PM of Malta, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, is given a tour of the P1 Village by Martin SanbornPowerboat P1’s royalty were treated to a special visit from the Prime Minister of Malta, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, before Sunday’s Endurance Race showdown.

Prior to boarding his boat for the day, taking in a front seat view of the action, Dr. Gonzi was given the guided tour of the P1 village, weaving through the giant hulls, tents and crane’s, rubbing shoulders with some of the sport’s finest, including Malta’s dynamic duo, Aaron and Audrienne Ciantar.

England might have its football fashion and Wales its rugby religion but Malta is the bedrock of powerboating.

A self-confessed Powerboat P1 addict, Dr. Gonzi said: “I’ve been a fan since the first time P1 came to Malta in 2004. It’s what sport in general isall about and it makes for a very exciting sideline to my political career.

“Malta is a maritime nation and the beautiful surroundings of the Grand Harbour offers a unique experience like nowhere else.”

The Honorouable Tonio Fenech, Malta’s Minister of Finance, echoed Dr.Gonzi’s sentiments, adding, “Powerboat P1 coming to Malta is a great opportunity for the country to display what it has to offer. I hope the teams have enjoyed their stay here and we look forward to attracting more tourism to Malta and continuing to bring Powerboat P1 here because it’s such a great thing for the public.

Taking a well-earned break from his credit crunching day job, Hon. Fenech even found time to invest in a joke, saying “Let’s just say I would prefer to be driving a P1 powerboat than being the Minister of Finance in these tough economic times.”