The inaugural Grand Prix of Peso Da Régua got underway this afternoon in the beautiful city in Portugal.
15 competitors from around the world made the journey for the penultimate round of the 2023 UIM F2 World Championship.
Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko was sitting pretty in Pole position after securing his first World Championship Pole during Saturday’s qualifying session.
The fleet would battle it out over 50 laps to see who would be declared the winner of the Grand Prix.
As the lights went out for the start of the race, the boats powered away from the pontoon in a cloud of spray towards the first turn.
Edgaras got a flying start and rounded the turn in first, but Championship leader Rashed Al Qemzi was hot on his wake and would push the race leader the whole 50 laps.
Mansoor Al Mansoori was in third, and Rookie racers Stefan Arand and Mathilda Wiberg followed in 4th and 5th respectively in awesome starts for both of the drivers.
Edgaras remained focused throughout the race, and as the chequered flag was raised for the end of the 50 laps, the Lithuanian claimed the Grand Prix win and an impressive 20 championship points to boost him up the table.
It was 2nd and 3rd for Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Qemzi and Mansoor Al Mansoori in fantastic races from both the teammates.
Britain’s Colin Jelf took advantage of technical issues for Stefan and Mathilda and soared to the chequered flag in 4th place with Stefan taking 5th ahead of Brit Mette Bjerknes
On securing the win, a jubilant Edgaras had this to say “The 50 laps seemed to last for an eternity and passed really slowly compared to it her races. I knew Rashed was behind me and had to just remain focused to secure the win.”
He continued “The course and conditions really suited me. I felt really comfortable on the course during free practice and qualifying and knew today with a good start, and if I kept my head, I could finish the job! A huge thank you to all my team and sponsors for their continuing support.”
Second place was enough to secure Rashed Al Qemzi, his 4th Championship Title, in a fantastic performance from the Abu Dhabi driver.
Organiser and President of the Portuguese Motorboat Federation Paulo Ferreira reflected on a successful first event “It was fantastic to host a round of the World Championship here in Peso Da Régua. It has been a fantastic event with some brilliant racing!”
He continued, “We now look forward to welcoming the Championship to Vila Velha de Rodão for the finale of the season also here in Portugal!”
Attentions now turn the finale of the season this coming weekend in Vila Velha de Rodão, Portugal, on the 23rd and 24th of September.
