Victory claims title

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Victory 77 powers its way to the world title.

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Arif Saif Al-Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez celebrate their title on the podium despite finishing fourth.

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Fainplast eventually finished three laps behind the winners.

Sanchez finishing fourth and clinching the WPPA Class 1 world title, although Bjorn Rune Gjelsten and Steve Curtis MBE romped home to take the Grand Prix win, followed by a delighted Abdullah Al-Sulaiti and Luca Nicolini in Qatar 95.

Chris Parsonage and Bard Eker completed the podium places in Negotiator and the result sets up the possibility of a fascinating four-way showdown for the WPPA Class 1 Middle East Championship on the final round in the UAE next weekend.

Starting from sixth place, Victory 77 powered into the lead ahead of Negotiator and Spirit of Norway much to the surprise of the home crowd. But the jury decreed that the two Victory boats had jump-started thus making it mandatory for them to take an additional long lap.

"I do not agree that we had a jump start because if we had then so did the rest of the boats who were by our side. We have plans to appeal after watching the videos," Al Zafein stated.

An elated team manager, Gianfranco Venturelli said, "I am not sure if this is real or am I dreaming. I am sure it will sink in after some time. I am grateful to the entire team at Victory and also the drivers who have made us proud. It is a great feeling to have taken back the Championship title after 5 long years".

"We have been consistent all season with four second places and two third places and for this to happen on the most important race of the year is very disappointing," said Qatar 96's Sheikh Hassan. "We have come so close to the world title, but we must look at the positives and realise that we were only one good result away from our ultimate goal. It was a good weekend for Abdullah though and second place for Qatar 95 is great news for the team.

"I have mixed emotions," said Al-Sulaiti. "I am delighted to finish second, but I feel sorry for Sheikh Hassan and Qatar 96 that they had propeller and engine problems. It was a dirty start, a bad start by two boats, in particular, and they were rightly penalised. They pushed everyone to the right and made it difficult. The result was about a good long lap strategy and being careful. It was not easy today. We are getting better all the time. Now we must push hard next week to see where we can finish in the Middle East Championship.

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