UAE racer makes history with Formula 4 powerboat speed record
Alia Abdulsalam clocked 129 km/h during an official attempt on Norway’s Lake Songe
ABU DHABI/OSLO – Emirati racer Alia Abdulsalam Fairooz has achieved a major milestone in marine motorsport after surpassing the previous world speed record in the Formula 4 powerboat category.
She recorded a speed of 129 km/h over a one-kilometre distance during an official speed attempt in Norway. The new mark eclipses the previous record of 128.7 km/h held by British racer John Brewer.
The attempt took place on the waters of Lake Songe, one of Norway’s renowned lakes, where Abdulsalam delivered the record-breaking performance as part of an intensive preparation programme.
Record attempt
Abdulsalam’s 129 km/h run exceeded Brewer’s previous benchmark by 0.3 km/h. The achievement is set to make her the first Emirati female racer to hold the Formula 4 powerboat speed record, subject to completion of the official certification process.
The new record will be submitted to the relevant international authorities and federations for formal verification and certification under Abdulsalam’s name.
The record follows three weeks of technical trials and preparations, during which the Emirati racer progressively developed her performance and worked towards the targeted speed.
Next challenge
Abdulsalam is now preparing for her official participation in an international competition scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom in November. Her latest performance comes ahead of that event, following a sustained period of technical testing and preparation.
The achievement also adds a new milestone to the participation of Emirati women in international marine motorsport, with Abdulsalam competing at a global level in the high-speed Formula 4 powerboat category.