Videx fastest as Cascais course wows XCAT teams

12 June 2015, Cascais – Sweden’s Joakim Kumlin’s first outing in the Videx boat proved to be a speedy one at Round 3 of the UIM XCAT World Series in Cascais, Portugal.

Pairing up with Alfredo Amato for the first time, the duo recorded the fastest lap in Official Practice on Friday, completing the 3.49 Nm course in 2:28.71.

Meanwhile, after struggling in their first three laps, the Dubai boat of Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali went on to claim the second fastest lap of the day, just behind the leaders in 2:28.86.

And it was another new combination – Giovanni Carpitella and Marco Pennesi who were third quickest in 2:29.25.

“That was a fantastic lap and a beautiful course!” was all Amato had to say after practice as the other teams also praised the Cascais race course which includes an extremely sharp turn inside the bay.

Speaking about their new team, Pennesi explained: “We get on very well. Normally when you want to find the limits of the boat and the crew, for me the main thing is to stay calm and Giovanni is very relaxed and this is the best approach.”

After finishing fifth fastest, Jay Price, who teamed up with Shaun Torrente for the first time in Lady Spain, said: “This is a fun course and very challenging. It’s a matter of driving well and not a matter of luck.

“We have very good communication – both in and out of the cockpit we are discussing how to improve the boat because we know we’re not far from the top.

Communication is, of course, vital considering both Price and Torrente come from a one-driver boat background. Torrente joked: “I’m used to arguing with myself in the cockpit so now it’s not too different – only now somebody replies back.”

XCAT action continues tomorrow with the all-important race for Pole Position set for 10.30am and the head-to-head Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run taking place at 3pm local time. Racing will be streamed live – via the link on the home page.

The main race, the Cascais GP takes place at 3pm on Sunday, 14 June.