Binh Dinh hosts the UMI F1H2O International Powerboat Race

The Formula 1 (F1) World Championships for motorboats are organized by the International Motorboat Federation (Union Internationale Motonautique - UIM) and promoted by H2O Racing, hence often abbreviated as F1H2O. This year's first international-scale race in Vietnam will take place this March in Thi Nai Bay, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh.

F1H2O offers the ultimate experience for speed and adventure enthusiasts in Vietnam. With a coastline stretching 3,260km, fans are familiar with unique water sports such as swimming, kayaking, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and scuba diving… And we are also no strangers to jet ski racing, an event included in the competition program in Binh Dinh at the end of March 2024.

Representatives of Binh Dinh F1 Joint Stock Company receive the rotating flag to host the race. Photo: F1H2O

But the most unique, novel, and captivating event is undoubtedly the Formula 1 (F1) World Yacht Championship – F1H2O. This is the highest-level speedboat racing competition in the world and therefore shares the F1 title, similar to Formula 1 car racing. The appeal of this water race lies in its high-level format: speed, adventure, and competitive rules. Each official race typically lasts around 45 minutes. Each lap is over 2,000 meters long, with machines weighing up to 400 kg competing at speeds that can reach 250 km/h. It's not only the thrilling acceleration and cornering on every meter of water, determining the fastest lap and race finisher, but also the collisions that add to the appeal of F1H2O. The race is divided into three days. Day 1 features qualifying races, Day 2 sprint races, and Day 3 the final race. Each day's performance directly impacts the overall results, so spectators will witness athletes showcasing their finest skills. Vietnam is a strong contender for the 2024 championship. For the first time, Vietnam has the honor of hosting the UIM-ABP Aquabike (March 22-24) and UIM F1H2O (March 29-31), making it even more special as these two races are part of the Amazing Binh Dinh Fest week, commemorating the 49th anniversary of the liberation of Binh Dinh province (March 31, 1975 – March 31, 2024).

The Binh Dinh team from Vietnam owns 3 speedboats, each worth approximately 20 billion VND.

Even more exciting, Vietnam has a racing team named Binh Dinh – Vietnam. We have the services of two stars: Jonas Andersson (Sweden), the reigning F1H2O 2023 champion, and Stefan Arand (Estonia).

Jonas Andersson carried the Vietnamese flag onto the stage to receive his award after finishing third in the individual competition.

At the opening race of the 2024 season, the UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of Indonesia, Andersson and Arand finished 3rd and 4th respectively in the main race. Prior to that, superstar Andersson finished first in qualifying. Had it not been for engine problems in the final laps, Andersson would have won the race. People often say "a good start leads to a good finish," but for the 49-year-old driver competing for Binh Dinh, this is not important. Last year, Andersson also performed poorly in Indonesia, but he won the remaining four races, ultimately securing a convincing victory. Another positive aspect is that Binh Dinh – Vietnam is currently leading the team standings with 38 points, followed by Sharjah (UAE) in second place with 34 points, and Stromoy Racing (Denmark) with 27 points. This is a significant advantage, as the upcoming race will take place in Vietnam. Immediately after signing contracts to compete for Vietnam, Andersson and Arand had ample time to familiarize themselves with the area and gain experience, making Thi Nai Bay their "home turf." In Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Indonesia are the only two countries to host a race in F1H2O. Indonesia will host a race in 2023, but they don't have a racing team like Vietnam. Hosting a race is difficult enough, but securing athletes like Vietnam is no easy feat. This is a significant effort by the Provincial People's Committee and supporting businesses, including Fleur de Lys Hospitality, the team's sponsor. The organizational costs and the cost of purchasing the boats are substantial – a single motorboat costs approximately 18 billion VND, and each team needs at least three boats per season. Therefore, this sport is usually popular in wealthy countries like Italy, Sweden, Qatar, and especially the UAE (which has 3 teams racing in the 2024 season). It could be successful to organize F1 Underwater in those countries, but the risks would be higher in Vietnam. Considering the general price level of sports, the price to watch F1 Underwater is slightly higher. However, compared to Formula 1 racing on land (tickets ranging from $1,000, $2,000 to $10,000), watching F1 underwater is a cheaper option. Besides watching the sport, spectators can also enjoy food, street music performances; the Binh Dinh boxing night; street carnival; an international music night featuring world-famous stars; an Aquabike show;…and especially, a performance by K-pop idol Taemin. The money will be well spent if fans book tickets to attend the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh. The four types of tickets for Amazing Binh Dinh Fest 2024 listed below are being eagerly sought after by Vietnamese fans: General admission tickets for UIM-ABP Aquabike and UIM F1H2O: From 800,000 - 1,000,000 VND; VIP tickets for UIM-Aquabike and UIM F1H2O: 2,500,000 - 2,800,000 VND; Combo tickets for both races: 1,350,000 - 5,040,000 VND; Combo tickets including hotel and access to 2 races: 2,770,000 - 12,700,000 VND. Book tickets: https://muave.grandprixofbinhdinh.com/ Hotline: 1900 272774. The program is sponsored by the following brands: Sacombank and KBC (Kinh Bac City) as Diamond Sponsors; Petrolimex as Gold Sponsor; Vietnam Airlines as Transportation Sponsor; and Vinacapital and The Ocean Resort as Silver Sponsors.

thoibaonganhang.vn

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