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Like any success in life, good things come from
good people, especially those who are dedicated
to their work andwho are prideful of their actions.
The Qatar Team, winners of the Team
Championship on the UIM F1H2O World
Championship tour for four of the past six seasons
are not only starting their 10th year in 2015 but
are fast becoming an institution in the sport.
It was almost in slow motion that the team was
put together in 2006. It came together mostly
from people that had had a great interest in the
success of the Middle East run “Presidents Cup”
F2 events. A series that was so popular in the
early part of the last decade and one of which
many of the drivers in F1H2O got their feet wet
in international competition.
After some management juggling at the top,
eventually, a pair of veteran drivers was agreed
and hired to lead the new team.
American Jay Price, known for getting the most
out of a less than perfect race boat, was brought
in. His teammate was Italian master driver and
boat builder Massimo Roggiero and his own boat
creations known as a “BABA” hull.
The two earned historic success for the first time
for the team, when at the Grand Prix of Italy in
Como, Massimo gave the team their first podium
and his career final one with a third place, while
Price, despite running out of fuel, earned a sixth
place.
Two years later, Price, would win a world title in
2008 and go on to capture 11 victories for the
team before retiring at the end of 2011.
His young teammate, Alex Carella, would arrive
in 2011 after one year in F1H2O and going on to
claim three world titles.
But his pre-season team switch has opened
the door for a new team member to come in
and partner the super talented American, Sean
Torrente, winner last time out inDoha and runner-
up in the title race in 2013, and third last year.
The Qatar Team, headed by Khalid Al Kuwari as
Team Manager along with engine maestro and
Race Manager Brendan Power, has guided this
professional organization to four driver titles in
seven seasons with their drivers finishing second
and third just missing out on the championship in
2014.
The Qatar Team has not lost in Doha since the
first race in 2012. That’s three races ago. Can
they keep their success rolling along? I wouldn’t
say “no” too quickly.
QATAR
A TRADITION BUILT ON SUCCESS!
F1H2O
Like any success in
life, good things come
fromgood people,
especially those who are
dedicated to their work
andwho are prideful of
their actions.
12
n° 1 March | 2015