UIM F1 POWERBOAT SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX 2003 POSTPONED BY 17  WEEKS

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Thursday, 30 October 2003 - The UIM F1 Powerboat round originally scheduled for November 27 and November 28, 2003 has been postponed to March 25 and March 26, 2004 upon request of His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Al-Saud

Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Al-Saud: "For the past year we have been looking at the possibility of bringing F1 Powerboat racing to our country," said His Highness Prince Faisal Fahad Al Saud in Singapore. "For me, watching these pilots race is an amazing experience. Now, I am pleased to confirm the date of the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix one week before the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in the neighbouring Kingdom of Bahrain. The rescheduled date for the event is Friday, March 26, 2004 - a time when all the international TV and media will be focused on our part of the World. I would like to thank Nicolo di SAN GERMANO - Promoter U.I.M F1 Powerboat World Championship - and his organization for understanding our needs."

35-year-old Laith Pharaon drives for Saudi Team Green. He won the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship in 1997 and was silver medallist in the 2002 World Championship with Team Green. "It is a great feeling for me being in a Saudi team and knowing that I will be able to share more excitement with the spectators and my fans," said Pharaon. " I hope that my fans will welcome me very warmly as always, and that I will never stop signing autographs nor giving interviews! Even if it will be a lot of work - a home Grand Prix is the best event of a driver's career and a quality moment to share with the fans."

Pharaon is also one of the driver representatives to the UIM F1 Committee and Safety Cockpit Committee and deputy Drivers Representative in the F1 Committee. He is currently 6th in the Championship with 33 points and racing boat Nr 3 from Team GREEN (SAUDIA).

Nicolo di San Germano, Promoter U.I.M. F1 Powerboat Racing Championship said: "From a racing point of view it is important for our sport to expand by adding new venues, and at the same time broaden its geographic boundaries. To be invited to race in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an honour for F1 Powerboat, and a fantastic opportunity for the sport. I hope that in this new location we are able to put on a meeting to be proud of." 

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