Volpe back in the boat after two-year absence

11 December 2014, Dubai – Italian driver Piersimone Volpe will shift from the manager’s seat back into the boat for this weekend’s Emirates Airline XCAT GP.

Piersimone Volpe

After a break of two years, Volpe has decided it’s time to get back out on the water and will team up with Norwegian throttleman Pal Virik Nilsen in Lady Spain for the final round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series, which takes place at DIMC from today (11 December) until Saturday (13 December). Having joined the Series late this season, Lady Spain are currently lying 13th in the overall standings with 80 points, but will be hoping to work their way up the table in the 2015 season. Volpe competed in the Italian Offshore Championship two years ago, and in the precursor to the current XCAT World Series four years ago, managing a 17th place finish. “After 15 years of races, it is always a big emotion for me just like the first time, and I really had no doubts to accept the team invitation,” said Volpe of his return to the boat. “The Dubai race will be really fascinating and I am happy to face it with one of the best throttlemen in the world, Pal Virik Nilsen. There will be the best teams and boats here and we will be very determined and passionate. “I have not been in a race for two years and I will surely have to get accustomed to this boat but I am ready and confident to do it”. XCAT action will get underway today (Thursday, December 11) with Official Practice at 2.30pm before the race for Emaar Pole Position takes place on Friday, December 12 at 9.30am. The thrilling head-to-head, drag race-type Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will then kick off later that afternoon at 3pm. The main event of the weekend, the Emirates Airline XCAT GP, will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 13 at 2.30pm. Entrance for the public areas is free of charge and, as always, there will be plenty on offer to keep the crowds entertained with exciting activities both on and off the water in between racing, a kids’ fun zone, heritage village and other attractions including the daring Breitling Wingwalkers.