Alex Carella clinched a dramatic victory in the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi and Thani Al-Qamzi produced a brilliant surge to finish third as the Team Abu Dhabi duo grabbed the lead in the race for the team title in the UIM F1 H20 World Championship.

In one of the most exciting races ever staged in the F1 series, Carella passed Finland’s Sami Selio with three laps to run to claim his team’s first victory in its home race in 10 years.

– #360fit: Yoga vs Pilates – which one is right for you?
– #360view: Fan-friendly IPTL is full of pleasant surprises
– #360view: It was right to invite Paige Spiranac
– INTERVIEW: Marin determined to crown a memorable year

Lying third for much of the race behind Team Sweden’s Jonas Andersson and Selio, Carella seized his opportunity on lap 44 when Selio suffered engine issues and the Italian stormed through to the finish, pushing Team Abu Dhabi to the top of the F1 team standings.

Andersson had started the race from fifth and surged into the lead on the opening lap as Carella was left behind. He held the advantage until lap 33 before engine issues sidelined his Molgaard.

“At the start my engine didn’t fire, but this victory is very important for me,” said Carella.

“I didn’t think I had a chance to win, but I battled until the end. I am so happy.”

Frenchman Philippe Chiappe maintained his composure and stayed out of trouble to finish second and that was sufficient for the reigning UIM F1 H2O world champion to retain his title with one race remaining in Sharjah next Friday.

After engine problems yesterday ruined his chances of a first F1 victory on home waters, Al-Qamzi produced a sensational drive through the field from the rear of the start grid to finish in third position in the second Team Abu Dhabi boat.

“I started from last and I managed to get on to the podium,” said Al-Qamzi.

Earlier Team Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Al-Mehairbi and Rashed Al-Qamzi got their challenge for honours in the second F-4S race off to a superb start when they qualified in first and second positions.

It was Al-Mehairbi’s first ever career pole position, and while he suffered an early blow when the race began, he recovered to finish second, 2.56 seconds behind back-to-back race winner Anton Nyholm.

“I am very happy to get the second place here,” he said.