The Italian topped the podium in Dubai last year and will be hoping for a similar result when racing gets underway on Friday at Dubai International Marine Club.

“After just one day of testing we got the third best time in free practice last weekend, then in the race we gained five positions. This gives us confidence in repeating a good result,” said Amato.

“We have to work a lot, make no mistakes and also have some luck, which eluded us in Fujairah.”

Meanwhile, the Team Australia duo of Brett Luhrmann and Pal Virik Nilsen, who flipped their boat last weekend after a collision with Abu Dhabi Team 5 on the first turn, confirmed they are on track to race with round-the-clock repairs being done to their boat.

Fans who are unable to attend the race this weekend can catch all the action via live streaming.

For more information on the XCAT World Series, log on to www.xcatracing.com