Outsider challenges the best to take top spot
In a most exciting duel American Jay Price driving for the Qatar team scored his first ever victory on the Formula 1 world championship circuit held on the Arade River in Portimao over the weekend.
The 49-year old driver from New Orleans started fourth off the dock but moved into second place within a few laps chasing UAE driver Ahmad Al Hameli. It was this young driver who held the lead for three quarters of the 55 lap event until Price eventually took the advantage at the chicane before going on to win by a 16 second margin.
“I knew from this morning that my set-up was going to work in these calmer conditions and it was just a matter of time until I pressured Ahmad finally getting around him. From then on it was just keeping the boat on the right line to the finish,” stated Jay. “Now we know we have a winning package we will work harder to keep the championship lead. I can’t wait for the next two rounds in Finland and Russia next month.”
For Al Hameli, a bitter sweet day knowing he was in position to win most of the afternoon only to finish runner-up at the end.
“I was holding my own and Scott (Gillman) was talking to me on the radio as my spotter and it was working quite well in holding off Jay until I felt a vibration and I realized my propeller was missing part of a blade and from that point on I couldn’t hold the pace,” said Ahmad. “I’m happy because this is by far my best result and I feel good about picking up 15 points and was happy with the boat.”
