UIM F1 Nations Cup - Test stage in Abu Dhabi

by Philippe Stiernon/F1H20 on 16 Feb 2011 F1 Nations Cup - H2O Racing, under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC), has confirmed that it will hold a driver’s test stage to launch the UIM F1 Nations Cup at the ADIMSC on 19-20 March 2011.

The two day event will give new drivers who are looking to compete in professional powerboat racing at the highest level, and who have been selected to represent their country by its UIM affiliated National Authority, the opportunity to experience their first taste of this exciting new powerboat championship, with the first race scheduled to take place in China in May.

Drivers will be introduced to the F1 Nations Cup race boat and championship format by organizer, Casimiro di San Germano, followed by a run through of the test circuit by four-times F1 World Powerboat Champion and F1 Team Abu Dhabi team manager, Scott Gillman, before taking to the waters for two, three-hour test sessions with each driver given thirty minutes in a race boat.

The F1 Nations Cup introduces a new approach to the spectacular sport of inshore circuit racing and is aimed at National teams, made up of two boats and two to four drivers per Nation, competing with identical boats, engines and propeller, placing the emphasis of performance on the ability and skill of each driver, with the winner no longer being the strongest individual driver but the Nation with the best drivers in the world.

The single-seater, tunnel-hull catamarans are capable of breathtaking acceleration, high speeds and exceptional manoeuvrability. Each boat is approximately six meters in length, two meters wide, weighs 455kgs and powered by a 225HP Mercury Optimax 200XS SST engine.

Saturday 19th March 2011
10h30 : Presentation of the F1NC Boat and Championship by Casimiro di San Germano
11h00 – 12h30 : Theoretical Course by Scott Gillman
14h30 – 17h30 : Individual Boat Test on race course (duration 30’ per pilot)

Sunday 20th March 2011
10h00 – 13h00 : Individual boat test on race course (duration 30’ per pilot)

www.f1h2o.com