The duo are competing under the banner of Fazza 3, one of the most recognisable names in Class 1 powerboat racing. Their immediate objective is clear: reclaim a world title in a championship that has grown more competitive, more technically demanding and more global in its reach over the past decade. This season’s calendar has drawn teams from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with tighter margins separating victory from disappointment.
At the centre of Fazza 3’s push is a boat that has undergone extensive refinement. Engineers have focused on hull balance, weight distribution and propulsion efficiency, aiming to deliver stability in rougher sea conditions while preserving the straight-line speed required on faster circuits. Those close to the team say testing data shows improved cornering control and reduced fuel consumption, factors that can prove decisive over a multi-race championship.
Al Zaffain, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in the sport, brings a long track record of success and leadership. His partnership with bin Hendi has been marked by continuity, with both drivers sharing a deep familiarity with the boat’s behaviour under varying conditions. That chemistry has historically translated into consistent podium finishes, an asset in a series where mechanical reliability and strategic judgement are as critical as outright pace.
The championship they are targeting, the UIM Class 1 World Championship, represents the pinnacle of offshore powerboat racing. Governed by strict technical regulations, the series places limits on engine output and hull dimensions, pushing teams to find marginal gains through innovation rather than brute force. Over time, this has narrowed performance gaps, placing greater emphasis on driver skill and tactical execution.
Rivals this season include factory-backed European teams and privately funded outfits with access to advanced simulation tools and data analytics. Several have invested heavily in new powertrains and composite materials, raising the competitive bar. Against that backdrop, Fazza 3’s campaign has been characterised by a balance between continuity and selective upgrades, rather than wholesale change.
Team officials have indicated that lessons from previous seasons have shaped their approach. Earlier campaigns exposed vulnerabilities in choppy conditions and highlighted the need for quicker turnaround times between races. In response, support crews have expanded their focus on rapid diagnostics and preventative maintenance, reducing the risk of race-ending failures.
Beyond the technical dimension, the psychological element of returning champions has also come into play. Winning twice in succession earlier in the team’s history established Fazza 3 as a benchmark, but it also placed expectations on subsequent line-ups. This season’s effort has been framed internally as a fresh chapter rather than a nostalgia-driven pursuit, with emphasis on adapting to the modern dynamics of the sport.
The championship’s growing international footprint has added another layer of complexity. Races are staged across diverse coastal environments, from sheltered harbours to open-water venues where weather can shift rapidly. Success demands adaptability, precise race planning and close coordination between drivers and pit crews. For Fazza 3, familiarity with varied sea states in the Gulf has been cited as an advantage, particularly in events where wave patterns test hull resilience.
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