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St Petersburg, Russia: A series of mechanical problems plagued this weekend's GP of Russia in St Petersburg - the fourth round of the UIM World Powerboat Championship - forcing many of the competitions' top drivers to retire early, including F1 Team Abu Dhabi's Ahmad Al Hameli and Thani Al Qamzi.
The Emirati duo started brightly, having clinched the second and third places, respectively, in the Pole Position shootout qualifier. They looked set to give nine-time UIM world champion Guido Cappellini a run for his money.
Al Hameli, who has clinched two consecutive podium finishes - including a third place in last week's GP of Finland - started well and overtook Cappellini in a stunning move to lead the pack early on, where he stayed until engine failure forced his retirement on lap 40.
Holding the lead
Following Al Hameli's exit, Cappellini held the lead for only three laps until his own engine expired on the front straightaway and ended his chance of closing to within three points of championship leader Jay Price of the Qatar Team, that had earlier dropped out with engine problems on lap 14.
F1 Team Abu Dhabi principal driver Al Qamzi again suffered poor luck and was forced to retire from the race for the fourth time this season.
"It is really disappointing for me and Thani. We were looking extremely strong throughout the GP; from qualifying to the race itself. I was really pushing for another podium finish, but it just wasn't meant to be," Al Hameli rued.
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