F1
Inshore World Championship
Adrenalin, spectacle,
passion, determination, competitive spirit, and more. Continuous technological
research, preparation and professionalism. In a nutshell: excellence.
After being selected from amongst the best pilots in their respective countries,
drivers come from all over the world to compete against each other on arduous
water circuits, at times accelerating to speeds of over 230 km/h, producing
of the most exhilarating and nail-bitingly dangerous racing ever seen.
This sport is known as F1 Inshore, and it represents the zenith of a sport
that prides itself on high technology and innovation in the nautical sector.
And not surprisingly,
the history of this exhilarating championship is rather recent. In 1981,
the U.I.M. (Union Internationale Motonautique) officially recognised this
category.
Power-boating has now
become a new breed of Formula 1; it is cosmopolitan and has entered into
the realms of the Olympus of the Gods.
Every year pilots and constructors are born and are called upon to surpass
themselves, or celebrate the brute strength of their high-powered machines,
thus exalting designs of hulls, propellers and trims.
The first competition of this new world championship was organised in Italy
on 17 May 1981, on Lake Como, which continues to be the most fascinating
venue for such races.
That World Championship was won by an Italian, Renato Molinari, who made
a great name for himself in this discipline, by going on to win another
two titles.
Despite controversy surrounding the safety of pilots, passion for power-boating
continues and has endured and overcome years of hardship, numerous accusations
and attacks, with the upshot that it has become more than just a simple
sport; it is a symbol of human willpower, energy and courage.
This goes beyond the limits of the human body and is transformed into the
marvellous technology of the hull.
It is moving closer and closer to the contemporary history of Formula 1,
and sometimes you get the impression that the boats themselves have surpassed
mankind, that technology has taken over from the human mind, as we are moving
towards an era in which pilots and constructors are no longer just champions,
but heroes offering a spectacle that is capable of offering exhilarating
emotions both on and off the racing circuit, as those involved also become
promoters of charity events, organise testimonials for famous brand names,
experts in marketing and communications, sporting icons, and above all,
myths for all those who perceive that this sport is capable of offering
sporting challenges on a scale comparable with those of the ancient battles
of the Titans.
