Sunday 20 May, PORTIMAO (Portugal): Francesco Cantando has a real shot at delivering his best result in his Blaze after his best qualifying result since launching his new boat in Evian last year.

The Blaze Performance owner-driver will start from ninth off the dock and his experience will come into play as the race progresses. “We are working hard, the improvements are coming and the guys have worked so hard and are doing a great job. So yes, I am pleased with yesterday,” he said.

“It is a big puzzle that we have to put together but now we really have something to work with. It is a struggle but this gives us a lot of energy. As far as the race is concerned, we have to see. It will not be easy to improve too much but we take it step by step and we see.”

As Cantando gets set to start his 170th race his new teammate, Simone Bianca Schuft, will make her F1H2O debut. “For me the whole experience has been amazing so far,” she said, “This is very much a test weekend for me to understand how everything works and to gain experience. For the race I will take it steady and build my confidence and then try to push a little more.”