“Super team.. super race... no words can describe this experience!” Clive Butler and Sammy Grima - El Diablo.
Due to rough seas, Friday’s race was cancelled but the powerboat pilots were still up and early with a Pilots’ Compulsory briefing, Pole Position Briefing, including a Technical Scrutineering and a Free Practice on the Practice Course. As a result to this, Saturday saw a change in programme, with the first race taking place at 12:15 hrs.
El Diablo, Interceptor Remax and Freccia Blu took to the first podium of GP2 of the VOOMQUEST Enemed UIM V2 World Powerboat Championship. Marine Diffusion (current championship leaders) did not make it to the finish line only by two buoys and lost their first position in the championship to El Diablo. Cutting Edge came in at fourth place, whilst Atomic & Grey did not make it to the finish line.
El Diablo are in the VOOMQUEST Enemed UIM V2 World Powerboat Championship lead with 55 points, after placing first in Races 1 and 3 (20 points each) and third in Race 2 (15 points).
Race 3 saw another thrilling championship race that brought us jaw-dropping action when Interceptor Remax was in the lead for the first 9 laps, however, El Diablo fought to reign supreme and managed to conquer the first position. Interceptor Remax currently rank in second position, after placing second in Races 1 and 3 (17 points each) and fourth in Race 2 (14 points).
Whilst Friday’s race had to be postponed, it was still a winning achievement for powerboat racing champion and organiser, Aaron Ciantar, as it was another successful event that continued bringing awareness of the VOOMQUEST International Championship. A huge thanks go also to the main sponsor, Enemed, who provides fuelling for all the competing powerboats and all the other sponsors who are making this event possible.
After the final podium, Aaron Ciantar said “It was an incredible weekend, and although we had to alter the programme, with great determination and perseverance we still managed all three races. Thankfully there were no accidents, we raced fast and the teams helped each other as and when required as they were very supportive until the very end. We also saw changes in the podium as now all drivers have achieved a high racing standard, and at this stage, the results are an open book as anything can happen.”
From his side, Kevin Chircop, Executive Chairman - Enemed, had this to say “I am positively surprised and impressed as to how quickly drivers are improving their performance from race to race. It’s a pleasure to see a rotation of positions on the podium and in the races and it’s evident that this title is sparking more and more determination from the drivers to win this world title. We are building something unique here and as the main sponsor and official fuel supplier to the championship, I cannot be but pleased about how things are evolving.”
Jean Marie Van Lancker, UIM Official and Offshore President was also present and described this as a top weekend as VQ has proceeded in a very positive way and teams are working hard and learning very fast and this can be seen through different race results and placings. “I have been travelling for a couple of months now and can say that everyone from all over the world is interested in what we are doing here. I am proud that there were no accidents during the weekend as this shows that the teams are becoming professional too. Last but not least, I would like to thank Aaron Ciantar for believing and trusting in me, together we will take VOOMQUEST higher.“
