Shanghai, China, July 31, 2004…. Qualifying was decided today within just ten minutes of racing with the top three drivers all set on the same strategy – race early to secure the fastest times in order to avoid poor race conditions.
That strategy paid off with Scott Gillman from the Emirates Team putting in the fastest lap at 0:49.05 seconds, followed by Danish Gert Ladefoged from DanIta team with 0:49.93, Laith Pharaon from Team Green and Thani Al Qamzi from Emirates both at 0:50.04.
A classic example was Francesco Cantando, usually a top three contender, choosing to race later in the session and consequently unable to beat the conditions and catch up with the leaders. Finishing a disappointing 8th overall today.
Second qualifying saw much slower times and it soon became obvious that the six boat shoot out would be made up from the drivers from this mornings qualifying session.
Youngest driver on the F1 Powerboat Championship, Massimilian Moreschi from the Singha F1 Racing team saw some dramatic action today barrel rolling himself out of the qualifying to be picked up by the Osprey Rescue team.
Both drivers from the Rainbow Corona Team also suffered with Bocca a seasoned racer in China experiencing some disappointing technical problems and new driver Jamey Stallard taking time to adjust to his new boat.
Pole positions were decided during the six boat shoot out with Gillman managing to secure 1st place, followed by Ladefoged and Pharaon.
“We were not prepared properly during Qualifying in the last two races,” commented Scott Gillman. “This race we were determined to start early to secure the best time which was a great success!”
Gert Ladefoged who having bought a similar DAC boat to the one with which Guido Cappellini won two world titles, has taken a season to adjust to the new set up. His racing has since gone from strength to strength and officials are taking him seriously for the rest of the Championship.
“I feel very confident in Shanghai and I’m looking forward to a good race tomorrow,” enthused Ladefoged.
Pharaon was happy in 3rd position. “The 2nd session was definitely rougher today, more like racing in an offshore championship but since that is my background I enjoyed it! Scott was incredibly quick in the first qualifying and I knew I could never catch up. However I’m delighted with my result today.”
Finishing in fourth place was Al Qamzi Thani and undoubtedly one of the most promising drivers in the Championship due to his level of fitness and commitment to the sport. A podium finish cannot be ruled out for this driver.
The course in China promises to be one of the most exciting designed courses on the circuit – long stretches provide ample opportunities for overtaking, good visibility for the drivers and spectacular viewing for the audience.
“All the drivers are really looking forward to the race tomorrow,” added Gillman.
Commented F1 Powerboat Promoter, Nicolo di San German “We last came to Shanghai 12 years ago to Lake Wuxi. This location in front of The Bund was a dream. We’re so very grateful to the Shanghai Government, The Shanghai Sports Commission, Xin Xin Sports and the Chinese Powerboat Federation for helping to make this possible.”
The UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of China commences tomorrow at 16:00 hours local time. Viewers in China can watch the race live Shanghai TV Station on the Great Sports Channel.
