Thursday, 29 June, EVIAN (France): Philippe Chiappe says ‘there is no extra pressure on him’ as he bids to win on home waters for the first time at this weekend’s UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of France.

Speaking at today’s press conference in Evian, the defending three-time world champion and 2017 points leader was confident that there would be no repeat of his two previous outings on Lac Leman when he failed to get to the chequered flag. “The pressure is the same. No more, no less. For me it’s just another race,” he said. “We know why we failed to finish here the last two times.  It was not bad luck, a mechanical problem and then a fuel problem. From this we have learned a lot and for sure we will have a good set up. We expect a good race and to continue to lead the championship at the end of it”

The team tested last week and Chiappe will leave his decision as to which boat to run to the last minute. “We had a very good test last week varying set ups and also ran my new boat. But we will watch the weather and conditions on the lake very closely. If it is good we have the option of the new boat. But if the conditions are not good it is more likely that I stay with the older boat. I know perfectly this boat and it would be first my choice.”

[The UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of France will be streamed live on f1h2o.com – coverage of BRM Official Qualifying starts at 16:15hrs on Saturday, 1 July with the Grand Prix of France starting at 15:00hrs on Sunday, 2 July…ALL times local]