Mohamed Al Yammahi is the early leader of the 2020 UAE Formula 4 Championship, the new series launched by Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) to create the next era of Emirati powerboat racing stars.

Victory in race two following a third place end in the opening race off the Abu Dhabi Breakwater saw Al Yammahi take an overall two-point lead in the four-round championship at the weekend.

Sultan Al Falahi is his closest challenger following successive second place finishes, with race one winner Sultan Mazrouei in third after a penalty imposed for a false begins in race two dropped him from the lead to fourth.

The UAE Formula four Championship, based on 20-lap races, represents the first step on the ladder into Formula powerboat racing, as ADIMSC looks to develop a new pool of talent to hold the UAE capital at the top of the sport in future years.

Team Abu Dhabi captured 4 powerboat racing world titles final season out of 11 secured since Guido Cappellini took charge as team manager in February 2015.

Cappellini was among the onlookers at the begining of the new championship on January 24, 2020, as was the teams reigning F2 world champion, Rashid Al Qemzi.

We have launched the championship to create a connection between local races and the international Formula powerboat series, stated Salem Al Rumeithi, General Manager of ADIMSC.

Our purpose is to find out and enhance the outstanding young Emirati talent. The championship is a necessary part of their education, and the first step towards developing a new era of UAE champions on the world stage.

These are early days, however already there is a lot of interest in the championship from within the UAE and other Gulf countries, and we anticipate it to develop quickly.

Championship standings

1. Mohamed AlYammahi - 32pts
2. Sultan Al Falahi - 30pts
3. Sultan Al Mazrouei - 29pts
4. Hamdan Al Maflahi - 17pts
5. Ahmed Al Remeithi - 14pts
6. Salem Al Ali - 14pts
7. Saad Binraba - 8pts