Francesco Cantando avoided a major crash to take first place at the final event of the UIM Formula 1 season.

Francesco Cantando avoided a major crash to take first place at the final event of the UIM Formula 1 season.



Francesco Cantando of Milan, Italy, drove his Formula 1 DAC tunnel boat to victory at the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, Sunday, October 22. The race was tenth and final round of the 2001 Union Internationale Motonautique Formula 1 World Championship of Powerboating.

Guido Cappellini (in boat in foreground) drove to his sixth world title in Abu Dhabi.

Guido Cappellini (in boat in foreground) drove to his sixth world title in Abu Dhabi.



The overall season championship, however, went to Cantando's fellow countryman Guido Cappellini. Capellini, who came into the event with four consecutive victories, has now taken the world title six times.

A multi-boat wreck seriouly injured Victor Kunitch.

A multi-boat wreck seriouly injured Victor Kunitch.



The Abu Dhabi event was marred by a dramatic multi-boat accident involving drivers Victor Kunitch, Andy Elliott, Franco Leidi and Awad Al Qubaisi. Kunitch, who crashed at the first corner, was initially hit and had his boat spun around to face the oncoming fleet. He was hit again in the cockpit and sustained serious head and upper-torso injuries. Kunitch was airlifted to the hospital and remained (at press time) in serious, but stable condition.

Awad Al Qubaisi also went to the hospital but was later released. Franco Leidi received facial cuts with a possible broken nose also headed to the hospital for treatment.

Saudi Arabian driver Laith Pharaon led the field on the restart, but was soon passed by Cantando. Defending World Champion Scott Gillman slid into second from his pole position and remained there until mechanical problems forced him out of the race.

Cantando held his lead to capture his third checkered flag this season. French driver Philippe Dessertenne placed second, followed by Pharaon in third.