Arguably two of the quickest
drivers on the tour but the race
wins have, rather surprisingly,
eluded them so far this season.
Al Hameli has been quick in all
qualifying sessions, slightly too
quick in Portugal and hitting
a pontoon that side-lined him
from the race, but a podium in
Harbin between two fourths
has kept him on the edge of the
title hunt, but it is a tall order
with 28 points to make up.
Bad luck has plagued Torrente
from the minute he set pole in
Portugal then stopping while a
country mile ahead in the race.
A brilliant podium third from
15th in France, after going over
in qualifying, kept him in the
hunt but another retirement
in Harbin severely dented
his title aspirations. He again
showed his dogged resilience
in Liuzhou, driving from tenth
to fifth. But his title challenge
is over.
The defending world and teams’
champions have it all to do if
they are to retain their crowns.
Chiappe made the perfect start
to his defence with victory
in Portugal, but a retirement
in France and fifth in Harbin
somewhat derailed his chances.
He fought back in his new boat
to take third last time out but
needs to produce something
special with 19 points to make
up.
Peter Morin is having a solid
rookie season finishing all races,
picking up his first points on his
debut in ninth in the season-
opener and another in Harbin.
VICTORY
3AhmedAl Hameli (4=)
4 Shaun Torrente (7)
CTIC F1 SHENZHEN CHINA
1 Philippe Chiappe (3)
2 PeterMorin (15=)
F1H2O
F1H2O
11