Class 1 racers back Powerboat P1’s formula

Tuesday 29 July 2008

The #60 GFN Gibellato and #10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette boats battle in Tunisia

A number of leading Class 1 powerboat racers have said that Powerboat P1 has taken a big step forward in recent years, and is potentially a cornerstone of offshore racing’s growth for the future. Their comments follow a recent influx of Class 1 racers opting to compete in the Powerboat P1 championship this year.

The production monohull-based Powerboat P1 series has undergone considerable change and growth for 2008, following the introduction of stricter regulations and a new power-to-weight ratio formula that is designed to increase the closeness of competition, without discouraging innovation from boat and engine manufacturers.

Such innovations have been welcomed by racers competing in the high-concept and high-budget twin-hull catamarans of Class 1. “We’re talking about a championship which has no more problems with regulations, ensuring it’s open, fair and very competitive,” says #76 Italcraft Inrizzardi Racing pilot Adriano Panatta – a former Class 1 competitor.

“We can define it as a championship that is ‘offshore’ in the true sense of the words and, having raced in Class 1 for many years, I can say that – today – Powerboat P1 is better organised and is perhaps more attractive for drivers and constructors given its high level of competitiveness. Class 1 undoubtedly opened a road many years ago, but now we have to look more to the substance, and I believe Powerboat P1 is better structured, allowing all to fight for ultimate success.”

To read more thoughts from some of Class 1’s top racers about competing in Powerboat P1 and the series’ future, read our exclusive feature here.

To read Class 1 racer Matteo Nicolini’s Pilot Blog from Tunisia, click here.