PowerboatP1 Race Teams in Italy This Week

The next round of PowerboatP1 action heads to Italy this week as teams prepare for the Italian Grand Prix of The Sea at San Benedetto del Tronto, on the Adriatic Sea. An active fishing port and one of the main seaside resorts on the central Adriatic coast, it features a long beach of fine white sand which gently slopes into the sea.

The town is also the home of the Metamarine boat-manufacturing company, since ot was originally founded by Marco Pennesi in 2001. The Metamarine Pignolo #53 driver says he is extremely excited to be coming home: “I am very happy when we race on home territory," he says, "as I will have my friends and fellow neighbors all watching and supporting me and the team."

PHOTO CREDITS: PowerboatP1 (top) - Marchecitta.it (above)

Another interesting aspect of the race is the sibling rivalry set up as Luca Nicolini - brother of Cigarette Smash Poker throttle man Matteo Nicolini - will replace Max Ferrari in the #53 boat this weekend. Though the Metamarine team experienced an unfortunate crash while practicing in Malta, owner Pennesi has expressed confidence that the boat and its crew will be ready for action in this week's race.

PHOTO CREDIT: Powerboat P1

Last year's race in San Benedetto del Tronto was enthusiastically supported by Italian powerboating fans. The 2009 race will also be run in conjunction with the exciting Italian Powerboat Series (IPS). Further discussions are underway with the Italian Federation and the IPS to undertake an additional joint event in Sicily in September.