Como, Italy, June 18, 2004…. Calm waters await the start of the Grand Prix of Italy here in Lake Como – home of Alessandro Volta – the man credited for inventing the battery and no doubt some of the electricity in the air prior to this race. 

Tensions are however high particularly among the Tamoil Team, with Guido Cappellini anxious to pull back from a disappointing race season to win in front of his home crowd.  “This race is absolutely critical for us,” commented Cappellini.  “Not only is it important to score maximum points for the world championship, I also do not want to disappoint my family and supporters here – so the pressure is on,” he added.

The circuit in Como is considered to be a difficult course as it combines both short and long stretches.  Said Stefano Deligios, manager for Team Green “The course is very technical and it’s been quite a challenge to manage the set up for the boats.  For a long course we naturally select longer propellers and for the short courses we set the balance quite differently.  I think we’ve found a solution for Como which is important since both our drivers crashed here in 2000.”

Massimo Roggiero, driver for Team Green recalls his last time here, “It wasn’t a great race that’s for sure.  I was trying to overtake on the third corner and didn’t allow much room to pass – before I knew it I barrel rolled!  Obviously I’m determined to do better this year!”

Current leader in the world championship points, Scott Gillman from Emirates Team is looking forward to the race, “We have been testing in between Cagliari and Como and are feeling pretty confident.  I’m very happy with the way we have been racing and am looking forward to securing a podium finish again in Italy!”

Qualifying takes place at 12:45 and 14:30 local time with the shoot out between the six fastest racers at 16:30.