Lining up for the main race, with Anthony Acosta in pole position.
The Grid: Chaos & Calculation
We lined up in qualifying order, trailing a pace boat until the flag dropped. The front-runners got clean water; the mid-pack got the washing machine.
The F3000 is a marvel - once airborne, it's a blur of speed. With every lap, the water chopped up worse, turning the straight into a motocross whoop section. Fly too high? Risk a blowover. Too low? Say goodbye to your fillings.
Buoy turns were blind faith - spray blocked the view, forcing trust in instinct. Pitch down with a steering-wheel toggle, let the hull bite, then wrench the turn as hard as you dare. Exit? Nose up, like a jet taking off, then balance drag and speed.
Rinse, repeat - four buoys per lap, no room for snoozing.
