Thursday, July 30: Proceedings for the inaugural Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan got underway this morning, as the event opened with a press conference for international and local press. Addressing the press conference were Eduard Kubatov, Director of the Kyrgyz State Agency for Tourism Development; Aibek Abylkasymov, Chairman of the Kyrgyzstan Water Motor Sports Federation; Nicolò di San Germano, Founder of H2O Racing; Raimondo di San Germano, CEO of H2O Racing; and F1H2O drivers Shaun Torrente, Stefan Arand, and Marit Stromoy.
Eduard Kubatov began by sharing his pride in how quickly the paddock area on the shores of Issyk-Kul lake had been developed, and his joy that the area now had a facility especially equipped to host sporting and cultural events of global importance. He also highlighted the particular attention being given to the environmental impact of the event, ensuring that the unique ecology of the lake is protected, and thanking the volunteers who have been involved in clean-up projects in recent weeks ahead of the Grand Prix.
Nicolò di San Germano echoed Mr Kubatov’s emphasis on maintaining environmental standards of the highest degree, sharing his personal investment in maintaining clean and pristine water given that it is that very water that makes the Championship and sport of powerboating possible. He also shared his immense pleasure that, over four decades after founding F1H2O, the Championship is racing in Central Asia for the very first time, expanding its already extensive global footprint even further.
Raimondo di San Germano told the journalists that although this is the first F1H2O Grand Prix in the region, he is confident that it will not be the last. He shared that in recent weeks, having seen what has been achieved in Issyk-Kul, representatives from numerous other Central Asian countries have been in contact to start working towards hosting F1H2O Grand Prix of their own. This should be a source of great pride for Kyrgyzstan, he added, as they have been pioneers in demonstrating the region's readiness to host events of this global magnitude.
The press conference closed with questions for the three drivers present, who shared their ambitions for this race and the season as a whole. They, alongside the full driver roster, will take to the waters of Issyk-Kul for the first time tomorrow (July 31) for free practice sessions.
