Current Peugeot works driver and former Formula 1 ace, Pedro Lamy, swapped his all-conquering Peugeot 908 HDi FAP sportscar for a 1300hp Mercury-powered Outerlimits powerboat, when he took part in a test ahead of this weekend's P1 Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea.
'Racing on a circuit is a completely different experience to racing on the sea,' explains Pedro. 'In a sportscar, whether you're driving fast or slow you feel safer as the track is predictable unlike driving these boats on a surface that is constantly changing and one that you have no control over. When I entered a turn I found it hard to feel the level of grip and to know where to position the boat. These boats are fast, and overall it was a great experience. I would relish the opportunity to drive the boat in race conditions but at the moment I don't feel that I have the confidence to be competitive. I would like to have further tests to have a better understand of the boat's characteristics and gain more experience for the |
future to maybe do one race, who knows?'
The weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea marks the start of a far-reaching and substantial deal that will see the Powerboat P1 World Championship return to Portimao for a further two years, bringing together a dynamic lifestyle sport, backed by global TV exposure and one of Europe's most ambitious and forward thinking resort destinations. 'It was fantastic to test the Lucas Oil - Outerlimits boat in my home country,' continues Lamy. 'It's great for Portugal to have such a prestigious event as the Powerboat P1 World Championship race here for the next few years. This is a great opportunity for everyone and the perfect platform to promote the Algarve to a global audience. We hope that Powerboat P1 enjoy racing here also, that is the most important thing.' Pedro Lamy will now help the Peugeot Total team to prepare for the last race of the Le Mans Series taking place at Interlagos, Brazil in November. Pedro Lamy alongside co-driver Stephane Sarrazin lead the championship by two points. |
