ABU DHABI: Thousands of fans descended on the shores of Mina Zayed for this weekend’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Grand Prix presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council as the seventh event in the international calendar brought excitement and action-packed racing with ten national teams battling it out in front of the spectacular Corniche skyline to secure vital points in the SailGP leaderboard.
Despite light winds, the crowds witnessed a historic event, as New Zealand took the winning title and were crowned Abu Dhabi SailGP champions – taking a doubleheader across both UAE events. The tight course, close to the fans on-shore, saw a dramatic three-boat final between America, Spain and New Zealand – where New Zealand took the podium win and sailed well in the light wind conditions.
In an exciting second day, Spain made a comeback and challenged Team New Zealand on the final leg, but it was the Kiwis who crossed the finish line first – making it two wins from two in the UAE.
Speaking after racing, New Zealand driver Peter
Burling said the result was ‘an amazing way to kick off 2024. To put it together in the end in the last two races is awesome for us in the overalls”.
He added, ‘We have really enjoyed our time at Abu Dhabi, it’s an awesome racetrack, it is unlucky we had really light wind but I suppose you have to play with the conditions. Really challenging weekend but the support we have had from the crowds in Abu Dhabi and the Kiwis here has been great. I’m looking forward to coming back, hoping to win the trophy here at the next season finale.’
Source: Emirates News Agency
