UIM F1 POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
HEADS FOR HISTORIC BALTIC SEA PORT

Abu Dhabi (U.A.E), Thursday, 10 July 2003 - The fourth event of the 2003 U.I.M (Union Internationale Motonautique) F1 Powerboat Championship is scheduled for August 3rd. Called the 2003 F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Germany, the race will take place in Stralsund, a historically interesting city on the Baltic Sea in north east Germany.

A large number of spectators are expected for the race on the first weekend of August. The field of 23 drivers representing 13 different nationalities takes off at at 15:00 German time / 13:00 GMT.

The race is supported by the Stralsund Town Council, ADAC, the largest German Automobile Association, and by a number of new sponsors such as RED BULL, the energy drink. In addition to the World Championship FI Powerboat race, the public also will see young and up-and-coming German drivers compete for the Formel ADAC MSG MOTORBOOT Cup in identically designed catamarans equipped with Tohatsu 40hp series engines.

In 2002, Stralsund enlarged its water stadium. Huge grandstands have been built to overlook the circuit and allow spectators to capture the ambiance and every thrill of the race. Last year’s race was hard on engines, and only six of the 19 starters completed the Grand Prix. Only the winner, Italy's Guido Cappellini covered the full 60-lap distance. Cappellini captured his 46th career win July 6, 2003 in Sardinia in the 6th Annual Grand Prix of the Mediterranean. He currently leads the 2003 UIM F1 Powerboat Championship standings.

"I had a good result in Stralsund last year," said Cappellini, who has won the World Championship seven times: in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001 and 2002. "I like the circuit, but it is one of those places where you need to be super lucky. Also, you need to be very careful all the time, because there is not a lot of visibility. My feeling is that I won by chance there last year. I think that I would like the Stralsund circuit even more if I were driving another type of boat. Currently, it is not a circuit for the boat that I am racing this year. Let’s call this race a very selective race. By my standards, it is the last race in Europe where I will really have to suffer and deploy masses of planning skills and constant care. It should be a very exciting event. "

"The UIM F1 World Powerboat Championship is returning to Stralsund for the third time in a row," said Harald Lastovka, Mayor of Stralsund and organiser of the 2003 edition of the Grand Prix. "Our city is very proud of the race and expects many more spectators than last year. Over the winter we have done a lot of work and have welcomed the help of local partners that have contributed their services. The city also has taken over the marketing and advertising of the race. It is important for the expansion of Stralsund and its world image to be associated with international events like UIM F1 Powerboat Championship.

"Our media are also very pro-active and have been helping us with staging and advertising. I hope that as many spectators as possible can attend and that everyone is able to walk around and look at the boats closely.

"I am sure that over the coming years, this spectacular race will become a fixture of Stralsund's leisure calendar and as popular as our "Sailing Week", "International Swimming Competitions" and " Baltic Games", our new great Theatre-Open-Air.

The Hanseatic city of Stralsund was - along with Lübeck, Hamburg, Danzig and Riga - one of the wealthiest trade centers in Europe. Today, about 60.000 people live in the city, which continues its naval tradition. There is a thriving port and shipping industry. Other economic activities include construction, iron and wood working, food processing and tourism.

In recent years, Stralsund has become an important headquarters for key central and regional administrations. A German Navy technical school is located near the City's majectic doors, and there is a well-known technical High School here as well.

In June 2002 the old towns of "Stralsund and Wismar" were named Cultural Treasure of Humanity by UNESCO, they are included on the World Heritage list of UNESCO.

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter of the UIM F1 World Championship: "I always return with pleasure to Stralsund, a unique city that perfectly reflects UIM FI Powerboat selection strategy for Championship event venues. Our sport likes to stage events in world capitals like Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but we also like to go to spectacular architectural, cultural and historical places like Stralsund, where there is also a very interesting water stadium. The organisers have done an excellent job to prepare for our visit. It is a shame that we do not have, for the time being, a German Champion racing with us. But things can change quickly, and I would welcome eagerly a Champion from a 14th nationality, as well as additional Team entries.

"With six races remaining, this year is undoubtedly a highly competitive season. We relish this top level competition and remain as committed and as passionate about the UIM Formula 1 Powerboat Championship as ever. We are looking forward to a battle royal between the Champions in the second half of the season!"

The F1 Powerboat World Championship 2003 calendar consists of 10 events:  Portugal, Finland, Italy, Germany, Russian Federation, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. -- Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

For additional information, interviews or video footage please contact:

Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

Photos: http://www.f1boatphotos.com