The Team Abu Dhabi driver Thani al Qamzi says the two races in Abu Dhabi, today and tomorrow, are the most important if he intends to stay in the hunt for a maiden formula 1 world championship title.
The Emirati still holds a slender three-point lead over the nine times Italian world champion Guido Cappellini, who is posing a big threat for him after winning maximum points from the last two races in Doha, Qatar.
Al Qamzi goes into today's race (3.30pm) at the Breakwater on 112 points with Cappellini close on his heels along with four others who are in contention for the title.
The Swede Jonas Andersson (99), the Finn Sami Selio (88), the defending champion Jay Price and the Italian Francesco Cantando, in joint fifth on 70, are all within grasp.
"It is still a wide open race for the championship with 80 points up for grabs in the four races," said al Qamzi. The final two races will be in Sharjah.
"It is not just between Guido and me. There are at least 10 drivers with a chance to win, but the two races in Abu Dhabi will be the most crucial.
"Of course it is familiar territory for me but that really doesn't give me an advantage over the others. They are all very experienced drivers and the nature of the sport is such, a lot will also depend on how good the machines will run during the races. And I don't have any special plans other than try to finish ahead of the others."
Cappellini has been in the world circuit for nearly two decades and has gone on record to say he would retire after winning a 10th world title. This is also the closest he has come since claiming the championship crown in 2005.
The last four years have seen four different drivers emerge as the world champion - Price, Selio, Scott Gillman and Cappellini - and the UIM's F1 promoter Nicolo di san Germano felt the 2009 championship is the most exciting yet.
"In my opinion at least six drivers are in with a chance and the outcome of the two races in Abu Dhabi will give us a fair indication of who will still remain in the hunt for the title," he said.
"So the two races leading to the grand finale in Sharjah are potentially the most exciting as of now."
@Email:apassela@thenational.ae
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
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Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
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Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
