Abu Dhabi (U.A.E), Friday, 20 June 2003 - The third event of the 2003 U.I.M (Union Internationale Motonautique) F1 Powerboat Championship is scheduled for July 6. Called the 2003 Mediterranean F1 Powerboat Grand Prix, the race will take place off Cagliari, Italy.

Cagliari is located at the southern end of the island of Sardinia. It is an aesthetically pleasing city, often referred to as the "City of the Sun", with some interesting medieval architecture and a marvelous beach nearby.

Well over 40,000 race fans should enjoy the warm weather and perfect sunshine as the field of 23 drivers representing 13 different nationalities take off at 17:00 for the event.

This time, the public will have eight Italian champions to cheer. Current and 7-time World Champion Guido Cappellini(1), Zepter Team, currently leads the 2003 World Championship with Francesco Cantando (15), Singha Racing Team; each has 35 points. Other Italians competing in Cagliari are Massimo Roggiero (6), Baba Seaquest Racing Team; Fabrizio Bocca (7),Team Corona Extra; Massimiliano Moreschi (14), Singha Racing Team; Franco Leidi (16), Singha Racing Team; Luigi Roberto (29) and Fabio Comparato (30), Comparato Racing Team.

In 2002, Cappellini won in Cagliari by holding off two stiff challenges and having a little luck at the end, when the Grand Prix of the Mediterranean was stopped nine laps from the finish. The race moved him into the lead for the U.I.M. F1 World Championship for Powerboating with 41 points. Cappellini won the first race of the 2003 Championship in Portimao (Portugal) and finished second in Helsinki (Finland).

"Last year's race in Cagliari was a good race for me," said U.I.M. F1 Powerboat World Champion Guido Capellini. "I like the circuit. It is very technical. I feel at home because of the many fans that welcome me always so warmly. I never stop signing autographs nor giving interviews! It is a lot of work. I feel good coming to the Cagliari event. My boat feels good too. The team has worked well to improve the package, with changes that are finalised. It should be a very exciting event in Cagliari, even if competition is tough this year. "

"The Championship is returning to Cagliari in Sardinia for the sixth time in a row," said Emilio Floris, Mayor of Cagliari and organiser of the 2003 edition of the Mediterranean Grand Prix. "Our city cherishes this race, and we have prepared for it with pleasure. The race takes place on the feast day of Cagliari's patron Saint Bonaria, which is one of the most interesting celebration days of the year in the city. So there will be a lot to see. In fact, we expect twice as many spectators as last year."

Tied with Cappellini for first place in the 2003 Championship, Francesco Cantando adds:" I am delighted to be able to come to Cagliari. Everyone is so helpful and friendly to us there. With Campione out of the Championship this year, Cagliari has become my home race. To get to the third race of the Championship with the same number of points as the current World Champion is very impressive. I look forward to a tough fight with Guido Cappellini. I am more than pleased with the result of the race in Portimao (Portugal), and I was on the first step of the podium in Helsinki (Finland). I hope my luck holds out in Cagliari. I feel I am looking good for the race. My boat has been repaired since the Helsinki incidents. The team has been working hard for us to be in great shape. I know, however, that competing in the Mediterranean Grand Prix in Cagliari is one of the top challenges of the year because it is a very long and speedy circuit that demands a lot from the boats and their drivers." "

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter of the U.I.M. F1 World Championship: "I always return with pleasure to Cagliari, the most spectacular venue on our circuit. The organisers have done an excellent job to prepare our visit. The event is taking place for the sixth time in a very interesting and unique location, "Su Siccu," in the port of downtown Cagliari, opposite the Basilica of Bonaria, the patron saint of the city. Today the capital of Sardinia, Cagliari is a very old city founded by the ancient Phoenicians. Vestiges of the city's history provide a unique backdrop for this highly technical powerboat circuit, the third event on the 2003 Championship calendar and the longest 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 Sharja

For additional information, interviews or video footage please contact:

Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

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