H2O Racing announces new technical director

by H20 Racing on 3 Mar 2011 H20 Racing's Nicolò Di San Germano has announced the appointment of Gianfranco Venturelli as technical director.

The position will see Venturelli undertake a broad range of responsibilities across all World Championship disciplines under the H2O Racing umbrella: F1H2O, F1 Nations Cup, Aquabike and Class 1. 'It is essential that we have an experienced person in the group who can liaise with the various institutions that set the rules, and whose primary role is to represent the interests of all our teams and competitors,' said San Germano. 'Gianfranco has a wealth of experience from his senior technical and management positions at Ferrari and Lamborghini and during his role as general manager of Victory Team.'

With a raft of new technical changes being introduced into Class 1 this season, covering engine specifications, the restriction on the use of electronic devices and the implementation of devices to monitor engine performance, one of Venturelli's first tasks is to ensure a smooth transition at the season-opener in Dubai. 'It is important that there is a clear interpretation and understanding by the teams of the new rules, to help them to be consistent with them and to clarify any areas of concern.' said Venturelli.

In other areas that fall under the remit of technical director, he will be responsible for evaluating and managing the time-line for the proposed transition from two to four-stroke engines in the F1H2O World Powerboat Championship.

He will also be looking to further develop relationships with engine manufacturers to try to encourage a broader participation and to look into ways of reducing overall costs to the teams, paying close attention to sensitivities relating to environmental issues.

Venturelli joins H2O Racing following an illustrious career as general manager of Victory Team, stepping down at the end of 2010 after 13 years, during which time he guided the team to unprecedented success in the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, lifting seven World and European Championships, five Middle East, four Pole Position titles, winning 58 races. He also enjoyed countless title successes in Class 2 and Class 3 and more recently in the Xcat H20 Racing website