There is growing optimism within the Maritimo Australia camp that they can follow up their double podium success in Norway in this weekend’s Romanian Grand Prix.

The team carried out shakedown tests with both boats on Mamaia’s Lake Siutghiol yesterday, giving Maritimo 12 throttleman, Peter ‘Muddy’ McGrath, his first outing on the course.  “It’s a good circuit.  The dog-leg turn after the start-finish line is going to be interesting if they leave it as it is, especially if several boats go into it at the same time,” he said.  “It’s pretty fast.  We saw 147mph on the long back straight, but some of the corners are quite tight.

“In terms of set-up we will need to find a compromise.  We may need to throw some speed out the door to be able to punch out of the turns.

“We are in good shape.  The engines are okay but there is still room for improvement.  We have gone back to the settings we used in Norway because the modifications we carried out back in Australia haven’t helped us yet.  But the boats are running well, quick off the mark and we are out to beat anyone who is near us.”