Portimao, Portugal, May 14, 2004..... At the start of the European leg of the UIM F1 Powerboat Championship, French driver Philippe Dessertenne from Team F1 Ligier Sports is optimistic for this Grand Prix of Portugal, having suffered a disappointment at the Indian Grand Prix and narrowly missing out on a podium finish.

"I'm looking forward to this race especially if we get the winds and waves, as my boat is designed for these slightly rougher conditions. We have been preparing over the past few weeks to improve our acceleration and I can't wait to put it to the test," commented Philippe.

With a seven week break, 12 teams return to the racing season having thoroughly tried and tested their boats ready for a challenging course this weekend.  An eight point race has traditionally been difficult for most teams with the exception of reigning course champion and current 8 times World Champion, Guido Cappellini from the Italian Tamoil F1 Team. 

Boasting 5 consecutive wins at this Grand Prix, Guido is feeling confident, "I enjoy Portugal and the conditions suit my boat well.  We have prepared well over the past few weeks to rectify the problems from India and Saudi; we now have a brand new hull and have worked hard on overall weight reduction.  We're looking forward to seeing some positive results at this race."

Britain's Andy Elliot from the Baba Racing Team gives his opinion on the hopefuls for the UIM F1 Powerboat Championship in Portugal:

"Gillman is certainly someone to look out for, even though he has not performed well in Portugal so far, he now has the support of his engine designer Ron Anderson and coupled with good propellers he has enjoyed consistently more power over the past couple of races.  Guido excels at this race - it's a shorter, flatter course and his acceleration is incredible - frankly it's very difficult to get past him.  Cantando's boat although suited to rougher conditions he does well here and I wouldn't be surprised to see him secure a place on the podium.   As for myself, I was very fast in Saudi which was great, however my goal is not necessarily to win it's more about reliability and driving as hard as I can.  Perhaps if I my boat was a few kilos lighter however I could be holding a trophy!"

With a new Indonesian sponsor, Bank Mandiri, just signed up for Finnish Sami Selio and the Selio F1 Powerboat team, the season ahead is looking good.  "We are delighted to be working with Bank Mandiri and to bring the sport of F1 Powerboat to an Indonesian audience," commented Sami.

Twenty two drivers will be competing over this race weekend from 13 different countries.  Set against the stunning backdrop of the Algarve's city of Portimao in the blazing sunshine, crowds will be in for a treat.

"It's always a pleasure to return to Portugal - the whole city is immersed in the celebrations and the huge crowds provide a fantastic atmosphere.  We are really grateful to the Mayor of Portimao, Dr Manuel da Luz and his team for all their hard work and support," commented Nicolo di San Germano F1 Powerboat Promoter.

The UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Portugal will commence with qualifying on Saturday 15 May followed by the actual race on Sunday 16 May 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.