Chiappe wins Abu Dhabi GP and keep title race in Sharjah alive

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Philippe Chiappe produced a flawless drive from start to finish to win the penultimate race of the F1H20 Powerboat season in Abu Dhabi on December 8 and keep hopes of defending his world title alive.

The CTIC F1 Shenzhen China driver started on pole and made a flying start, but the drama took place behind him.

A spectacular crash which involved Maverick F1 Racing's Cedric Deguisne and Mad Croc BABA Racing's Sami Selio on the opening lap led to an early stoppage in action.

Philippe Chiappe wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. /Photo via automobilsport.com

When the race got back underway on lap five, nobody could get close to Chiappe as the Frenchman took a commanding victory.

Emirates Racing Team's Marit Stromoy finished second, 2.37 seconds back, for her first podium since her victory in Sharjah back in 2015.

Team Abu Dhabi's Alex Carella – a three-time World Champion – rounded out the podium places in the 52 lap race.

Chiappe is also chasing a fourth world title and now trails championship leader Carella by just 11 points.

The two-way fight for the title will be settled in the United Arab Emirates city of Sharjah on December 15.