New two-race Grand Prix format for the Norwegian Grand Prix

1:15 PM Fri 12 Jun 2009 GMT

'Arendal - Photo: Simon Palfrader' Class-1 World Powerboat Championship &copy

The Class 1 World Powerboat Championship will introduce a two-race Grand Prix format for the first time at the Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal, 17-19 July.

The proposal, put forward by IOTA President, HE Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani, was evaluated by the WPPA, receiving their full agreement, and has been unanimously welcomed by the teams. 'The two-race format is a practical way of increasing the number of races that make up the Championship, as well as giving added value to our Local Organisers by creating an even greater spectacle and more excitement for the spectators with two races in two days over a race weekend,' said Sheikh Hassan. 'It also increases the opportunity for all teams in terms of competition and for amassing points, without substantially increasing running costs or time on engines.'

The new format, which has also been warmly welcomed by all of Class 1's Grand Prix Organisers, will see first official practice taking place as usual on the Friday, with an extended one-and-a-half hour session on Saturday morning for practice and qualifying in the Edox Pole Position, with no limit to the number of timed laps, followed by Race 1 in the afternoon, made up of approximately 12 laps including one long lap, with a maximum time limit of 35 minutes.

A third practice session on Sunday morning will be followed by Race 2 in the afternoon - with the starting line-up determined by the results of Race 1 - of approximately 15 laps, including one long lap and a maximum time limit of 45 minutes - with both races counting for full championship points.

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by Class 1 media