Sharjah to host UIM F1 World Championship finale for 16th year
Sharjah will host the UIM F1 World Championship 2015 Grand Prix Finals for the 16th year in a row on December 17 and 18 at the Khalid Lagoon.
Organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) as part of the annual Sharjah Water Festival, for the first time this year it will be held in collaboration with Sharjah International Marine Sports Club (SIMSC).
"All this would not have been possible without the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the continuous support of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah," said Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, in his opening remarks at a press conference at Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah.
"UIM F1 H20 World Powerboat Championship is one of the most prestigious events organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. As a major element in Sharjah’s tourism calendar, the Powerboat Championship has become an occasion of great pride to Sharjah and the UAE," said Al Midfa.
“This year we are excited to announce a new visually exciting activity as we extend the event by a further two days to include the world Championship final of UIM Aquabike Grand Prix Championship on December 19 and 20 also on Khalid Lagoon,” he said.
“Through our strategic partnership with the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club in staging this event, we hope this will add a new dimension to this event as we move forward in developing the Sharjah Water Festival and World Championship Week as a key element of the annual Sharjah Water Festival,” Al Midfa said.
"The week is full of thrilling activities that once again positions Sharjah as major destination in the international arena. The main race for the Sharjah international championship include F1 and F4 Grand Prix on December 16 till 18 on the Khalid Lagoon," he added.
He explained that the main races for the Sharjah World Championship F1 and F4 Grand Prix will be held on December 17 and 18 at the Khalid Lagoon, and as usual the event will attract thousands of sports lovers and racing enthusiasts from around the world to Sharjah.
Describing the Sharjah Water Festival as a popular family festival, Al Midfa said the addition of three final round world championships held on the lagoon will certainly add to its thrill, excitement and anticipation for competitors and visitors alike, with three world championships titles to be awarded it will be a challenging and exciting week for everyone.
He added that the emirate’s success in organising international events like the Sharjah World Championship Week, Sharjah Light Festival and Sharjah International Book Fair highlight Sharjah’s world-class infrastructure and its status as an international tourism destination with the ability to position itself central on the world stage across a number of mediums, from sport, to art to culture.
Nicola di San Germano praised the active role of Sharjah and SCTDA in organising the UIM F1 World Championship 2015 Grand Prix and thanked the Government of Sharjah for annually hosting the final round of the Championship.
Stressing the keen interest of the Championship management to organise the final round of the event in Sharjah, San Germano said the emirate’s Khalid Lagoon meets the required standards to host a sport of such international stature.
He went on to emphasis the perfect venue that the lagoon provided being in the heart of the city it gives spectators 360 degree viewing opportunities which makes it a unique location around the world.
The event is set to create high excitement in the final round this year with three contestants, including one Arab racer, competing for the title.
Top on the list is Phillipe Chiappe from France in first place with 70 points, Alex Carella from Italy is in joint second with Shaun Torrente from Qatar both sitting on 39 points and Youssef Al Rubayan from the United Arab Emirates just behind with 38 points.