Additional event to compensate Spanish cancellation
The Class 1 World Powerboat Championship is to introduce a two-race format for the first time at the Norwegian Grand Prix (pictured) in Arendal July 17-19. This follows the recent cancellation of the Spanish Grand Prix.
The proposal, put forward by International Offshore Team Association (IOTA) President, HE Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani, was evaluated by the World Professional Powerboat Association (WPPA), receiving their full agreement and support from the teams.
“The two-race format is a practical way of increasing the number of rounds making up the championship to the number of events initially listed on the calendar. It will also give added value to local supporters by creating a greater spectacle and excitement for the spectators,” said Sheikh Hassan. “It increases the opportunity for amassing points without substantially increasing running costs or engine fatigue.”
The new format has also been warmly welcomed by all grand prix organisers. The first official practice will take place as usual on the Friday with an extended one-and-a-half hour session on Saturday morning for practice and qualifying in the Edox Pole Position. There will be no limit on the number of timed laps. This will be followed by in the afternoon by the first race of approximately 12 laps including one long lap, with a maximum time limit of 35 minutes.
A third practice session on Sunday morning ahead of the second race in the afternoon – with the starting line-up determined by the results of the previous race – of approximately 15 laps which will include one long lap and a maximum time limit of 45 minutes. Both races will count for full championship points.
