Mulla, Reiterer rule; Perez retains Runabout GP1 title

In a dramatic turn of events, France’s Jeremy Perez retained his Runabout GP1 title after winning the final moto, while Rashid Al Mulla, Kevin Reiterer and Emma-Nellie Ortendahl ended the season on a high at the season-ending round of the UIM-ABP Aquabike Championship at the Sharjah Gran Prix on Friday.

Defending champion Perez was on the brink of losing the crown after being lagging behind Denmark’s Marcus Jorgensen till the penultimate lap of the final moto.

Jorgensen, who regained the lead and was six points ahead of French after winning the second moto on Wednesday, got the upper hand early and was ahead till 14 out of total 15 laps, with the chequered flag in sight.

His jet ski stopped heading into the final lap of the race when his engine just shut off due to battery problems, which finally paved the way for Perez to clinch the moto as well as the title.

The stage for the close battle between Perez and Denmark’s Marcus Jorgensen, who regained the lead after an winning the second moto.

“I am just so happy but I still can’t believe it,” Perez said. “It was the last lap and I just kept pushing. Suddenly I saw a jet ski stopped, wondered who, looked twice and realised it was Marcus (Jorgensen) I just couldn’t believe it. I am sorry for him but happy for me. I have a baby coming any day now so this is one beautiful gift for her.”

Victory Team’s Kevin Reiterer, who was already crowned 2019 Ski GP1 champion on Wednesday, won the final moto. “It means a lot to me and especially the team. I am lucky to work with such dedicated and hard-working people. It’s one thing to have a dream and go out and try to be the best but to share that dream and success with the people behind the programme is incredible.” said Reiterer.

Underlining his status as the world’s top freestyle aquabike rider, Team Abu Dhabi’s Mulla emerged winner in the final moto.

The Emirati, who secured a second successive UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship crown by winning the first two motos on Wednesday, completed a Sharjah hat-trick to extend his unbeaten run to 24 motos and 10 Grand Prix.

“I am very pleased to win here and to retain my title,” he said.

“I have trained hard and enjoyed a great season representing my country and look forward to next season.”

Jonna Borgstrom won the moto 3 in the Ski Ladies GP 1 category.

Meanwhile, Ortendahl, Sweden’s golden girl of aquabike racing, will pursue a fourth world title next season as a member of Team Abu Dhabi.

The 21-year-old, who clinched her third Ski Ladies GP1 crown at the Grand Prix of Sharjah on Wednesday, signed an initial contract for 2020 on Friday to launch what is expected to become a long-term relationship with Team Abu Dhabi.

“We wanted to have a presence in all areas of aquabike racing and were very much aware of Emma’s talent, so we are delighted that she has become the first woman rider to join the team,” said Salem Al Remeithi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC).

“She has signed a contract with us for 2020, but we expect this to become a long term arrangement, and we look forward to her winning many more world titles with Team Abu Dhabi.”

Ortendahl, who has 18 Grand Prix titles to her name, was joined by Mulla and Runabout GP1 rider Rashed Al Tayer.

“This means a lot to me, both as a racer and as woman in this sport,” she said. “I am very happy that Team Abu Dhabi have welcomed me on board and I look forward to making them very proud of me.”

“World champion is what I’m always aiming to be and that’s what we will continue to work for. I’m very excited about next season.”