ITALIAN DRIVERS HOPING FOR HOMETOWN SUCCESS !
THE  “F.C.” BROTHERS CHASING FIRST WIN IN ITALY !

COMO, Italy – (14th of July, 2006) – Two Italian drivers with the same initials and 12 wins between them are hoping that a good supply of home cooking will be just what the doctor ordered as they chase their first victory on home waters at this Sunday’s 10th Annual Grand Prix of Italy on Lake Como.

Francesco Cantando, the 30 year old native of Milan, has 11 career victories in his 10 year history on the U.I.M. F1 World Championship for power boats tour but has never won in his native Italy. True, he has had great success since his first start here at the 2000 season with two podiums and three top four finishes in Como in the last three events.

“ I’ve come so close so many times but have never won in Italy, ” said Francesco. “ It would be something special if I had success here in Como. I did a great job last season starting 21st and finishing 4th, this year I hope to start closer to the front. We will see. ”

The other F.C. driver is Fabio Comparato from Northeast Italy who won at the Grand Prix of Malaysia in 2004 and has dozens of podium finishes but no wins in Italy and two podium appearances in 2000 and 2004.

“ We want to prove we can win in both Europe and  around the world, not just in Asia, ” stated Fabio. “ We’ve done our homework and are ready for this weekends race. ”

Twenty eight drivers from 14 different countries are ready to challenge the 7 pin 2.1 kilometer course on the cities harborside for the 3rd stop on the 2006 U.I.M. F1 World Championship tour. American Scott Gillman currently leads the championship with 30 points with a pair of 2nd place finishes as he looks for his first ever GP of Italy win in Como. He dropped out of last years race leading with an 11 second margin. The native of Los Angeles hopes his luck will be with him this time around. Many talented Italian drivers will try to prove him wrong.

For additional information, interviews or video footage please contact:

Philippe Stiernon
Press Officer
Philippe@f1boat.com