Torrente Responds Following Confirmation He And Al Qemzi Will Return For Team Abu Dhabi This Season

On Wednesday, the news was released on the Union Internationale Motonautique F1 H2O World Championship website that Team Abu Dhabi confirmed that Shaun Torrente—the 2018 UIM F1H2O world champion—and teammate Thani Al Qemzi are going to be part of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club-backed teams lineup for the 2019 season.

American driver Shaun Torrente (below right, click to enlarge) is looking forward to racing for Team Abu Dhabi in 2019 with the No. 1 on the side of his boat. Photo courtesy Simon Palfrader/F1 H2O

In a statement from the team, which enjoyed an extraordinary 2018 season that turned into an inter team title race with each of its three drivers, Torrente, Al Qemzi and Erik Stark leading the standings at one point with the title decided at the final round of the year, it was clear that Team Abu Dhabi was proud to announce its two drivers for the 2019 F1 H2O season.

“Guido (Cappellini), everyone at ADIMSC and the whole team are very grateful to Erik Stark, who last year demonstrated to be an amazing driver and always focused on his job,” the release stated. “Erik and his father showed unique qualities on their work during their time with the team. We are expecting a very good season, as our work is always driven by passion and performance and we will do everything possible in our hands to reach the top once again.”

Following the team’s announcement, which means that Stark, the runner-up in the drivers points standings, once again finds himself looking for a new team and seat for the upcoming season, Torrente did an interview with F1 H2O, which you can read here. It’s fun read—definitely worth a few minutes of your time to get an inside perspective on what it feels like to be a world champion following eight years, 48 Grand Prix races, 7 victories and 12 podium finishes.

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