Portimao, Portugal, May 15, 2004..... Strong winds and rough conditions presented challenges for a number of the top drivers today at the start of the UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Portugal - not least for 8 times world champion Guido Cappellini.
Quietly confident with 5 consecutive wins here in Portugal, Cappellini would not be considered arrogant for assuming he could secure the pole or at least second position during qualifying. Armed with a new hull after six weeks of testing the boat certainly held up, unfortunately electrical problems finally let him down and he failed to reach the top six shoot out - the first time since Abu Dhabi in 1998.
With Cappellini now out of the picture, the course soon opened up - with hot rival Cantando also struggling during the second qualifying round; this paved the way for some of the other drivers to shine.
Local Portuguese driver, Duarte Benavente from Atlantic team was on top form - greatly encouraged by his wealth of fans lining the shores. With a solid time of 0:53.05 he was easily propelled into final six shoot out joining Team Green drivers Massimo Roggiero and Laith Pharaon, Italian Fabio Comparato from Comparato Racing Team, American Scott Gillman from Emirates F1 and Selio F1 Powerboats Finnish driver Sami Selio.
The final part of the day saw winds drop and calmer waters allowing drivers better racing conditions for the shoot out. Starting first, Benavente posted an impressive time of 0.44.44 keeping him in the lead until Roggiero came in with a cracking speed of 43.67 to win pole position - the eleventh in his career history.
Riddled with bad luck at past races in Portugal, today was no different for Scott Gillman who suffered frustrating problems with his starter motor and his back up engine. Fortunately an official's error with an incorrect sequence allowed Gillman another chance which he eagerly grasped - securing him 3rd position for tomorrow's race.
Second position was taken by Fabio Comparato, who, with a very competitive time of 0.43.83, boasted during the press conference, "I'm back and I intend to stay at the front tomorrow - watch out Roggiero!"
"Today saw a great deal of surprises," commented F1 Promoter Nicolo di San Germano. "It's always very exciting when different drivers get to compete in the shoot out - we're really looking forward to seeing what tomorrow holds. A big thank you to the City of Portimao for hosting another successful Grand Prix - we're extremely happy to return here for the sixth year," Nicolo added.
The UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Portugal take place tomorrow at 14:15 local time. Live TV broadcasts can be seen AB Moteurs (Europe), RTSI (Switzerland), Dubai Sports Channel, Sky Italia, Sport 1 (Hungary), 7TV (Russia) and local broadcasters in Portugal.
