SHARJAH, March 24, 2019 -- Sharjah International Marine Club has announced the Sharjah Formula One powerboat team, to represent the Emirate of Sharjah in international tournaments. The team will participate in the 2019 season of the Formula 1 and Formula 4 World Championships in eight rounds being held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia from March 28-30, followed by a tour in Portugal from May 17-19 and the third in France from July 5-7. The team will then follow the world-class races in China, India and other countries and conclude their tours in Sharjah from 18-21 December 2019.

HE Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, said that the formation of the Sharjah Formula One team is in line with the strategic objectives of the Government of Sharjah in terms of sports and youth activities.

“The formation of teams for sports that align with Sharjah’s values and aspirations ​​supports the Emirate’s goal of achieving excellence in sports and establishing its presence in global forums,” he added.

He stressed the keenness of the Council to support the Sharjah Formula One team to achieve its goals and aspirations and to enhance the level of the team in various aspects of sports including technical and administrative.

He emphasised that the formation of Sharjah’s Formula One team follows the Emirate’s proud history of organising the immensely successful Formula One World Championship, including the Sharjah Grand Prix, since 2000 and reflects the recognition of the Emirate of Sharjah on the global map for its support for such sports.

He added that the team forms the nucleus of a national team that will train national cadres and attract enthusiasts to support them and sharpen their skills, towards the formation of an integrated national team during the first three years capable of competing internationally and making the desired achievements.

The Chairman of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, for his unlimited support for the activities of the Club, which encourages the youth to engage in marine sports and achieve positive outcomes at various international competitions.

For his part, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Vice Chairman of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, pointed to the Emirate’s stellar record of hosting the Formula One World Championship, for nearly two decades. The annual championship every year attracts top international champions, as well as local and international tourists to the Emirate. Sharjah’s Formula One team reflects the Emirate's interest and experience in this type of water sports and translates its 20-year experience into reality, he added.

Ahmed Al Hosani, Director of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, said that the Sharjah Formula One team consists of 25 members including technicians and other support staff. He said that 20 persons are participating in Formula 1 while 10 persons are participating in Formula 2.

Al Hosani said that the Sharjah squad has been given the best of facilities and infrastructure including fully equipped latest speedboats. While two boats are dedicated to the Formula 1 racing, one boat is reserved for Formula 2 racing, with a speed of up to 200 km per hour. Another boat has been reserved for the Formula 4 race. Four contestants are participating in all categories.

Sharjah’s Formula One team is led by Finn Sami Celio, who has more than 21 years of Formula One racing experience and has twice been the world champion. Celio has confirmed the readiness of the Sharjah squad, which includes world-class racing professionals with more than 30 years of experience.

Referring to what the technical team possesses of advanced equipment for boats and engines, he said that the team has 10 Formula One engines, each with 400 horsepower, four Formula 2 engines, with 200 horsepower each and two Formula 4 60-horsepower engines.