Top American throttleman joins P1

John Tomlinson joins Cigarette team

Legendary powerboat throttleman John Tomlinson is to race with the Italian Cigarette Racing Team in the Powerboat P1 Malta Grand Prix of the Sea on June 6-8th.

Winner of 35 USA and world titles, John has broken ten water speed records as well as featuring as a stunt-man in the 2006 blockbuster movie Miami Vice. Taking over from Lino Di Biase, John will be on the throttles of the Mercury powered Cigarette EVO-01P1 in its bid to win the Powerboat P1 2008 World Championship title.

Robert Wicks, Powerboat P1’s commercial director, said: “John is a multiple world champion and his association with P1 speaks volumes for the credibility of the series. He has raced at the highest level and I believe he will add significant value to the Cigarette team over the remaining races of the 2008 season.”

In 2006, John attempted a speed record while racing the Cigarette Kilo in Florida, pushing the 46ft boat to speeds in excess of 170mph. He recently took part in testing the team’s new boat, ahead of the opening race of the series in May. After successfully driving the EVO-01P1 alongside Luca Formilli Fendi for the first two Grands Prix of the season, Lino Di Biase will now assume the role of technical manager.

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