The disappointment of yesterday’s engine problems were short lived for the Belgian 2B1 Racing Team as Furnibo, the Mercury-powered Fountain returned to form, taking the third and final race and the UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix Evo title ahead of Lucas Oil. The race had looked to be a foregone conclusion, with Furnibo building a substantial lead on the opening lap, but Michael Silfverberg and Nigel Hook in Lucas Oil began to unleash the potential of the Silverhook boat and close the gap. With their Sterling engines at full-chat, it looked like the pair could take the lead.
For eight laps the boats were a rooster tail apart, the defining moment coming with an opportunistic manouevre by the Belgians as four boats arrived at a buoy together. The Fountain dived ahead of two slower SuperSport boats with Lucas Oil forced to hold off, losing momentum and eventually the race. The German Searex Racing Team eventually retired with an alternator problem but not before posting five fastest laps. It was one of those days!
In SuperSport, another intriguing and compelling race unfolded with a three-way battle for the lead. Federico Montanari, Alfredo Zanardo and Giambattista Gabriele had started the race in dominant fashion and were on course to make it a weekend hat-trick for Jolly Drive but the Mercury-powered Fountain of Karelpiu and Donzi of SIF were definitely “at the races”.
The three Italian crews battled hard from start to finish providing close-fought action throughout. For most of the race only seven seconds separated the three Italian boats until SIF was forced to retire. The leading two boats continued to battle nose-to-rooster tail right up to the chequered flag, Karelpiu having stolen the lead with just three laps remaining. Today’s win brings the RG87 Racing Team within eight points of Jolly Drive at the seasons half way point and despite losing the race won the SuperSport class of the UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix.
With both Championship titles still in contention, it is all to play for as the teams head to Milazzo in two weeks time. This inaugural Ocean Grand Prix season promises to go down to the wire, providing a nail-biting spectacle and world class racing action.
UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix
Evo Class – PROVISIONAL Results
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Pts.
1 — 33 — Furnibo — BEL — 40
2 — 77 — Lucas Oil — SWE — 32
3 — 66 — Hercules Sagemann — DEU — 20
UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix
SuperSport Class – PROVISIONAL Results
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Pts.
1 — 06 — Jolly Drive — ITA — 56
2 — 81 — Karelpiu’ — ITA — 44
3 — 38 — SIF — ITA — 32
UIM Ocean Grand Prix Powerboat World Championship
Evo Class Standings
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Pts.
1 — 33 — Furnibo — BEL — 85
2 — 77 — Lucas Oil — SWE — 65
3 — 66 — Hercules Sagemann — DEU — 43
4 — 47 — Silverline — GBR — 12
UIM Ocean Grand Prix Powerboat World Championship
SuperSport Class Standings
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Pts.
1 — 06 — Jolly Drive — ITA — 98
2 — 81 — Karelpiu’ — ITA — 90
3 — 38 — SIF — ITA — 48
