2011 UIM CLASS ONE WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
BMW Norwegian Grand Prix, July 15-17, 2011
For immediate release
Sunday, April 17th, 2011
INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS FORCE
CANCELLATION OF NORWEGIAN GRAND PRIX
· Sheikh Hassan disappointed with decision to cancel race
ARENDAL (Norway): His Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and Ali Al-Neama were deprived of the opportunity to challenge for victory in Sunday’s second Norwegian Grand Prix, the fourth race in the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, by adverse weather conditions in Arendal.
Race officials had delayed the provisional start by at least two and a half hours and cancelled the morning’s practice session because of high winds, rain and rough seas and conditions did not improve as the afternoon progressed. The decision was therefore taken to cancel the weekend’s second race.
“I am obviously disappointed with the decision to cancel the race,” said Sheikh Hassan. “We have raced in worse conditions in the past. Two years ago we raced in Dubai in a sandstorm and visibility was down to nearly zero. It may have been a bit bumpy in places today, but we have lost a great opportunity now to close the gap on Victory 3 at the top of the championship standings.
“Now we head to Stresa on a lake where it will be difficult to get in front and then it looks as though Dubai will be the last chance at the end of the season.
“On a positive note it has been a fantastic weekend for the Qatar Team, with our victory here on Saturday and a first and a third place for Alex (Carella) and Jay (Price) in Kazan. Maybe 2011 is going to be the year for the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF).”
2011 UIM Class 1 World Championship – standings after round 2 (race 4 cancelled):
1. Victory 3 55 pts
2. Spirit of Qatar 96 50 pts
3. Spirit of Qatar 95 31 pts
4. Fendi Racing 10 19 pts
4. Kim.com 74 19 pts
6. Team Abu Dhabi 5 18 pts
7. Welmax 90 10 pts
8. Chris Parsonage Racing 50 8 pts
19. Relekta 91 6 pts
10. Ferskfisken.no 5 pts
11. MITI Tech Power 18 4 pts
Ends
For further information:
Neil Perkins, NDP Publicity Services, Mobile: + 44 7831 123153, E-mail: ndppublicity@googlemail.com,
www.ndp-publicity.com (press releases).
www.qmsf.org
www.class-1.com