Friday, 22 June: Maverick Racing team boss Cedric Deguisne has confirmed that Norwegian Mette Brandt Bjerknæs will run the French outfit’s second boat number 74 at next weekend’s Grand Prix of France in Evian on 29 June – 1 July.

Bjerknaes gets the chance for a second outing in the UIM F1H2O World Championship following her debut in London and yesterday’s announcement that Erik Stark had been signed by Team Abu Dhabi. “I am very happy for Erik that he has this opportunity,” said Deguisne. “He gave the team a pole and race win and I am very pleased that Maverick Racing was able to help him out for the first two races which allowed him to start the year and continue to show what a great driver he is which has now resulted in his move to Team Abu Dhabi.”