UIM F1 POWERBOAT  IN INDIA IN 2004

Abu Dhabi, Saturday, 06 December 2003 - The 2003 Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) F1 Powerboat World Championship adds India to the calendar in 2004. The races will be scheduled in India on March 5th and 6th, 2004.

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter of the UIM F1 Powerboat World Championship today announced at a press conference in Sharjah, on occasion of the penultimate Grand Prix of the 2003 season the new India race of the 2004 season.

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship:

"After a year of contacts with the representatives of India at different levels, it gives me pleasure to see the F1 Powerboat World Championship in Mumbai, India for the first time. I would like to thank Sunder MULCHANDANI, CEO of Argus for his help to bring 24 boats and drivers from 15 different nations to Mumbai for the inaugural India Grand Prix. Originally we had hesitated between two cities. But today the contract holding exclusive rights for India was signed in Sharjah (UAE) with Mr Ajit M. NIMBALKAR, Chief Secretary Governement of Maharashtra in presence of Mr Suresh KALMADI, Member of Parliament and President of the Indian Olympic Association.

"The UIM Powerboat Homologation Committee will visit the site of the 2004 India Grand Prix, right after the Sharjah race. Safety and other criteria for a good show and perfect organisation that are needed have to be checked and the measures requested by the UIM have to be implemented.

"I am however quite confident. I travelled to the sites after our race in Singapore in 2003. It is a magnificent location, at the gate of India. This will give our 2004 season a good start in a fast moving country where high-technology from our water sports fits with the development of the country.

"The UIM F1 Powerboat World Championship has come a long way since it was created 22 years ago in 1981.  I am particularly proud this year to present  this new venue an international level sport with 24 competitors representing 15 different nationalities. The coverage of F1 Powerboat races will reach more than 270 million homes around the world for a potential total viewership of 750 million this year."

Sunder Mulchandani, CEO Argus India: "I am very happy to announce that we are holding the exclusive rights for a race in India. We have decided to host the race in Mumbai.

Mumbai is a city of 14 million people. It was selected because of its excellent waterfront infrastructure. Mumai is a commercial capital and a vibrant glamourous city, I can already foresee this race as a success.

For additional information, interviews or video footage please contact:

Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

Photos: http://www.f1boatphotos.com