The International Team Association (IOTA), the international promotor and commercial rights holder of the UIM Class I World Offshore Championship, has announced the 2004 series will include two new venues.
The International Team Association (IOTA), the international promotor and commercial rights holder of the UIM Class I World Offshore Championship, has announced the 2004 series will include two new venues, one of them being a first-ever race in India.
“It is important for the sport to be continually looking to expand its horizons by adding new venues and, at the same time, broaden its geographic boundaries,” says IOTA President, Edoardo Polli. “The addition of two new venues this year demonstrates the ever increasing interest in Class 1 around the world. The interest shown by the Indian organiser has been exceptional and to race in Asia is a fantastic opportunity for the sport. We are also delighted to have reached an agreement which will take Class 1 back to Spain for the first time since 1996.”
Having expressed their interest to become part of the Class 1 Championship in 2004, representatives of the Indian organising committee, including Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Indian Olympic Committee, were impressed with what they saw when attending the final race of the 2003 season in Dubai.
“India is embarking on an exciting new era using international motor sporting events to market and promote itself. We are therefore delighted to have signed the agreement that will bring the spectacular Class 1 powerboats to our country.” said Suresh Nanda.
Also attending the fixture meeting were members of Spanish race organisers headed by Lues Diaz Alperi, mayor of Alicante. “We are very happy to see Class 1 back in Spain and especially in Alicante. It is fantastic to have such an international event and a great opportunity for our city.”
In addition to this year’s two new venues, IOTA have confirmed final agreements with Portugal and Austria, newcomers to the sport in 2003, as well as the established venues in England, Norway, Qatar, Fujairah and Dubai.
World Offshore Championship (WOC) 2004
| 21-23 May | Portuguese Grand Prix | Lisbon |
| 4-6 June | Spanish Grand Prix | Alicante |
| 18-20 June | Austrian Grand Prix | Traunsee |
| 16-18 July | British Grand Prix | Plymouth |
| 13-15 August | Norwegian Grand Prix | Oslo |
| 10-12 September | Reserve date | |
| 7-9 October | Qatar Grand Prix | Doha |
| 12-14 November | Indian Grand Prix | Mumbai |
| 24-26 November | Reserve date | |
| 1-3 December | Fujairah Grand Prix | Fujairah (UAE) |
| 8-10 December | Dubai Grand Prix | Fujairah (UAE) |
