Bali to host F1 powerboat c'ship

Musthofid, Jakarta

Bali will host the third series of the F1 2005 Powerboat World Championship after plans for the island to host the event this year were scrapped because of political tension in the country.

The island was originally to host the event on Oct. 10 this year, but that has now been moved to April 10, 2005.

"The timing was wrong for an international event because it would have clashed with the aftermath of the presidential election," Reza Ali from event promoter Power Link said here on Tuesday.

"The previously planned date would also have coincided with the fasting season, and we thought it would be inappropriate to proceed with the event when most of us were fasting.

"Considering these aspects, and with input from the national water sports' body, as well as the world body, we have decided that we will host the event in early April next year," Reza said after signing a cooperation agreement with PT Fortune Indonesia as a media partner in promoting the event.

The event is scheduled to be staged at Serangan island, to the south of the provincial capital of Denpasar.

The race will be held on a Sunday, preceded by a qualifying session on Saturday to decide the starting positions.

The championship was inaugurated in 1981 by the Monaco-based International Powerboat Association.

Spectators will be able to watch high-flying powerboats that can reach speeds of up to 240 kilometers per hour and 9,500 rpms.

Reza said about 25 racers from 10 countries would take part in the event, including eight-time and defending champion Guido Cappellini of Italy.

Cappellini is trailing in third place this season with five of 12 races completed. He has collected 53 points and is behind two- time champion Scott Gillman of the United States on 88 points and Italian Francesco Cantando.

In the team category, Emirates F1 from the United Arab Emirates leads with 88 points, followed by Singha Racing Team and Tamoil Team, both from Italy.

The 2004 season, which began in India in March, will end in the United Arab Emirates in December.