SHARJAH, U.A.E. - Thursday, December 12, 2013  - Even before the teams line up for Friday's GP of Sharjah, one boat is ruled out after catching fire and one of the favourites barrel-rolled and has sustained damage to a sponson. Midway through Q1, the South African entry Caudwell Racing caught fire on the far side of the circuit and pilot Paul Shepherd had to quickly evacuate.

During Q2, Mad Croc Sami Selio who started one of the favourites for gold was going for an ultra fast lap when he barrel-rolled on the turn mark nearest the Corniche as his team will have to work throughout the night to get his boat repaired for tomorrow's GP.

It was a good day for Team Qatar as reigning champion Alex Carella took a step closer to a third world crown when he secured pole position ahead of fellow Qatar pilot Shaun Torrente while Team China's Philippe Chiappe filled 3rd place on the grid ahead of Abu Dhabi's Ahmed Al Hameli and Jonas Andersson of Team Azerbaijan while Selio remains in 6th place.