Mumbai, India, March 2, 2004 - India celebrates the start of the UIM Formula One Powerboat Championships this weekend with its inaugural Grand Prix at Nariman Point in front of the stunning Oberoi Hotel, Mumbai.

Twelve international teams will arrive in Mumbai for an announcement press conference which kick starts a range of exciting activities preceding the Qualifying Race on Saturday 6 March and the UIM F1 Powerboat Championship on Sunday March 7, 2004.

Integral to this event is the UIM Formula for the Future which involves more than 120 children competing for a place to become the next Formula One Powerboat Champion.  A series of young and upcoming hopefuls will receive training to see if they've got what it takes to become the legendary Guido Capellini.

Indian Society and Celebrities will have the chance to experience the adrenaline rush of F1 Powerboating for themselves with the start of the 2-seater powerboat experience on Friday and the launch of the new 2-seater boat.

The India leg kicks off the start of UIM F1 Powerboat Championships in 2004, which includes races in dramatic locations in Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Italy, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Sharjah.

Said F1 Powerboat organiser, Nicolo di San Germano, "F1 Powerboat racing has arrived in India!  This will be enormously exciting for the audience here in Mumbai and equally for us as organizers to bring the event to a brand new location."

Sunder Mulchandani, CEO of Argus India, event organizer for the UIM F1 Powerboat race in India, commented, "Mumbai is a city of 14 million people. It was selected because of its excellent waterfront infrastructure and its heritage as a vibrant and glamorous city in keeping with the other incredible locations of the Championship.  We're really looking forward to the thrills and spills of this weekend."

Crowds will be able to see current World Champion Guido Capellini race against his closest contenders Scott Gillman and Francesco Cantando who are joined by 9 other teams - all battling for Championships points at the start of the season. 

The UIM F1 Powerboat Championship takes place at Marine Drive on 5 March 2004 in Mumbai, India. After which, the race heads to Saudi Arabia's stunning Sunset Beach on March 26.