Comparato Wins First Ever F1 Powerboat Victory - Cappellini Loses Hope Of 2004 World Championship

Press Release Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, September 25, 2004.... In what started as a clear lead for Cappellini in today's F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Malaysia soon ended with a dramatic incident with Seaquest driver Bob Trask on lap 18. The drivers were racing at more than 200kmph and ended up colliding just prior to the bridge. The air turbulence literally sent both boats flying through the air with a spectacular double flip before smashing back into the water - amazingly almost in tact.... And in those split seconds Cappellini's chances of a world championship win were shattered!" This year is not my lucky year and I have yet to win in Malaysia," lamented Cappellini. "I am not giving up hope and will continue to race for first place in Korea. "With the debris removed from the circuit, racing continued with the waving of the green flag. Comparato quickly sprinted ahead holding both Cantando and Gillman at bay. Adrenalin was racing in the Comparato camp with the promise of an inaugural win still but a dream at this stage. Gillman continued to attack Cantando and although at one point managed to overtake, the Italian today was the stronger driver and managed to pull ahead. With a requirement of just 16 points to secure over these next three races the strategy in the Emirates team was for Gillman to finish rather than drive aggressively for first place - and it paid off. Malaysian driver was holding his pace well until unfortunately on lap 34 he hit a buoy which took him out of the race. With the yellow flag raised this gave other drivers the opportunity to close the gaps and have a go at catching Comparato. With the restart on lap 38 Cantando and Comparato were neck and neck - teams were holding their breath to see if Cantando could take him on the corner. Comparato however was absolutely determined and pulled away quickly leading the rest of the race to the chequered flag and his first ever win in his 50th race start. "I'm ecstatic!" said Comparato. "I knew I had some very fast laps and I just raced as hard as I could. At one stage I was worried as it was a very long race of 60 laps and I wondered if my boat would make it. Once I knew I could win I just pushed harder and harder. I'm very happy." "Today was definitely Comparato's race," enthused Gillman. "We did have a few problems with our boat this weekend, however I'm delighted with a third place win - the Championship is looking more likely." With a second place finish, Cantando has put himself strongly back in the World Championship running with just 19 points behind Scott Gillman. "I nearly passed Cantando today but he was much faster than me. I am extremely pleased for him and very happy to come in second place," commented Cantando. Gillman's team-mate Tany Al Qamzy also put in a very strong race finishing 4th today and ensuring a team win for the Emirates drivers. Philippe Dessertenne who finished second in Singapore was extremely hopeful for this race. However fire in his engine took him out on lap six - much to the disappointment of the Ligier team. All was not lost however with the 2nd driver Philippe Chiappe securing points when he finished in ninth place. David Trask from the Seaquest team finished in 6th place today and once again securing precious championship points. "I must be on a lucky streak," said David. Both Corona drivers performed strongly in Malaysia today with veteran Fabrizio Bocca finishing 5th and Jamie Stallard in 11th. "We are very happy to be both winning points - it was a great success for our team and it feels good to be up at the front again," said a delighted Bocca. The racing line up also saw Marco Gambi from the Interpass Castrol team finish in a surprise 7th position and the Belgium Julius Leysen finishing in 10th place. "Today was a wonderful and exciting Grand Prix," commented F1 Powerboat promoter Nicolo di San Germano.