UIM F1 Powerboat Homologation Committee Goes To Moscow
Prior To Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Monday, 09 June 2003 - With the Federation of Russia Grand Prix scheduled for August 17, the UIM Powerboat Homologation Committee plans to visit the site of the race, not far from Moscow center, from June 16-20, 2003. The Federation of Russia Grand Prix is the fifth race on the 2003 UIM F1 Powerboat Championship calendar and the ninth time that an F1 Powerboat Championship event takes place in Russia.

Organisers of the 2003 event plan a great show for an expected 50,000 spectators. Since 1989, FI Powerboats have raced in Minsk (1989), Leningrad (1990,1991), St Petersburg (1995,1996) and Moscow (1997, 1998 and 1999).

"After three years away, I am happy to see the F1 Powerboat Championship back in Moscow, thanks to the Moscow Government and to 7TV Sports Television Channel," said Nicolo di San Germano, promoter of the UIM F1 Powerboat series. "This Grand Prix is an exciting new event, even though the Federation of Russia has hosted F1 Powerboat racing before.

"The last Grand Prix in Moscow gave us a lot of action on the river in the city's famous Gorki Park. But the 2003 edition will take place in Strogino, seven kilometres away from the center of Moscow. Found by Pierre Bogdanov, President of the Russian Federation Motonautique, this new location will allow FI Powerboat racing on a much wider circuit, compared with Gorki Park. "

The charismatic di San Germano has worked assiduously since 1993 to make F1 Powerboat racing a global sport. "I am gratified to see that some of the concepts that I initiated have begun to take root," di San Germano said. These include among others proper racing pits and hospitality units.

"In the last ten years, the F1 Powerboat racing programme has taken the contenders to Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and Far East" di San Germano said. The promoter has dreams of additional locations in the future. "But today," he said, "I really hope that the Homologation Committee will find that the circuit in Strogino meets all the necessary criteria for a good show, perfect organisation, and, above all, safety."

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Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

Photos: http://www.f1boatphotos.com