Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi honours winners of Grand Prix of Sharjah
HE Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Seaports and Customs, presented the awards to the champions of the Grand Prix of Sharjah, the final event of the UIM F1H2O World Championship. The prestigious tournament took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.
Accompanied by Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), government officials, representatives of the International Maritime Sports Federation, UIM F1 H2O promoters, and organisers, Sheikh Al Qasimi crowned Swedish skipper Jonas Andersson, captain of Team Sweden (Boat 14), as the victor of the Grand Prix of Sharjah. Andersson outpaced compatriot Erik Stark, captain of Victory Team (Boat 4), who secured second place, and Emirati Thani Al Qamzi, captain of Team Abu Dhabi (Boat 3), who clinched the third spot.
The ceremony also acknowledged the outstanding performers in the F1H2O Drivers World Championship. Jonas Andersson claimed the top spot, with Erik Stark securing 2nd place, and Frenchman Peter Morin, captain of the China CTIC Team (Boat 7), rounding off the podium with a remarkable third-place finish. This ceremony underscored their dominance in the world of F1H2O racing.
Andersson’s reigning dominance and convincing championship triumph
Andersson’s exceptional performance included conquering 32 laps and covering 65.6km. Erik Stark, captain of Victory Team (Boat 4), secured an impressive 2nd place. Meanwhile, Emirati Thani Al Qamzi, captain of the Abu Dhabi Team (Boat 2), claimed a well-deserved third place.
Having previously asserted his supremacy in the F1H2O Drivers World Championship during the Italy round, Andersson added another accolade with his 104th career win at the Grand Prix of Sharjah. His outstanding performance played a pivotal role in securing Team Sweden’s F1H2O Team World Championship alongside Kalle Viippo, captain of Boat 15. Erik Stark, securing the second-place podium in the Grand Prix, solidified his position as the runner-up in the F1H2O Drivers World Championship.
In the grand finale at Sharjah, Andersson showcased his dominance by sweeping all available titles in the current season of the F1H2O World Championship. Yesterday’s races further underlined his supremacy, as he clinched the coveted “BRM” Pole Position Trophy, a testament to winning the last four rounds of the intense 2023 calendar.
The Sharjah World Championship Week is proudly sponsored by Sharjah Electricity Water & Gas Authority, Sharjah City Municipality, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Road and Transport Authority, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Airport Authority, Beeah, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), and Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority. The event is also supported by NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah (Medical sponsor) and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (Media sponsor), along with strategic partners UAE Marine Sports Federation, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club (SIMSC), and hospitality partners Copthorne Hotel Sharjah, Corniche Hotel Sharjah, and Golden Tulip.