Monday 16 April, LONDON: The British leg of the flagship series of single-seater inshore circuit Formula powerboat racing – the UIM F1H2O World Championship – was today launched in the heart of London.
The spectacular, high-octane event will be held at East London’s historic Royal Victoria Dock for the first time since 1985 on 15-17 June 2018. The UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of London will offer spectators a breathtakingly up-close and personal opportunity to watch the lightweight, tunnel-hull catamaran powerboats battling each other into turns at over 90mph and hitting speeds of up to 140mph on the straights.
A photo call and press conference were held for the world’s media in the shadow of London’s iconic Tower Bridge. Those involved. included: Marit Stromoy (NOR), the Emirates Racing Team driver and the first woman to ever win a Formula 1 powerboat Grand Prix; Philippe Chiappe (FRA), CTIC F1 Powerboat China Team driver and three-time world champion; Mr. Li Haojie, UIM F1 Committee member and Chairman of Tian Rong Sports, the local promoter of the Grand Prix of London in association with H2O Racing; Jules Chappell OBE, Managing Director, Business at London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s official agency promoting London internationally as a leading world city in which to invest, work, study and visit; Nicolo di San Germano, President of H2O Racing, the promoter of the UIM F1H2O World Championship; and Joanna Jones, Commercial Director of London Tech Week, Europe's largest festival of technology and innovation.
Mr. Li Haojie, Chairman of Tian Rong Sports, commented: “As a Chinese company, we are honoured and delighted to stage the UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London for the first time. We believe that this event, which echoes China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, will constitute a highly positive effect on London’s international status, as well as East London’s development.”
Nicolo di San Germano, commented: “The UK has a longstanding association and love affair with powerboat racing, so for us it was a natural decision to add London to the exclusive UIM F1H2O World Championship calendar. London’s track record of not only hosting internationally renowned sporting events, but also its unrivalled success creating legacies for these sports was a major attraction. We believe the UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London will help to further expand the World Championship’s global fan base, and we’re excited to give London’s spectators a unique and thrilling experience.”
Laura Citron, CEO at London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s official promotional agency for the city, said: “From the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the IAAF Summer of World Athletics in 2017, London has proved it excels at hosting great sporting events, and really can put on a show. It is fantastic to welcome UIM Formula 1 World Championship powerboat racing back after 33 years, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world for what will no doubt be a thrilling event.”
The UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of London will be part of the headline event programme at this year’s London Tech Week, Europe's largest festival of technology and innovation, with a range of events held across the city from 11-17 June 2018.
