Sharjah - MENA Herald: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced that the emirate will host UIM F1 World Championship 2015 Grand Prix for the 16th year in a row the event, which will for the first time this year be held in collaboration with Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, on December 17 and 18. This year SCTDA is delighted to also announce that it is extending the excitement of the Formula 1 activity this year for another two days for the first time the UIM – ABP Aquabike Class Pro Circuit World Championship on December 19 and 20 will also be staged on Khalid Lagoon.
HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA announced this years events at a press conference at Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah, in the presence of, HE Nicolo di San Germano, the UIM Formula One Powerboat Racing & Aqua Bike Races global promoter, and members of the local and international media. All this would not have been possible without the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed AL Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah
Speaking on the occasion, HE Al Midfa said the UIM F1 H20 World Powerboat Championship is one of the most prestigious events organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. As a major element in Sharjah’s tourism calendar, the Powerboat Championship has become an occasion of great pride to Sharjah and the UAE, HE Al Midfa said.
“This year we are delighted to announce that through our strategic partnership with the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club we expect to add a new dimension to this event as we move forward in developing the Sharjah World Championship Week as a key element of the annual Sharjah Water Festival the week is full of thrilling activities that once again positions Sharjah as major destination in the international arena,” HE Al Midfa stated.
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.
“This year we are happy 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,” he said.
Describing the Sharjah Water Festival as a popular family festival, HE 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 Arabic racer, competing for the title. Top on the list is CHIAPPE Phillipe from France is in 1st place with 70 points, CARELLA Alex from Italy is in joint second with TORRENTE Shaun from Qatar both sitting on 39 points and AL RUBAYAN Youssef from the United Arab Emirates is only just behind with 38 points. The final round of the championship will be held in the presence of a large gathering of the sport lovers.