F1 boats to zip on Huangpu River | |
http://www.sina.com.cn 2004/07/27 12:05 Shanghai Daily | |
The usual tranquility along the Huangpu River will give way to deafening engine roars this weekend. Get set for the Chinese Grand Prix of the Formula One Powerboat World Championship race on a course that passes the Bund. Twenty-four speedboats from 12 international teams will complete a minimum of 10 to 15 laps of the 1,000-meter course outlined by buoys. "As the name goes, the competition is a water-version of the F1 car race," says Li Ruilin, vice-president of Chinese Powerboat Sports Association. Although the race is on water, it's more like jet planes competing. "Except for the propeller at the rear, the boat technically hovers in the air at full speed," Li says. "That creates a sensational scene for spectators." The boats pack a lot of power. The 350-plus-horsepower crafts reach maximum speeds of 220 kilometers per hour - 100 kilometers less than a F1 car. The boat's acceleration, however, matches if not tops, its counterpart on the ground. Acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour takes about 3.5 seconds. International powerboating Association (UIM), the sport's world governing body, decided on the Shanghai venue months ago. It marks the sport's return to China after three successive races in the mid 1990s. The selection of the river stretch between the Bund and Lujiazui in Pudong provides a spectacular backdrop that includes the Oriental Pearl Tower and the city's famous old buildings on the Bund. Organizers will erect makeshift stands to accommodate 14,000 spectators. Admission to the race ranges from 100 yuan to 1,600 yuan (US$200). Satur-day's races start at 10.30am and Sunday's races start at 1.30pm.
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