The Italian team of Alfredo Amato and Marco Pennesi raced to the quickest time in the first Official Practice ahead of this weekend’s Emirates Airline XCAT GP.

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Racing in the Videx boat, the duo recorded a fastest lap of 2:45.10 which bodes well for the final round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series being held at DIMC.

Second quickest was the French team, Yachts. Francois Pinelli and Saul Bubacco raced around the 3.55 nautical mile course in 2:45.67.

Coming in third in the afternoon session were the Mouawad pair of Joakim Kumlin and Gary Ballough, who will be looking to bounce back from a relatively disappointing season, this weekend.

XCAT action continues tomorrow (Friday) with the all-important race for Emaar Pole Position taking place at 9.30am.

The thrilling head-to-head, drag race-type Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will then kick off later in the afternoon at 3pm. The main event of the weekend, the Emirates Airline XCAT GP, will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 13 at 2.30pm. 

Entrance for the public areas is free of charge and, as always, there will be plenty on offer to keep the crowds entertained with exciting activities both on and off the water in between racing, a kids’ fun zone, heritage village and other attractions including the daring Breitling Wingwalkers.