THE Kota Kinabalu waterfront will take centre stage for the inaugural Sabah F2000 World Cup Powerboat race on Dec 1-2.

Eighteen of the top drivers from 14 countries are expected to compete in the fast and furious race which is also the final leg of the world series.

Among those on the list are Italian Alex Carella, 22, who leads the series with 25 points after two races, and Briton Owen Jelf in second with 23 points.

Jelf, 41, won the season opening race in Portugal in March while Carella won the second leg in Latvia in August.

F2000 World Cup race franchise holder Abdul Salam Fairooz said the third round will be held in Saudi Arabia on Oct 17-18 before the finale in Kota Kinabalu.

”It will be an exciting race to the end, especially between the two top drivers who are now separated by just two points,” said Abdul Salam.

Abdul Salam confirmed the race will be held on a circuit to be set in front of the city fruit market and that a technical team from the sports government body, UIM, has given its approval.

Other F2000 drivers expected are from Portugal, Latvia, Hungary, Norway, Kuwait, Germany and France.

Abdul Salam noted that the smaller boat capacity race called the F4 will be held simultaneously and is expected to attract rookie drivers from various countries.

Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the carnival-like event will be an opportunity for the state to sell itself as a tourism destination to visiting competitors and enthusiasts.

”I believe a high profile list of dignitaries from middle eastern countries will be coming to see the race and this will be our opportunity to promote Sabah,” he said.

NSTONLINE