Class One Romanian Grand Prix, Mamaia, evenimente, viteza, cursa

Romanian Grand Prix

Class 1 World Powerboating Championship is a breathtaking spectacle of financial and technological power, an impressive event that captivates thousands of people each year. The venues are as spectacular as the races, from the golden beaches of the Arabian Gulf, to the steely blue waters of the Norwegian Fjords and the sun drenched coasts of Southern Europe.

We re talking about an extremely competitive sport, where 12m powerboats, weighing five tons and powered by twin 900 hp engines race at perilous speeds exceeding 160 mph in always unpredictable conditions. A sport fuelled by adrenalin, a powerful and passionate display of skill and courage, creating a theatre of excitement and drama.

The first edition of Class One Romanian Grand Prix took place from 31 August to 2 September 2007, on Siutghiol Lake in Mamaia, and represented the 4th round of this prestigious world circuit.

This was made possible only by the positive changes that took place on the Romanian seashore during the last years. Saeed Hareb, President of WPPA, emphasized that, geographically speaking, no country could offer Constanta s setting: lake and sea in the same place.

With Class One Grand Prix, Mamaia joined this fabulous circuit together with cities like Athens (Greece), Arendal and Oslo (Norway), El Alamein (Egypt), Doha (Qatar) or Dubai (United Arab Emirates). It was the best race of my life, declared Arif Saif Al Zafeen, Victory 77, an opinion shared also by his partner, Jean-Marc Sanchez, who he won the European title with in his debut season in Class 1.

It was a pleasure for all of us to compete for the first time in Romania and I sincerely congratulate Mr. Radu Mazare, the mayor of Constanta, the local authorities and the organizers for their efforts, said Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, Qatar 96 driver and IOTA President, the association that represents the collective interests of all teams competing in Class 1.

The real winners are not the ones on the podium, but you, the public, said Saeed Hareb, president of WPPA, at the prize-awarding ceremony.

TIMETABLE - Class One Romanian Grand Prix 2009

Friday – 28 August 2009

Official practice – boats launching with two cranes of 90 and 70 tones, then a 2 hour practice session

Press conference

Boat Parade in Mamaia

Teams presentation in Mamaia Cazino Square

Welcome reception

Saturday – 29 August 2009

Practice session for Pole Position – engine tuning, propeller changing, wet pit and up to 9 laps

Pole Position – the qualifying session took 90 min., each boat had to make at least 2 laps, but not more than 4. The fastest were Spirit of Norway, the en-titre champions.

Press conference after the Pole Position

Gala Dinner – Class 1 Romanian Grand Prix

Sunday – 30 August 2009

Practice session for the race – the last chance to test the boats before the race

Romanian Grand Prix – the race had a double importance, as the European Powerboat Championship 2009 will be decided here, too.

Prize-awarding ceremony

Farewell Dinner – Office Lounge