ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Qemzi is aiming for a flying start to the new season in Italy at the weekend as he launches his bid to become the first-ever five-time winner of the UIM F2 World Championship.

The Emirati driver currently shares the distinction of having four F2 world crowns to his credit with Erik Stark and wants to move past the Swede this year to claim a place in the record books.

‘I really want to be the five-time world champion,’ said Al Qemzi, who tests a new boat over three days in San Nazzaro ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix of Italy in Brindisi, the opening round of this year’s championship.

‘I hope everything works well, and that I’ll be fighting for the title again. At times, I do feel under pressure. Some drivers start the season very fast, and it can be tough. But if I win the first race, that puts me in a strong position, and that’s what I have done each year that I’ve taken the title,’ he added.

Source: Emirates News Agency