Singapore, Friday July 23, 2004.... More than 23 high speed Formula One Powerboats will race at around 220km/h in front of the Esplanade, on Marina Bay for the return of UIM F1 Powerboat Championships, September 18-19, 2004.
The race which was held last October in Singapore after an absence of 12 years, attracted a local audience of more than 70,000 spectators who literally lined every free spot around Marina Promenade, Benjamin Shears Bridge, One Fullerton and Marina Bay desperate for a view of this high performance adrenalin sport.
Support for the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Singapore has increased in 2004 with major sponsor Aviva taking a bigger role this year to ensure the return of this international sporting event. The Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore Tourism Board are also providing significant support to ensure its success.
Commented the CEO Giancarlo Tschuor of SG International, UIM F1 Powerboat World Championship Rights Holder for Asia Pacific and President of Independent Sports Marketing, organizer for the Singapore Grand Prix 2004, “We are extremely pleased to bring such a high profile event back again to Singapore especially as the race attracts a worldwide audience of more than 450 million viewers who will undoubtedly enjoy the unique backdrop Singapore has to offer. For Singaporeans, who we know enjoyed the race last year, we are particularly delighted to allow them to experience the race once more and to see these top drivers battle for a podium finish. I must say a huge vote of thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this happen”
Chief Marketing Officer for Aviva Ltd, Tim Beardsall added, “Aviva is very pleased to support the UIM F1 Powerboat Championship for the second year, helping to bring this event to enrich the Singapore sporting scene. Powerboat racing involves high levels of innovation and performance, attributes shared with Aviva. This is an excellent opportunity to highlight our company's dynamism and progressiveness."
The Singapore race forms part of the UIM F1 Powerboat World Championship with points contributing to the overall World ranking, similar to F1 Cars. Drivers from more than 14 countries compete in a sport which puts them at the pinnacle of their careers, with many having started off in F2 and F4 before reaching the heady heights of Formula 1.
Commented current eight times World Champion, Italian Guido Cappellini, “Racing in a Formula One Powerboat has many challenges which set this sport aside from F1 cars. Each lap of the course is like a completely different circuit as winds, wave conditions and position of other boats all contribute to providing a very unpredictable race. Make no mistake though it’s absolutely fantastic and provides us with a real thrill!”
Providing enjoyable and spectacular sporting events is high on the list for the Singapore Sports Council. “Formula One Powerboat racing is an entertaining, adrenalin sport and since it is raced right in front of the city it allows people to get up close and experience first hand the excitement and thrills which is an important criteria for us. We are looking forward to welcoming back the teams this year,” commented Terence Khoo, Director Sports Business, Singapore Sports Council.
“Returning to Singapore will be a pleasure,” enthused winner of the last Singapore race, American Scott Gillman, who currently lies in first place in the 2004 World Championship points. “The race in itself is particularly challenging because of the tight corners and rougher conditions. We therefore have to consider the set up of the boat, which propellers to use and our overall strategy to win. Of course the race itself is hugely exciting but so too is coming back to Singapore – the warmth of the climate and the people, it’s an absolute pleasure. I know from friends who watch the race overseas that they are always very envious when I tell of my wonderful experiences in Singapore.
“We are pleased to be supporting the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix in Singapore again this year,” said Shirley Tan, Director of Corporate Communications, Singapore Tourism Board. “We are honoured to be a part of this major international championship, which further enhances Singapore’s exciting calendar-of-events, an important pillar of Singapore’s appeal as a destination. This championship also further strengthens our efforts, and that of our partners, to develop Singapore into the venue of choice in the region for international sporting events. We invite Singaporeans and visitors from the region not to miss this opportunity to catch some of the most thrilling sporting action at the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix.”
During the F1 Powerboat Championship weekend, public can enjoy activities and music at a special VIP Village that will be set up beside the spectator stands along Marina Bay. In addition, the Grand Plaza Parkroyal, the official hotel for the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix and host to the entire F1 Powerboat entourage of drivers and teams, has lined up special F1 Powerboat culinary promotions and menus during the F1 week.
Motorsports in general is heading towards Asia for many more races and the Formula One Powerboat Championship is no exception with the addition of six races in Asia this year including Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Korea and Bali. Teams are currently en route to Shanghai where racing will take place on the historic Bund before heading to Singapore on September 18-19, 2004.
