Powerboat P1 - Valletta, Malta Preview

Fifth edition of the Malta Grand Prix, what has been the opener of the season in previous editions, the Powerboat P1 Malta race is now a classic of the circus. This year it is even more so thanks to the strong position of 44 Coman Yachts, a boat built locally by Chaudron Powerboats adding with the competition of Chaudron Portomaso also in Supersport class. Classic or not, this is a very delicate race for the season, seeing the superiority the 2007 winners are showing in both Evolution and Supersport Class.

In Evolution class 99 Fountian Worldwide 1st4boats.com seem unstoppable and have won all four races of the season, with a penalty for non dyno rating in the second race in Italy. Some teams are showing some potential to stop the English crewed American boat, of which 60 GFN Gibellato would be my preferred choice, followed by 10 The Fantastic 1, Cigarette boat which have also hired new talent with renowned US racer Tomlinson as part of the crew. Other potential title contenders are Kiton Outerlimits needing to resolve continuation problems along with some extra speed, with the same story for the 69 Honeyparty.com team who after sinking in testing before the season started seem to lack the pace but looks the speed is there having started a few of the races in front. The 77 Lucas Oil Skater boat, also shows good potential finishing second and third in the opening races in Italy, but the red boat needs to find that extra knot in order to be competitive for the winning.

In Supersport the 44 Conam Yachts dominion looks more big, as I see very few teams able to challenge the Maltese Italian team. 7 VoomVoom.com as second in the standings would be my first choice, followed by the Donzi 38 Baia High Performance of the OSG team which seem to be growing in confidence. 47 Buzzi Bullet who had to be the Coman Yachts menace seem to lack the right pace as yet, but if we would have some more rough weather the diesel powerboat could give a few surprises.

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