Maritimo’s brilliant double-podium finish in last month’s BMW Norwegian Grand Prix has sparked a wave of excitement and interest in Constanta-Mamaia, with the 2008/9 Australian Offshore Superboat Champions set to make their first appearance in the Romanian Grand Prix, 28-30 August.

Speaking at yesterday’s press conference in Mamaia, Constanta City’s Mayor, Radu Stefan Mazare, praised the efforts of both Event and Championship organisers.  “The Class 1 Romanian Grand Prix grows in stature each year, and I am very happy that I gave the event my full support three years ago.  Before we hosted the Class 1 Grand Prix our tourist season ended around 15 August, now we have visitors coming to the first week in September.”

P1 seeks to create history when the Championship heads to Gothenburg for the first time on August 7-9.

Spectators are expected to pack out two FanZone areas at Frihamnen and Oscar II Fort - the latter is normally closed to the public which was last opened for the Volvo Ocean Race in 2001.

The fort alone presents a fascinating experience as it is one of the only remaining First World War strongholds and has remained unchanged since it was built in 1907. Most of Oscar II Fort cannot be seen by the public but during the Powerboat P1 race weekend guided tours will be available.