F1H2O
career. §I know this has to be something special,¨ said Thani. §I’ve
had a long career and I want to prove to everyone that I can not
only come close to a title but actually win my first as well.¨
For French pilot Philippe Chiappe, his last two years have been a
breakthrough, finishing second in the championship in 2011 and
third last year.
The big story for the 11 year veteran was winning his first Grand
Prix event a year ago in Kyiv in his 83rd start. Doha changed his
season and hopes, after he was disqualified for an illegal part in
his racing engine. Philippe lost a podium position and a realistic
shot at the title at the final two rounds in the (mirates.
The CTIC China hero, who was on hand for some valuable testing
in Abu Dhabi in February, remembers that he had the podium in
four of his five finishes, getting only stronger during last season
while his newMOORE boat hull got faster and faster. His renewed
confidence will be a big help, as the team dedicates this upcoming
season to nothing but a world title. §:e only improved as the
season rolled along in ©1 ,¨ stated Philippe. §The team lost a bit of
momentum after we were disqualified out of event in Doha, but,
we gathered everyone together and we came on strong with a
pair of runner-up finishes in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. :e’ll use this
to launch our 2014 campaign as we go all out for a title in the next
eight months.”
Philippe’s teammate the young Chinese driver ;iong §/eo¨ =i-:ei
was starting to establish himself as a serious top 10 finisher at
the end of the season and continues to get valuable seat time
after a fewmishaps that kept him from finishing events during the
season. He’ll be more comfortable starting his second full season.
Kuwaiti driver Yousef Al Rubayan continues to make strides in his
F1 career. +e took home 2 points a year ago and tied for fifth
when the season ended after finishing tied for 10th in his rookie
campaign in 2012. +is best weekend was his first career podium
taking third in Doha along with six top-ten results.
Youssef was busy testing in Kuwait this past winter focusing on
coming out at the start of the season with a well prepared boat
and team in his quest to becoming the first Gulf States world
10 | H20 MAGAZINE - MARCH 2014
h2oracing.net
