Homologation of the Benoa Denpassar FI Powerboat Circuit near Bali (Indonesia).

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Wednesday, 29 October 2003 - Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter of the U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing World Championship has travelled to Bali (Indonesia) following the successful staging of the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend. Bali's representative on the World Committee invited Di San Germano to visit the island.

UIM Commissioner Jose Raphael Jesuita (Portugal) - who represents the UIM Powerboat Homologation Committee - accompanied di San Germano on the visit. The pair inspected the site of the future race at Benoa Denpassar.

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship: "I am very pleased to plan to bring a new Grand prix to the 2004 F1 Powerboat calendar in South-East Asia. The Benoa Denpassar Grand Prix (Indonesia) is located in the Bali harbour. If all goes to plan, and if we finalise the contract, I can foresee the Grand Prix taking place in late October 2004, at an easily accessible site in the city. Bali is a well-known international tourist destination and has a very favourable climate. It offers a dream location where the event would be set against the spectacular reefs surrounding the water. "Bali For the World Committee" is supporting the race project and while on our side, everything seems ready - we still need to finalise the contract."

Jose Raphael Jesuita, UIM Commissioner - who is also Race Director for the Portim‹o (Portugal) event, and the only race director who is also a UIM commissioner - represented the Homologation Committee for the homologation of the future track. "The Benoa Denpassar circuit is now homologated," he said. "It is located near the Bali harbour in sea water. It will be 1.875-kilometres long. I can foresee a magnificent race. It will be fast with two long straights and just one chicane to add to the excitement. Of course, safety comes first: it is a very safe track, clear from any obstacles."

For additional information, interviews or video footage please contact:

Steve Michael Reporting - Philippe Stiernon F1 Press Officer

Photos: http://www.f1boatphotos.com