Shaun Torrente completed a remarkable F1H2O World Championship hat-trick by clinching pole position for tomorrow’s Grand Prix of Portugal as Team Abu Dhabi scored a second successive one-two qualifying success in Portimao.
Torrente produced a stunning fastest lap of 42.58s in the third qualifying session to edge out team-mate Thani Al Qemzi, just as he did 12 months ago, by 0.08s on the Arade River Circuit
It was the reigning world champion’s third successive pole position in Portugal and it gives him the chance to repeat his brilliant qualifying and race double triumph on his Team Abu Dhabi debut in Portugal last year.
“It wasn’t a perfect run because conditions were very difficult and the wind made the boat jump about, but the team did an amazing job to prepare it for me,” he said at the finish, as Marit Stromoy marked Norway National Day with the third quickest time.
With Al Qemzi also saving his best for the third qualifying session, the Team Abu Dhabi duo now have the perfect platform as they look to begin the defence of their world team title with another victory tomorrow.
- Shaun Torrente – completed a hat-trick of pole positions in Portugal.
- Thani Al Qemzi – also saved his best for last in qualifying.
