ABU DHABI - Team Owner, Manager and Hall-of-Fame driver Scott Gillman was all smiles at the “gala” press conference today with the official launching of his new support from the Senaat holding company as Team Emirates will now have strong local support as they head for the 2nd round of the 2015 UIM F1 H2O World Championship tour at the Grand Prix of France on the 26th thru 28th of June in Evian.

Led by six-time race winner and Abu Dhabi hometown driver Ahmed Al Hameli, the team has come a long way in just the four months since its inception back in March.

Added to the driver line-up is Swede sensation Erik Stark, as the 27 year-old from Stockholm has already a pair of podium finishes in just his eight previous race starts and will join the veteran Al Hameli in a strong one-two line-up. They'll be hoping to fend off the world's best drivers from 10 different nations who are expected to attend the event on Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) on the final weekend of this month in south-eastern France.

“We are very pleased to be joining hands with our portfolio companies Emirates Steel and Al Foah, in support of such a remarkable team stated Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, acting CEO of Senaat. “We hope that through our endorsement, we can increase awareness of the sport but also more widely, highlight the importance of physical activity for the wellbeing and health of our young Emirati's and encourage them to purse their passions. The Emirates Team is a perfect illustration of passion and ambition; and having the resilience and fortitude to overcome adversity in the case of what many deemed impossible.”

Lead driver Ahmed Al Hameli, who started in his first event almost a decade ago back in 2006 said: “Although we are technically a 'new' team, I still consider myself amongst family – in fact, I have been racing with Scott Gillman for the past 12 years. Ever since I have first set foot inside an F1 boat, Scott has been there with me in every step of the way, guiding me through my victories. I am delighted to have the support of impressive national companies such as Senaat, Emirates Steel and Al Foah; whose sponsorship now makes them part of the family and with their support, I hope to perform to the very best of my ability and ultimately win the title.”

Meanwhile, Scott Gillman added: “I am very happy for the new partnership with Senaat, Emirates Steel and Al Foah. The team is very excited about the future and we believe this partnership can help us bring the results to win the World Championship. Ahmed is back again and stronger than ever. I truly believe he brings exceptional talent to the sport. His team mate Erik Stark, a four-time F2 World Titlist, is also a champion in his own right and is fully motivated to take the lead this F1 season. Together, they make a great combination, one that will enable us to reach the top step of the podium during this championship.”

Senaat, is an active and prominent sponsor of a wide variety of community programs, all aimed at promoting the UAE and fostering the development of national talent. This partnership follows among many others, Senaat's partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and sponsoring the Zayed Heritage Festival, The Formula 1 Grand Prix and The Zayed Higher organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO); with the latter resulting in the launch of a manufacturing facility that proactively provides fair employment opportunities for people with special needs, amongst many other examples.

The next round of the UIM F1 H2O World Championship for power boating takes place on the weekend of the 26th thru the 28th of June on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Lemon) in south-eastern France in the lovely and historic city of Evian. The event will mark the 19th Grand Prix in the country of France since the inception of the series in 1981.

Official qualifying will take place on Saturday the 27th at 16:25 local (15:25 GMT) with the Grand Prix the following day at 15:00 local (14:00 GMT) with both sessions able to be followed live by going to the official series website at www.f1h2o.com and by watching the world “live” television broadcast feed.

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