MEET THE PILOTS...

In the first episode of an exclusive new series, Powerboat P1 introduces Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge pilot, Michael Silfverberg...

Powerboat P1’s newest addition to its growing fleet of pilots, Swede Michael Silfverberg, will sit aside one of the series’ most successful senior statesman in 2010.

Silfverberg joins American Powerboat Association Hall of Famer, Nigel Hook, in the Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge cockpit in this year’s Evolution Class championship, banking on bringing a fresh perspective to the world’s premier marine motorsport.

An extremely successful entrepreneur with a business portfolio including real estate, media, yacht clubs, restaurants and audio visual equipment, Silfverberg is ready to take his zeal for all things nautical to the next level after developing a love for powerboats and offshore racing since his boyhood days.

Ironically, Silfverberg, who lists his other primary hobbies as travelling and business, met Hook on a flight back from the Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea in September.

“After hours of chit-chat, we decided to test each other out as partners,” said Silfverberg. “I had been scanning the powerboat racing circuit for a long time but the professionalism and organisation of Powerboat P1 swayed the decision in its favour. “

Silfverberg and Hook’s relationship blossomed as quickly as the time it took the pair to shake hands on racing together. After testing the new Vector V-40 hull in Canada, the dynamic duo dived straight into the deep end, making their official competitive debut in some of the world’s most challenging climates in Key West for the annual APBA powerboating extravaganza in November.

The Stockholm-based pilot, ‘a natural behind the wheel,’ according to Hook, said the pair instantly "clicked" and share the same animated excitement ahead of their first Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the Sea together in Croatia on April 16-18.

The Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge aren’t just pinning its hopes on a bucket-load of enthusiasm and overwhelming passion for powerboat racing, it also possess a powerful arsenal, with the all-new Vector V-40 also set to make its debut in this season’s championship.

“I was intrigued by its Swedish design and its renowned race boat designer, Ocke Mannerfelt, who has a very scientific approach to building a boat,” added Silfverberg.

“They [Vector Powerboats] have a remarkable fit and finish and the professionalism displayed by Rex Jardine’s handling through the process, getting it as perfect as possible before we start testing in February, has been truly amazing.

The Swedish businessman has spent the winter keeping in shape and studying video footage from previous seasons as he attempts to keep the feeling in his fingers during the freeze. Despite only recently shelving with his competitive powerboat racing L-plates, the rookie insists the newest team in Powerboat P1 can claim Evolution Class gold.

“We would not be racing if it wasn’t our aim to win the World Championship. We are a new team with a new boat and we are looking forward to being competitive in some fierce racing, as well as having a lot of fun.”