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The Lull before the Storm

Chris Davies on 28th April 2017

As you walk up and down the pit lane here on the banks of the River Seine you soon spot some familiar names on the sides of those raceboats being readied as the count down begins on the 54th running of the legendary 24 Hours Motonautique of Rouen.

Starting as the bookmakers favourite for overall race honours is Philippe Chiappe fresh from his F1H2O victory last weekend in Portimao, Portugal (below).

The local hero looked at ease as he posed for photographs with his legions of fans this morning.

Trying to make amends for his disappointing performance last weekend will be Shaun Torrente; the Floridian will once again race for the Russian New Star team.

Making it almost feel like the second round of the F1H2O series has come early will be the Team Abu Dhabi pairing of Alex Carella (with Abu Dhabi Team Manager Guido Cappellini below) and Thani Al Qamzi.

Carella said;

When you look at who is likely to start the first session it could quickly turn into a two hour F1 race.

Maverick F1 Team mates will be racing against each other with Amaury Jousseaumie out in the Navikart Racing Moore hull, trying to increase the team’s successful Class 2 victories, while Cedric Deguisne will be competing with the Class 1 VSI Racing entry.

When the Tricolour falls at 10 am on Sunday morning to mark the start of proceedings many a wise old racer will tell you that you can’t win at Rouen in the first hour but you can certainly lose it.

Let’s hope those taking the first shift are reminded of that.

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