Drange and Perez Shine at World Aquabike Championship in Qatar

The World Aquabike Championship held in Doha, Qatar, saw thrilling performances on October 27, 2023, as competitors faced extreme heat during multiple motos. Notable victories included Benedicte Drange, who dominated the Ski Ladies GP1, and Jeremy Perez, who claimed the top spot in the Runabout GP1.

In the Ski Ladies GP1 Moto 2, Drange rebounded from a disappointing Moto 1, where she was forced to retire due to a fuel pump failure while leading. Starting from a lower position in Moto 2, she swiftly maneuvered through the field, ultimately finishing first. However, Estelle Poret, who secured second place, holds a significant 15-point lead in the championship standings over defending champion Jasmiin Ypraus, setting up a dramatic final heat.

Drange shared her thoughts on the race, stating, “I needed to bring back my joy of racing. I went out, had fun, did the best I could, and had a brilliant start.” This victory not only marked a significant comeback for her but also underscored her dedication to her team and mechanics.

In the Ski GP1 category, Kevin Reiterer captured the Moto 2 victory after a tumultuous race. Quinten Bossche, who started on pole and won Moto 1, experienced a setback when his jet ski malfunctioned on the opening lap, resulting in his disqualification for a course infringement. Reiterer, who faced challenging conditions with unexpected waves, managed to maintain his lead and finished ahead of Toshi O’Hara and Oliver Koch Hansen, who is now an 18-point leader over Jérémy Poret heading into the final Moto.

Reiterer reflected on the difficult race, noting, “It was really rough, one of the roughest and hardest Motos I have ever done.” His ability to adapt to the unpredictable conditions was crucial to his success.

In the Runabout GP1 Moto, Jeremy Perez seized the opportunity when François Medori, the championship leader, faced engine troubles after briefly leading the race. Perez’s victory not only secured him 25 championship points but also allowed him to take a nine-point lead over Medori for the upcoming final Moto. Perez expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I feel really good. It was a really difficult race. I pushed and pushed and was happy to win.”

Emirati competitor Amer Hawair also showcased an impressive performance by achieving a second consecutive victory in the Runabout GP2 category. Starting from pole, he maintained a strong lead throughout the race, positioning himself as a strong contender for the title in the final race on Saturday.

The competition continues to intensify as athletes prepare for the concluding heats, with both the Ski Ladies GP1 and Runabout GP1 titles still up for grabs. The results from these motos set the stage for dramatic showdowns, as contenders push their limits in pursuit of championship glory.