Bangkok - Thailand:
First U.I.M FI Powerboat Grand Prix, 06 November 2004

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Monday, 10 November 2003 - U.I.M Commissioner Jose Raphael Jesuita (Portugal) - who represents the UIM Powerboat Homologation Committee - accompanied di San Germano on the visit.

The pair inspected several sites of the future race including the CHAO PHRAYA RIVER, by the SOMDET PHRA CHAO TAKSIN BRIDGE, right in the center of Bangkok in front of hotels Shangri-La, The Oriental, Peninsula and Royal Orchid Sheraton.

The Grand Prix of Thailand will be scheduled on November 6, 2004 as one of the final races on the 2004 UIM F1 Powerboat Championship calendar.

Swin CHATSUWAN from Paragon Events: "We are delighted that Thailand has been given an opportunity to be included in the shortlist of countries selected to host the world-class sporting event that is U.I.M F1 Powerboat Racing. We are positive that we can put on a great event and that it will be very beneficial to our country and for the World Championship series. We want Thailand to be a leader in the arena of world class sporting events.

Events such as the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix will help our country maintain its competitive advantage. We hope to further raise awareness of the readiness of Thailand to stage world championship sporting events. We hope that our involvement in the event will continue to reinforce the profile of Thailand as a sporting nation and a great tourist destination."

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship: "The U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Singapore was held in front of an estimated 70,000-strong crowd at Marina Bay. Amongst them was guest of honour President SR Nathan, together with His Majesty Almutawakkil Alallah, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum, Sultan Ismail, Sultan of Johor (Malaysia), Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Shortly after this successful event I was invited to meet the organisers of a possible event in Thailand in 2004, as they plan to stage a great international show for an expected large crowd of spectators.

I am happy to see the F1 Powerboat World Championship prepare for such an event in South-East Asia. I have worked assiduously since 1993 to make F1 Powerboat racing a global sport. I am delighted to see some of the concepts I have initiated begin to take root.

In the last ten years, the F1 Powerboat racing programme has taken the contenders to Asia, Europe the Middle East, and Far East," di San Germano added. "Thailand was one of my targets for a future Grand Prix location."

"Thailand has hosted other major international events, such as the World Bank Conference, Asian Games 2000, and in the last month the APEC Conference. The organisers expect co-operation from many quarters of Thai society and institutions including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways, The Royal Thai Navy, The Port Authority of Thailand, and possibly many other state enterprise sponsors and major Thai corporate sponsors."

"I am pleased to announce that we have now finalised and signed a five-years contract for a "Grand Prix of Thailand" with the organisers. The Homologation Committee supported the homologation and more than one location has been approved for all categories of U.I.M. sports. When the contenders come next year for the "Grand Prix of Thailand", they will find that the circuit in Thailand meets all the necessary criteria for a good show, perfect organisation, and, above all, safety."

For additional information, interviews or video footage please contact:

Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

Photos: http://www.f1boatphotos.com