Pierre Colpin pre Sicily

Pierre Colpin of Furnibo #33 2B1 Racing Team looks back to the UIM Grand Prix of the Sea 2010 season so far, ahead to Sicily and next season.

Pierre does not want to complain and is the first one to congratulate Giampaolo Montavoci and Marco Pennesi with their World Championship in the UIM GPS Evolution class. He also assures us though the 2B1 team would have given them a lot more run for their money had they not been hit with so much bad luck this season. “Our engines have been on fire, belts have run off and in the last race weekend in Bacoli problems with the torque sensor have cost us a victory. We have done an amazing job so far to still be third in the standings and we are going to do our best in Sicily to secure a second place in the championship this year. The only thing we can try to do is win both races and hope the competition has an off day to make that a reality”.

With the problem that occured in Bacoli with the torque sensor, the team had some doubts about being able to comply with the rules in Sicily and getting full points for their results. The rule book demands that any team not complying with the torque sensor rules will get an 8 point deduction on their results. Any team winning a race but not complying with the rules would therefore not get 20 but 12 points out of a race win. A situation that the team would have dealt with if neccesary but they were still hoping to be able to race without the  burden of any possible points deductions weighing them down.

Fortunately the UIM Grand Prix of the Sea organisation was able to help out. A replacement sensor was placed in the #33 Furnibo 2B1 Racing Team Fountain boat and both SNAV and 2B1 can go for maximum points this weekend. With both teams complying with the rules, the race for second place will be full on this weekend. Sicily promises to hold all the drama of a true season finale with second place in the championship still being up for grabs.

“It is also our last chance to showcase the Fountain as the boat will be sold off after this season. It is with pain in my heart that we have to do this as I am convinced it is a potential championship winning boat and I have full conviction that it is only because of our bad luck this season that we never had a serious shot at the title this year. So Sicily is our last chance to prove what the boat is worth and then sadly we have to say goodbye to it. New challenges and possibilities are dawning for next season but it is too early to tell where they will lead us but I think this boat could make any team taking it over from us an instant contender for next year’s title” Pierre tells us.

About chances to do well next race, Pierre has to ad: “Sicily has treated us well before and the circuit and conditions there suit the boat and our driving style. Last year we won the endurance race over there and with that the weekend so we have fond memories of the place. I am looking forward to going there again coming weekend and bring the trophy home. All troubles apart from the sensors are sorted and I think we are set to have a good couple of races in Sicily”

With the head on battle between 2B1 Racing #33 Furnibo and #88 OSG racing still to come next racing weekend in UIM Grand Prix of the Sea’s last race in Sicily and many changes to come for 2B1Racing #33 Furnibo in next season, PowerboatPro will keep a close eye on developments and will keep you posted right here on PowerboatPro.

Article and pictures courtesy of of 2B1 Racing Team #33 Furnibo and Pierre Colpin

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