Jonas Andersson, racer 1 of Bình Định-Việt Nam Team thumps up supporters after winning the Sprint Race 2 at the UIM F1H2O World Championship -- Grand Prix of Bình Định-Việt Nam in Quy Nhơn on March 30. — Photos of organisers
BÌNH ĐỊNH — Jonas Andersson and Stefan Arand sent local supporters wild after their top two finished in the second of the Sprint races at the UIM F1H2O World Championship - Grand Prix of Bình Định-Việt Nam in Quy Nhơn on March 30.
Two-time world champion Andersson led from start-to-finish in punishing heat and reached the chequered flag 14.708sec in front of his Estonian team-mate.
He secured 10 points for the top position after 18 laps while Arand pocketed nine points.
Sami Selio of the Red Devil-SMC F1 Team were third, followed by Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al-Qamzi and Stromoy Racing’s Bartek Marszalek.
“I should be honest with you. I missed the start. The engine and the boat were good but I missed it," Andersson said.
"I had the opportunity to overtake and after that it was an easy race, to be honest. Tomorrow will be a different story with Erik (Stark) and the other drivers, but I am happy win this win.
"Tomorrow, it will be tough. Stefan, I know him a little from before, but he did another fantastic job. He was excellent in Indonesia and we came here and were a little more prepared. I am so happy for him. It is like he has been racing in F1H2O for 10 years. Together we are very strong. Now we are two strong drivers who can fight for the podiums.”
Two Bình Định-Việt Nam Team boats lead the Sprint Race 2.
His teammate Arand added: “Obviously the change (to F1H2O) has not been easy and it’s going to take time to get used to it. I am not yet 100 per cent at the maximum potential in this boat but I am working hard for this.
"The race was better than the last one but I was behind Bartek after the first lap. He had an issue and I managed to sneak past. His misfortune was my fortune. I myself am happy with the result but not 100 per cent happy with my driving. I feel the boat can go even faster.”
On March 30, Erik Stark of Victoria Team, Rusty Wyatt of Shajah Team and Peter Morrin of CTIC China Team earned top three finishes in the Sprint Race 1.
After two stages of the season, Team Bình Định-Việt Nam are on top of the ranking table with 57 points. Sharja and Stromoy Racing are second and third, respectively.
Meanwhile, Andersson and Arand are third and fourth in the individual ranking.
The Grand Prix race will be today and will be live broadcast on FPT Play, VTV9 and Bình Định Television. — VNS
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