ABU DHABI - Monday, September 27, 2010 - The curtain rises on the long awaited and eagerly anticipated new support Class of F4 boats that will premiere next weekend at the UIM F1 H2O World Championship's 14th Grand Prix of China in Linyi on the 2nd and 3rd of October on the Yihe River.
The new introductory series on the tour, will highlight young, upcoming drivers who are developing towards their dream of driving the ultimate class of racing on water, the UIM F1 H2O World Championship. These 400+ horsepower boats can reach speeds of over 230 kph (143 mph) while turning as much as six (6) G's in the corners on their multiple turn race circuits making this the most exciting sport on water.
Each of the 10 F1 race teams will be represented supporting their own boat and driver. The F4 drivers will be on the water throughout the two days between the F1 activity starting with a Saturday morning one-half hour practice session followed by time trials. The first of two races on the weekend will begin at 14:00 local time for a duration of 20 minutes. Sunday's schedule will be run the same as Saturday with the final 20 minute race scheduled for 13:00 local time.
A truly international field of competitors will be on hand led by early favorite Stefan Hagin of Germany who will be driving for the Atlantic Team. The 21 year-old Hagin is the 2009 World Champion in (Formula 4S) after taking the German title in 2008 under the guidance of close friend and mentor F1 driver Fabian Kalsow. Fabian, who is from Neustadt is a member of the Atlantic Team with fellow F1 driver Duarte Benavente and very active in promoting powerboat racing throughout Germany.
“I'm really excited about joining the Atlantic Team and be with my long time friend Fabian and Duarte as well,” said Stefan. “The situation is a perfect fit for me since I am only 21 years old and now will have firsthand an introduction of F1 with this series in which the whole world will be watching as well. This is going to be a great opportunity and a wonderful way for me to show off my ability.”
Stefan, who just won the European Championship in Lauffen, Germany on the Neckar River earlier this month, missed the World Championship in Dunajvaros, Hungary because his new craft wasn't ready in time while his other boat was sitting in the container being shipped to China.
Another driver who should fare well is young Majed Al Mansoori of Team Abu Dhabi who has vast experience despite his young age and has one F1 Grand Prix start dating back to 2007 near his home at the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi when he qualified 20th and failed to finish and eventually was classified in 17th place.
The CTIC China Team will have Xiong Ziwei as their pilot facing added pressure racing in front of his home country and the great Chinese fans. Team Nautica will feature driver Matthew Palfreyman,
Team Mad Croc will have Filip Roms driving for them, while Team Azerbaijan will have Angelica "Bimba" Sjoholm at the controls.
The Qatar Team's Team Manager Khalid Al Kuwari will work with driver Khalid Salih Al Shamlan,
with the Singha F1 Racing Team represented by driver Tobias Munthe-Kass, along with fellow Italian Teams Rainbow and Oskar Samuelsson and 800 Doctor and driver David Del Pin making up the field of drivers for the first ever weekend of F4 racing.
The UIM F1 H2O World Championship for powerboating, celebrating it's 30th Anniversary season adds a support class for the first time giving racing fans from around the globe not only an opportunity to watch more racing on a typical Grand Prix weekend, but to see as well the future stars of the sport with their new F4 campaign joining the excitement in 2010.
Be In The Know – With F1 H2O!
