Spirit of Qatar 96 throttleman Steve Curtis is confident that the team can make further improvements as they look to carry the fight to Victory in the title race, with just five points now separating the sport’s top two outfits.

Despite the disappointment of missing the opportunity to draw level with the defending World Champions at the top of the points standings due to the cancelation of race 2 in Arendal, Curtis is upbeat about the teams overall performance. “It was a fantastic weekend for the team, taking the win and another podium for Matteo and Ali,” he said. “Unfortunately we didn’t have the right set-up for Matteo in the race and I think if we had had all the right equipment we could have had a first and second.

“It was disappointing for us that the race was cancelled because the rougher conditions at the far end of the course would have suited us – it’s more our water. I know Victory had the penalty lap but I strongly believe we would have beaten them anyway and the lap times show that. Once we were out front it was always going to be tough for them to get past.

“Arendal was a massive step forward for us compared to our performance in Abu Dhabi where we only managed seventh in qualifying and the boat just had no acceleration. The modifications we made certainly made all the difference.

“We know victory is very fast and we still have some work to do to match their pace in some areas. We are certainly more competitive now – but not yet the most competitive, but we are planning more upgrades to the boat before the next race in Italy.”

Team principal Sheikh Hassan is equally optimistic. “I was a good win and it’s been a long time coming for us, but we showed what we are capable of when we put it all together and there is more to come.”

The win in Arendal ended Sheikh Hassan and Curtis’ 12-race win drought in Class 1 since teaming-up in 2008 – a third win on Norwegian waters for Sheikh Hassan and a 41st career-win for Curtis. It was also the team’s first win since Matteo Nicolini took the chequered flag alongside Abdullah Al Sulaiti in Dubai in 2008.