Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 15, 2004….. The entourage of UIM F1 Powerboat Championship arrived in Sharjah for the final race of the 2004 season – the Grand Prix of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Gillman already confirmed as the World Champion.
Following the match race in Korea, UIM officials announced that since safety and space constraints posed such difficulties and forced a change of racing format it was impossible to count points from this race for the overall championship.
The battle is not over however with Gillman in 1st place, Cantando 2nd place and 4 drivers chasing for 3rd place – Italians Cappellini, Comparato, Finnish Sami Selio and Frenchman Philippe Dessertenne from the F1 Ligier team.
Commented eight times world champion Guido Cappellini at the press conference today. “I’ve had very little luck this year, however I’m still set on winning 10 world championships and I’m going to push very hard for this next year.”
Cantando, fast recognised as the future of the F1 Powerboat sport attributes his success to his team and his boat. “I’m really pleased with our boat Blaze and I certainly encourage other teams to look into their own boat building to become more competitive. We’ve had some good successes this year and I’m positive for next year.”
Gillman, now three times world champion was delighted with his championship win. “It’s a great honour for me to race here in Sharjah – I spend a great deal of my time in Abu Dhabi and I love this part of the world. This is one of the best races in the championship and the organisation is fantastic – it’s a wonderful feeling to race here at the final Grand Prix of the year as the World Champion.”
The Grand Prix of the United Arab Emirates has been held in Sharjah for 5 consecutive years under the guidance of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the supreme council and Ruler of Sharjah and the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. With the support of Mohammed A. Al Noman, Head of the UAE Grand Prix they have won the best organised event for 3 years.
“Powerboating racing and watersports is in our blood. We’re delighted to welcome the UIM F1 Championship back here to Sharjah especially as each year we continue to work hard to make it such a success.” Commented Al Noman.
F1 Powerboat Promoter, Nicolo di San Germano was equally pleased to return to this spectacular venue. “It’s always a great pleasure to return here – everyone is so hospitable, crowds are huge and the event runs very smoothly. It’s a very special place to end our Championship each year.”
Qualifying for the UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of UAE takes place tomorrow at 13:00 & 15:00 local time with the two timed trials followed by the six place shoot out at 16:30.
