Full Throttle

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 17, 2004….. Although the World Championship title had been decided it was clear that drivers were ready to do battle today at the Grand Prix of the United Arab Emirates.

Cappellini in pole position quickly took a clear lead ahead of the pack ensuring that main rival Gillman was kept at bay. Biting hard at their heels were drivers Comparato, Selio and Dessertenne all eager to win the 3rd place position in this years UIM F1 Powerboat Championship. Despite the midfield battle, Emirates driver Tany Al Qamzy determined from the outset to make an impression in front of his home crowd, managed to hold third place tightly behind Gillman.

Current 2nd place winner in the Championship Francesco Cantando was however not in great form this race having suffered neck problems on his journey over from Italy. With the pain obviously bothering him, Cantando soon made a decision to retire from the race since there was no threat to his overall position.

By lap 13 Gillman and Cappellini were neck to neck and it looked at one stage that Gillman could pull out all stops and overtake. Congestion from the other boats luckily worked in Cappellini’s favour allowing him to pull in front once again. His luck was however short-lived - engine problems on lap 25 forced Cappellini to stop and subsequently retire from the race opening the field for the rest of the drivers. Gillman seized the opportunity racing ahead, followed by Comparato and Tany Al Qamzy. Bocca from the Rainbow Corona team was enjoying a fast race at this stage currently in 4th position chased hard by Elliot in 5th, Selio in 6th and Dessertenne in 6th.

“F1 Powerboat Racing can be compared to racing an F1 car across a ploughed field