Seoul, South Korea, October 30, 2004….. Today saw the inaugural Match Format style racing at the first ever F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Korea and heralded by F1 Promoters as a promising start to a new style of racing for 2005.
“This type of racing is very exciting and basically opens the field for many of our other drivers who may not have a chance to take a top three position to do really well. It has become clear today that the shorter, wider boats are best suited for this format however our skilful racers Gillman and Cantando in their longer boats clearly can adapt to any racing!”
Sami Selio of the Finnish team was the first F1 Powerboat driver to ever race this course and quickly showed his strength racing at 210 kph along the longest stretch of 800m. Laith Pharaon who returns to racing after a break from his accident in China set out determined to score well.
Pressure is on for current world championship point leader Scott Gillman to secure as many points as possible as this race could be the decider for the overall championship title for 2004. Things however did not get off to a good start with an engine blow out on the second 800m straight.
A collision between Corona team’s Jamey Stallard and Pierre Lundin now driving for the Danita F1 team unfortunately forced Stallard out for the rest of the day. “I think we can repair the damage at first glance it looks like a small split,” he commented.
At the end of the free practise the usual suspects led the scores with Cantando followed by Cappellini and Gillman chased hard by Menegatto from the Tamoil team, Pharaon and Sami Selio.
Commented Bob Trask from the Australian Seaquest Racing Team, “My first impression was how narrow the course was. However I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the Match Racing tomorrow.”
The two qualifying sessions saw little changes to the overall ratings and although Cantando and Gillman had to concede to Cappellini’s faster boat the final score saw the three strongest racers competing against each other once again.
Frenchman from the F1 Ligier Sports Team, Philippe Dessertenne raced well finishing 5th after Qualifying. “I enjoyed this different style of racing, “ Philippe commented, “though it is tough!”
The six boat shoot out caused problems once again for Scott Gillman. With a very fast first lap of 0.34.53 he had unfortunately more engine problems his third of the day. Cappellini scored well with a fast lap of 0:34.39 putting him at a very familiar pole position once again. Cantando chased hard finishing in third with a time of 0:34.66. “Let’s see how tomorrow goes, I’m not great at cold starts so it will be interesting.”
Racing starts tomorrow for the first F1 Grand Prix of Korea at 14:00.
