Cagliari, Sardinia, May 29, 2004…. Conditions were calm this morning during free practise and the first qualifying session at the Mediterranean Grand Prix here in Cagliari, Sardinia - providing ideal racing conditions in this picturesque harbour.
Back on fine form, having resolved engine problems at Portimao, Italian World Champion Guido Cappellini set an impressive 0:51.95 lap time - clearly stating he was back with a vengeance!
Equally determined to win, Italian, Francesco Cantando from the Singha F1 Racing team proved he was just as capable of demonstrating his skill and prowess. From close behind his fellow compatriot during free practise, Cantando soon got a feel for the course. A calculated early break in the first qualifying session allowed him to clinch 0:52.07 and the fastest lap time - just prior to deteriorating weather conditions.
Saudi driver from Team Green, Laith Pharaon also posted a good time to secure 2nd pole today. Initially suffering from problems with his power steering he quickly recovered enjoying this technical 8 pin course and conditions similar to his former offshore racing days.
“During the 2nd qualifying the wind started to pick up considerably, causing longer waves and tidal conditions, which were pretty challenging. I waited until later in the session until the wind settled a little which definitely worked to my advantage,” commented Pharaon.
One team mate short this weekend, Fabrizio Bocca from the Rainbow team Corona was positive by the end of the day. Although I didn’t secure pole position my timing in the 2nd session was the fastest so naturally I’m pretty happy, especially considering I had some problems with my new engine to start with.”
By the second qualifying conditions were now much worse which inevitably led to slower overall times. Although Bocca posted the quickest time in the afternoon, the faster times from the first session ensured pole went to Cantando, 2nd to Pharaon and 3rd to Cappellini.
“It’s great to see the Italians feature so prominently in this race here in Sardinia,” commented F1 Powerboat Promoter, Nicolo di San Germano. “I know both drivers are equally set on winning so I’m sure we’ll see some pretty spectacular and hair raising driving,” Nicolo added.
Racing commences tomorrow at 17:00 hours local time with nineteen drivers lining up here in Cagliari, Sardinia for the Mediterranean Grand Prix, the fourth round of the UIM F1 Powerboat Championships 2004 – see you there!
