10:28 AM Sat 9 May 2009 GMT
Malta's celebrations continued with local favourites Aaron and Audrien Ciantar rocketing home to claim top spots during a scintillating afternoon's PowerPole qualifying round in the sunkissed Valletta Grand Harbour.
Aaron and Angelo Tedeschi, in their new supercharged Ukranian Seagull hull, romped home in just under three minutes 28 seconds, shading fellow Chaudron manufactured monohull, Ikocasa by just over three seconds.
Delighted with the prospect of taking the inside lane, Aaron said: 'We always knew the boat was very fast. We always drive the boat to its limits - even around the corners - and we were very confident of being very strong.
And with his sister breathing down his neck and ready to pounce on any mistakes, Aaron fully expects Audrien and Shelley Jory to push them all the way to the chequered flag, saying 'They came in a very strong second but I told them at the start of the season that they have the 2008 champion boat, so if they drive it well, they could win the championship.'
Tedeschi agreed, stating that 'he created a monster,' referring to the Racing Project boat that he and Aaron won the 2008 championship in.
Audrien didn't expect to claim second spot but was 'thrilled' with the result. Now turning her focus to Saturday's Sprint race she intends to give Aaron a run for his money to the podium.
Meanwhile in the Evolution class, Italian outfit SNAV OSG pipped America's Lucas Oil into second spot, coming in quickest with a time of three minutes two seconds with the polished 77 hull a further two seconds back.
OSG Throttleman Giancarlo Cangiano said his crew would 'go home very happy' after taking pole position but like Chaudron's dominance in the SuperSport class, the offshore legend lavished praised on the OuterLimits manufacturers.
'Ever since my first meeting with them I have never had any complaints and our relationship has always been very strong.'
Refusing to be distracted by the pre-race banter between the teams at the starting line position, Cangiano said: 'We always want to win. The most important thing for me is points, points, points.'
 | Copyright onEdition 2009? Powerboat P1’s Team 26 all British entry (Driver & Team Principal of Team 26) from Canterbury, Kim Collins (Throttles) and Joe Jaques (Team manager) practicing in Malta ahead of the opening round of the Powerboat P1 World Championship this weekend. - Powerboat P1World Championship © Click Here to view large photo |
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