Mascalzone Latino to be Challenger for the 34th America's Cup?

11:01 PM Sun 14 Feb 2010 GMT

'Mascalzone Latino training off Valencia' Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

BMW Oracle Racing team boss, Larry Ellison was coy, at the Media Conference tonight, as to who the next Challenger for the America's Cup would be.

Initially he confirmed that a Challenge had been received, but would not say who it was from, except that it would be announced at a Media Conference to be called for tomorrow.

Then it was revealed by a journalist in a question from the floor of the conference that Mascalzone Latino had confirmed that they were the Challenger. To which Ellison replied that he regarded Mascalzone Latino team head Vincenzo Onorato as a personal friend, and that he 'had never known him to be untruthful'.

The yacht club that is actually the Challenger, rather than the team they represent is Yacht Club Roma.

More is expected to be revealed tomorrow, however it could be some time before full details of the next America's Cup are announced, as it is expected to be linked with the Louis Vuitton Trophy series, and with Louis Vuitton resuming their involvement in the Challenger Selection Series.

Ellison also confirmed tonight that the next America's Cup would be run under an independent board of management, and not be a Defender driven series.

He also confirmed that no decision had been made as to venue, with East and West Coast USA venues being possibilities, and did not rule out Valencia , either.

There was no comment as to which year the next America's Cup will be held.

It is likely that the Louis Vuitton Trophy to be staged in Auckland in March will be a forum for the potential challengers.

Mascalzone Latino were out today off Valencia, training in preparation for the Auckland series, as the Challenger and Defender for the 33rd America's Cup were racing in that event.

by Richard Gladwell. Sail-World.com

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Mascalzone Latino to be Challenger for the 34th America's Cup?

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