Welshman Jonathan Jones from Cardingshire is the new world Formula I champion.
Welshman Jonathan Jones from Cardingshire is the new world Formula I champion.
Brushing aside all competition to win the final round of the 1998 series in Abu Dhabi on December 3, he added a fourth world title to his impressive circuit racing career. Jones finishes the series with score of 92 points, nine points ahead of Italy’s Guido Cappelleni.
“It was one of the toughest events of the year,” said the jubilant Welshman. Fortunately no one was injured in the four boat crash that occurred shortly after the start but it left us all on edge. “
The high pace after the restart made it a race of attrition. First one then another pulled out with mechanical problems including Guido Cappellini and last year’s world champion, Scott Gillman of the United States. Both were close points rivals who could have toppled Jones in this final round.
Only ten of the 20 contenders were still racing at the finish. This final victory leaves Britain dominating the international powerboat scene with four world titles. It comes seven days after the Class I offshore success of Steve Curtis in Dubai. Ken McCrorie collected the Formula III crown in September and the late Andy Chesman the world 0-500 hydroplane championship in July.
World Formula I Championship Series. Final Round: Abu Dhabi Results
- J.Jones (GB) Dragon Racing 20pts
- M. Roggiero (Itl) Laserline/Castrol 15pts
- C.Maidana (Arg) Texeco 12pts
Final points standings:
- J.Jones (GB) 92.
- G.Cappellini (It) 81.
- M.Roggiero (It) 69.
- S.Gillman (USA) 67.
- P.Lippi (Fin) 57.
- F.Cantando (It) 51 pts.
