with three victories. He trails only
legendary driver Guido Cappellini who
ended up with five wins including the very
victory at the first event back in 1993.
Eight different drivers have won multiple
times including current drivers Francesco
Cantando and Alex Carella both with two
apiece.
Oddly enough, Team Abu Dhabi’s
fortunes have been rare with only their
Team Manager Scott Gillman dominating
from pole position for a win in 2005 as
the American is the only winner for the
club despite their current two drivers
Thani Al Qamzi and Ahmed Al Hameli
reaching the podium four and three times
respectively between them.
A win here would be big for their very
professional ADIMSC (Abu Dhabi
International
Marine
Sports
Club)
organization.
Abu Dhabi has been known for pressure
packed drama. It dates back to the
1998 season when three drivers in the
final 15 laps all had their hands on the
championship trophy. As it turned out
only Welshman Jonathan Jones was the
last man standing when the checkered
flag fell.
First, it was Guido Cappellini of Italy
thinking he had it won, then Scott Gillman
took command as the California driver
was hoping for a second straight title, with
both coming so close to winning, only
to drop out late, handing Jones his final
victory and his last World Championship
ring.
Then in 2007, Sami Selio was in a
desperate way, knowing he was going
to have to take the final two races of the
season in Abu Dhabi then in Sharjah to
have any chance of capturing the title.
He eventually did just that, winning from
pole with Cappellini taking second and
eventually losing his grip on the title a
week later.
Abu Dhabi has also awarded titles to
drivers such as Scott Gillman who in his
rookie year in 1997 solidified it with a
victory. Another American Jay Price took
his crown with a victory here in 2008
while Cappellini cemented his 10th and
final crown along the corniche in 2009.
So, Abu Dhabi, with its rich history and
fast and exciting circuit, will entertain once
again thousands on the calm waters of
the corniche.
The final stop on the tour, up the road
in the Emirate of Sharjah is known as a
place where champions are crowned.
Starting with its first race dating back to
2000 the Grand Prix of Sharjah and its
now famed Water Festival has become
the final determining factor in crowning
many world titles in its 15 race history.
Being very much like Doha, in that the
circuit has been moved more than once
in the past, it now sits in a location on the
F1H2O
10 | H20 MAGAZINE - NOVEMBER 2014
h2oracing.net
