Erik Stark was quickest in the F1H2o extra free practice session this morning when he went round the Sharjah course in 46.09 seconds and it compares favourably with his 2018 pole-setting time of 45.61.

Stark was driving his brand new DAC hull which he has been testing rigorously in Dubai for the Victory Team:

It’s a good way to start with the new boat.

This boat is running like my boat last year.

I really like this type of boat because it really fits my driving style.

We will see.

It’s a long weekend but a good start.

Philippe Chiappe was second fastest with a 46.36, with Alex Carella just behind him, carding a 46.42.

Of the two championship rivals, Shaun Torrente and Jonas Andersson, the Swede was the quickest, setting the fourth fastest time of the session, 46.51, with the American six-tenths behind him in eighth.

Marit Stromoy had an electrical problem with her motor and didn’t take part in the session.

If Stark can carry this form through to the Rebellion Qualification session later, it will be the first time that Victory Team have been on Pole since 2017, and that was accomplished in Portimao by their former driver Torrente.