Stralsund, Aug 04: Francesco Cantando wins German powerboat Grand Prix. Watched by an estimated crowd of 30,000, Italian Francesco Cantando survived a battle of nerves to win one of the most accident packed Formula 1 powerboat races seen in recent years staged to take the German Grand Prix in Stralsund. Three of the favourites, American Scott Gillman, Italy's Massimo Roggiero and Gert Ladefoged of Denmark, were wiped out on the first turn buoy when Saudi driver Laith Pharaon cut in front of them. Following a restart reigning world champion Guido Cappellini swept into the lead but by lap six Cantando had overtaken the champion and started to extend his lead. However, as Cappellini passed Belgium driver Julius Leyson, their boats touched and Leyson's craft flipped over. The pace boat appeared as the wreckage was removed. Cappellini appeared making a serious challenge on the leader. But on lap 30 of 69, disaster struck for the Italian as his craft barrel-rolled at full speed leaving wreckage shrewn over the circuit.


With over half of the race left it looked like only a handful of craft would run the full distance. However, after the demise of Cappellini, the contest settled into a pattern with Cantando leading the way to the checkered flag ahead of Abu Dhabi driver Tany Al Qamzy and Fabio Comparato of Italy.


Despite all the mishaps none of the drivers involved were injured. Cantando's victory moved him level with Cappellini at the top of the overall standings after four rounds of the 2003 World Championship.


Results: 1. Francesco Cantando (Italy) 69 laps 1 hour 21 mins 4.86 secs 20 points 2. Tany Al Qamzi (UAE) 69 1:21:09.64 15 3. Fabio Comparato (Italy) 69 1:21:17.17 12 4. Philippe Dessertenne (France) 69 1:21:38.48 9 5. Fabrizio Bocca (Italy) 69 1:21:39.91 7 6. Stanislav Kourtsenovsky (Russia) 68 1:21:07.28 5 7. Massimilliano Moreschi (Italy) 66 1:20:47.95 4 8. Franco Leidi (Italy) 66 1:21:50.01 3 9. Christian Jansson (Sweden) 64 1:21:24.42 2 10. Andy Elliot (Britain) 62 1:21:43.64 1 11. Pierre Lundin (Sweden) 59 1:21:11.35 -


Leading overall standings (after four of nine rounds): 1= Cantando 55 points 1= Guido Cappellini (Italy) 55 3. Comparato 37 4. Scott Gillman (USA) 27 5. Duarte Benavente (Portugal) 23 4. Al Qamzi 22


Bureau Report