DRAMATIC ‘VICTORY’ IN NORWAY
High drama surrounded today’s 128-mile third round of the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship in Arendal, Norway. The seven lap race, which saw much of the lead monopolised by Italian boat Bilboa, was eventually won by the Dubai crew of Victory 7, followed closely by last-year’s Arendal winners, Italian team, Jolly Motor. Third place went to local Norwegian favourite Bjorn Gjelsten and Briton Steve Curtis in Spirit of Norway, when the Victory 5 boat caught fire on the final lap.
The drama unfolded on the last lap when former double world champions Saeed Al Tayer and Felix Serralles escaped serious injuries when their boat Victory 5 exploded and burst into flames forcing both crew members to jump into the choppy Norwegian seas to save their lives. They were picked up by rescue helicopters as their catamaran, by now in flames, sank in 22 meters of icy waters. Both escaped with minor injuries.
While the race win went to Victory 7, the championship lead remains firmly with Spirit of Norway. "On the second lap we lost a gear and the engine cut out", explained Nowegian Bjorn Gjelsten. "But we got the boat going again, knowing that we had only two gears, which was a big handicap. I am pleased we finished in the points as it ensures we are still leading the championship."
Race winner Randy Scism (USA) in Victory 7 commented, "I was delighted to be back on the winner’s podium again. Our real panic was before the race when we couldn’t get one of our engines to fire up. Luckily we got it going. We had a great battle with Jolly Motor with some close moments but we knew we had the edge. We heard the news over the radio about our team mates and are relieved they are both OK."
Second place went to 1997 world champions Jolly Motor. Former Formula 1 Ferrari test driver Lamberto Leoni explained, "The conditions were really rough on the outside leg, forcing everyone to race at slower average speeds. Three or four laps before the end we broke an engine, which is what happened to us in St. Petersburg, forcing us to drop back."
Further back on the course, the Italian crew of Nastro Azzurro were rescued when their boat capsized in front of the 150,000-strong crowd, adding more drama to an already eventful race.
The fourth round of the championship will take place on 6 September in Istanbul, Turkey.