Oslo, Norway: The Scandinavian Grand Prix - the third round of the WPPA Class One World Powerboat Championship- promises to be an exciting affair this weekend.
People from the vicinity of Oslo have started arriving for this race with organisers expecting more than 100,000 spectators for the weekend.
And with home favourites and six-time defending world champions Spirit of Norway yet to take a podium in the two races so far, the Oslo round is billed as a crucial factor, should they have serious aspirations for a record seventh world title.
"We merely know we have to win. We are not that interested in whether this is a make or break race for us. We need to win and this is our goal. We have to up the ante," Spirit of Norway throttleman Steve Curtis told Gulf News.
Spirit of Norway has used the past two weeks to get back the reliability factor on their boat.
A broken water hose denied them a top finish in Athens and then a harmonic vibration problem in Arendal saw them finish in sixth to collect the last five points on offer.
"We've had no problems with the boat. Our problems have been with the reliability. We have the desired speed.
"And now, after making the necessary changes, I feel we are back in the race for the title," Curtis confided.
But he knows that they will first have to contend with their long-time adversaries, Victory 77 and Victory 7.
Victory 77 lead the world standings with 42 points, while Victory 7 is joint second with Qatar 96 with 31 points apiece.
"I think we are fast enough, and now with the changes made, we should be having the reliability factor too," Curtis insisted.
In contrast, the two Victory Team boats have their task cut out.
The Dubai lads had a scare during testing yesterday as Victory 77 limped in with one of its new engines broken.
"We want to maintain our leadership. We want to get the wins and along with it, the points so as to be serious contenders for the world title this year," said Gian Franco Venturelli.
"This is the unpredictable world of Class One racing. We will have to change the engine and see how things go for the race tomorrow," Venturelli said.
The Italian is aware that they need to be wary of Spirit of Norway.
"Spirit of Norway has always been a huge threat to us. They want to win and we are all aware that they have the tools to win. And we are ready to fight," Venturelli stated.
The Qatar Team needs to be taken seriously along with Jotun, Negotiator and the Foresti & Suardi duo.
"Qatar has the potential to be winners. I think they will try and improve race by race," Venturelli said.
Saturday's programme will consist of an official practice session during the morning followed by the Edox Pole Position run at 2.30 pm (4.30 pm UAE time) to determine the placement of boats on the starting grid for tomorrow's Scandinavian Grand Prix.
