Sunset Beach, Saudi Arabia, March 25, 2004.... With temperatures soaring above 35 degrees today, at the inaugural UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, drivers were under intense pressure to maintain their cool in order to secure pole position.
The first qualifying session witnessed the fastest lap time from Italian Francesco Cantando at 39.06 seconds with an average speed of 163.13kph. World Champion Guido Cappellini was hot on his heels with a mere 0.26 of a second behind. Sami Selio from Finland pulled an impressive 39.05 seconds proving he is surely someone to watch this season.
The second qualifying session this afternoon saw few changes overall with veteran Scott Gillman placing third behind Cappellini and Cantando. Sami Selio retained his position joined by Portuguese Benavente and Italian Comparato for the six boat shoot out.
Final grid line up placed Gillman at pole position - his 22nd pole position and his 63rd time in the top six shoot out in 66 races. Confident he would not repeat his performance in Abu Dhabi when from pole position he lasted just 8 laps, Gillman commented, "The engine is running well - Ron Anderson our engine designer has done an excellent job and we are confident for tomorrow."
Ron Anderson, a legend in the Powerboat industry, works with the Emirates team alongside Gillman and is credited with designing the Mercury engine in 1975 - which is still being used today. Recognising his expertise, Gillman switched to Anderson's engine in 1997 and went on to secure his first World Championship win - surely there could be no better endorsement!
Second place on the grid sees Cappellini in front of Cantando. "Today was a good result for me today," commented Cantando. "My boat is well suited for these conditions so I'm looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow."
Fifth position is Benavente from Team Castrol followed by Fabio Comparato from Team Comparato in sixth place.
Saudi Hero, Laith Pharaon starts from the grid tomorrow at eighth position behind his team mate Roggiero Massimo. All eyes will be on Pharaon to see if he can secure a win in his home country among his many fans here who will be cheering extra loudly!
Commented Nicolo di San Germano, F1 Powerboat Race Promoter after today's racing, "We are highly impressed with the set up and the hospitality here at Sunset Beach - we just learned that the resort has been awarded the Five Diamond Award for excellence and it is not surprising as it is both stunning and well run!"
The UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia starts tomorrow at 16:00 and is broadcast live at 12:45 GMT on AB Moteurs, the Sailing Channel, TV7 in Russia and Channel 3 in Saudi Arabia.
