Powerboat P1 - Turkey, Istanbul Preview

After 5 weeks since the start of the season in Malta, the Powerboat P1 circus gets into its second 2009 round the coming weekend in the cross cultured Asian European Istanbul, Turkey. Its been a long time coming for the teams especially those showing leading potential. The others who had a disappointing start surely have appreciated this break, and will hope to manage the right set up in order to achieve important points to fight for the title and worry the front runners.

In Evolution 10 Cigarette Smash Poker after doing some testing and modifications will want to show its super speed seen in both races in Malta, with only a spin and water ingress in the engine room during the second race managing to stop what appeared as the fastest boat during racing. Championship leaders Outerlimits boats, 88 SNAV OSG followed by the 77 Lucas Oil will surely have other plans for this. There is also two much expected showings. The first is the second placed from the 2008 season and only diesel boat for this year, 53 Metamarine Pignolo who after a crash during sea trials in Malta is set to prove itself. The rumours where that the time for pole for the 53 boat was four seconds better then the best registered. The other waited return is a Fountain boat 33 Furnibo, with this legendary US builder already taking two P1 Evolution titles in 2007 and 2008. This new Fountain boat is actually a bit longer versus the double title winner and will also have bigger engines with a stern drive set up. Both 47 Silverline, and 66 Cranefields Wine will surely be looking for that extra speed to worry the front runners too.

Supersport Class did return to a competitive edge in Malta. The 43 Seagull Chaudron which is the 2007 and 2008 title winning squad, have been well informed in the first race that 2009 will not be as easy as it was last year, but thanks to a new boat with more powerful Ilmor engines package they still seem to be the favorites. There is two teams who will have a big say for this, both a Donzi 38 boat. One is the 38 Baia Attolini, and the other is new 26 Team SW1 Capital. Both Donzis did finish first in Malta but where put back due to over speeding. The all female 44 Iko Casa, which is the 41 Chaudron 2007 and 2008 Supersport Class winning boat also showed great potential and I am sure this boat still has winning ways in its fiberglass. More to prove for the two boat Italian squad with 28 Blue Shaft and 22 Big Sergio, wanting more speed and in search of more reliability too. The 17 Mas Force will also look for that extra edge in speed to start worrying the front runners and manage to get a podium.

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