Credit: Getty Images/Chris Lee
Caption: From left to right: Philippe Chiappe, Marit Stromoy, Mr Li Haojie

The British leg of the flagship series of single-seater inshore circuit Formula 1 powerboat racing – the UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London – has been launched in the heart of London.

The spectacular, high-octane event will be held at East London’s historic Royal Victoria Dock for the first time since 1985 on 15 – 17 June. The UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London will offer spectators a breathtakingly up-close and personal opportunity to watch the lightweight, tunnel-hull catamaran powerboats battling each other into turns at over 90mph and hitting speeds of up to 140mph on the straights.

 

Nicolo di San Germano, commented: “The UK has a longstanding association and love affair with powerboat racing, so for us it was a natural decision to add London to the exclusive UIM F1H2O World Championship calendar. London’s track record of not only hosting internationally renowned sporting events, but also its unrivalled success creating legacies for these sports was a major attraction. We believe the UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London will help to further expand the World Championship’s global fan base, and we’re excited to give London’s spectators a unique and thrilling experience.”

The UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London will be staged at Royal Victoria Dock from 15 until 17 June. On Friday the F1H2O powerboats will have a free practice session. On Saturday qualifying will see the 10 F1H2O teams battling the clock and vying for pole position. While on Sunday afternoon racing will get underway following an hour’s free practice session and a parade lap.

As well as watching 10 teams battle for the F1H2O Grand Prix of London title; spectators will also be treated to nine teams competing in the Formula 4-S class, in which the sport’s up-and-coming drivers learn to hone their skills. While Formula 4-S powerboats have less powerful engines (60bhp) than those in F1H2O, they still manage to reach speeds of over 70mph. There will also be demonstrations over the course of the weekend from historical powerboats; jet skis; a 14-metre, five-tonne, V12 Class 1 offshore powerboat, which will hit a straight-line speed of up to 100mph; and junior, entry-level powerboats piloted by the next generation of British talent.

www.f1h2o.co.uk

The UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London will be part of the headline event programme at this year’s London Tech Week, Europe’s largest festival of technology and innovation, with a range of events held across the city from 11 – 17 June.

 

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