11:54 AM Mon 31 Aug 2009 GMT
Former Powerboat P1 World Champion Hannes Bohinc has tipped his #88 SNAV OSG team are the favourites to take the Evolution-class crown at the final Grand Prix of the Sea in Sicily next month.
Despite sitting an imposing 75 points behind current Championship leaders #47 Silverline, Bohinc has calculated that his team can still overhaul the British team to take the title - though sounded a warning that they must keep an eye on teams behind them in the standings.
'After our results in Italy and Sweden we are probably the favourites - although we must watch out for #10 Cigarette Smash Poker. If we finish both races in Sicily we will receive 50 reliability points and therefore have only 25 points to make up on the leaders in the two races.
'This means we will then have to finish just two places ahead of Silverline in the two remaining rounds, which, unless they find an extra 15mph from somewhere, would seem achievable.'
'However, our primary aim is to finish both races and then secure enough race points to win the Grand Prix of the Sea.'
The form of the OSG Racing Team has improved dramatically following a disastrous event in Istanbul in June, winning two races in San Benedetto, coupled with a first place and second place in the Swedish capital of Gothenburg in August.
'We are delighted with our form at the moment,' admits the Austrian. 'Particularly the first race in Sweden where everything went to plan.
'Overall we are very happy with the season and our three Grand Prix wins. The camaradarie is good, the engine / boat package is excellent and Giancarlo [Cangiano] has assembled a hugely professional operation. We also have Giovanni Carpitella, the best team manager and reserve pilot in the business.
'We were frustrated in Turkey but that is motorsport and you just have to look forward.'
Meanwhile, the Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea also saw Bohinc unveil a new racing helmet (pictured). Bohinc contracted the services of internationally-acclaimed airbrush artist Knud Tiroch to design his new helmet which he wore alongside team-mate Giancarlo Cangiano as the SNAV OSG boat secured its fourth race of the 2009 season in Gothenburg.
by Powerboat P1
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Double Is Pt, QLD
