fujairah GP - Race 1 Video Highlights
Fujairah GP, Race 1 - Results:
1. SWECAT(SWE), 35pts
2. VICTORY TEAM(UAE), 30pts
3. SHARJAH(UAE), 26pts
4. PASTAMATO(BEL), 22pts
5. HPI RACING TEAM(ITA), 18pts
6. CONSULBROKERS(ITA), 15pts
7. Q8 OILS(KWT), 0pts
8. FAZZA(UAE), 0pts
9. TEAM GB(GBR), 0pts
Text Credits: XCAT
Photo Credits: XCAT
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports