Latest news from the world of Powerboat P1

by Powerboat P1 media on 13 Jul 2009 Latest news from the world of Powerboat P1.

Sluszny hopes for a Swedish storm.

#17 MasForce navigator Marc Sluszny is desperate for more bad weather in next month’s Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The SuperSport boat finished third at the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea thanks to some rough seas and stormy weather during Sunday’s Endurance Race, and Sluszny is hopeful that similar conditions can propel the Belgians to more glory in their first season in the Powerboat P1 World Championship.

'It sounds strange but the Spirit of Belgium team is hoping for bad weather in Sweden,' he said. 'When I saw the rain and rough seas in Italy I was excited because our boat is slower than others at top speed.

'All we need is lots of turns and bad conditions and we are able to keep up with the leaders. We have a stable boat, it is really strong, and we proved when the conditions are a little tougher then we can stay with the leaders.

'Our team has progressed each race, we finished third on the Saturday in Malta and Turkey – then we came third overall in Italy – I’m happy with that!'

However Sluszny admits his team has got plenty of work to do ahead of the Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea after damaging the MasForce hull in Italy.

'The boat needs tweaking a little leading up to Gothenburg,' he said. 'We damaged the boat and the steering was getting a little loose towards the end of the Endurance race. Our team will completely check the boat to make sure it is strong again.'

Frank Hemelaer hails all-round effort

#33 Furnibo throttleman Frank Hemelaer insists the Belgian’s second position in Sunday’s Evolution Class Endurance Race at the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea was a massive team effort after they scored back-to-back podium finishes.

The Belgian team did not feature in Friday’s PowerPole or Saturday’s Sprint Race due to engine problems and spent the majority of the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea fitting a new one.

The Furnibo team’s spare equipment was stuck at their headquarters in Belgium and Hemelaer was quick to praise the arduous all-round efforts that ensured their competition on Sunday.

'Two people had to drive the engine from Belgium to San Benedetto del Tronto,' said Frank. 'It took them 18 hours through the night and arrived as soon as Saturday’s Sprint race had finished.

'The mechanics did a great job and the boat was ready for testing on Sunday morning. It took the team about two and a half hours to fit and ensure everything was checked and double-checked.

'The drivers, the mechanic and our third pilot Benjamin van Riet - everybody did a wonderful job. I must congratulate the team for all their hard work.

'We may have come second but this is a victory for the team.'

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