The new French Team Quai 222 Evolution-class outfit that is entering the Powerboat P1 championship this year gave their revamped Fountain 41 hull its first major test this week. The Mercury-powered boat – once owned by prominent US racer Dave Branch – is being run by Powerboat P1 event promoter Philippe Benhamou.

Pilot Bernard Sintes and throttleman Max Dessaux gave the boat its first proper trial runs in its new guess, and Benhamou said that team was upbeat after experiencing the boat for the first time.

“We’re very happy with the results of testing,” Benhamou said. “We had no doubts about the potential of the boat, but we have been very surprised by how well it handles and its speed. We’ve worked on many small things, but now we have to test a lot.

“The team are now very enthusiastic, because testing is the real start of racing. Bernard and Max are eagerly awaiting the first race of the season and, even if they’re being realistic about the potential of a new boat, they’ll be working very hard to have a boat that can finish all the races and can make the podium.”