The F1H2O World Championship came to a thrilling conclusion in Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, where 19 of the world’s top powerboat racers battled it out for the ultimate title. From December 6 to 8, spectators witnessed explosive starts, lightning-fast speeds, and hairpin turns that kept them on the edge of their seats.
After 32 intense laps, Jonas Andersson of the Vietnam Team clinched the championship for this round. Erik Stark from the Victory Team secured second place, while Rusty Wyatt of the Sharjah Team took third. The China Tianrong F1H2O Team also performed admirably, with Peter Morin finishing fifth and teammate Brent Dillard coming in eighth.
In the team standings for the season, the Vietnam Team emerged on top with 168.5 points, followed by the Sharjah Team with 142 points. The China Tianrong F1H2O Team made a strong showing, securing third place overall with 127.5 points.
Individually, Andersson successfully defended his overall championship title. Wyatt’s impressive performance earned him the runner-up spot for the season, and Stark claimed third place. Morin from the China Tianrong F1H2O Team finished fourth in the individual rankings.
The Sharjah Grand Prix, being the season finale, is always a highlight for fans, and this year was no exception. The fierce competition for the overall championship added extra excitement to the event.
From the start, all drivers pushed their limits in pursuit of top rankings. The race was intensely contested, leading to several hazardous moments and multiple yellow flags that temporarily halted the action.
Pole-sitter Andersson quickly established a lead after the start. Wyatt, starting from a challenging position, managed to climb up to fourth place. Morin, however, dropped to seventh due to a slow start.
The race’s first yellow flag came after Boat No. 9 collided with a buoy on the opening lap. After resuming on Lap 6, Wyatt took advantage of the situation to overtake for third place. This maneuver resulted in Victory Team’s Boat No. 3 flipping over, prompting another yellow flag.
When racing resumed on Lap 9, Andersson maintained his lead, while the battle between Wyatt and Stark intensified. Wyatt needed at least a second-place finish to keep his championship hopes alive, but Stark held firm, leaving Wyatt unable to advance.
In the end, Andersson delivered a flawless performance, winning the Sharjah Grand Prix and securing his season championship with 129 points.
Reflecting on the season, the rivalry between the Vietnam Team and Sharjah Team defined much of the championship battle. The China Tianrong F1H2O Team also showcased consistent strength throughout the season. Lead driver Morin frequently appeared on the podium, signaling that the team is well-positioned for greater success in the upcoming season.
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F1H2O World Championship concludes with thrilling finale in Sharjah
cgtn.com
