Formula 1 Motorboat Racing is poised to set the river Krishna afire near the green field capital city of Amaravati. The global sporting event, F1H20 World Championship, is making a grand comeback to India, after a long gap of 14 years. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) is hosting the prestigious racing extravaganza from November 16 to 18. More than 350 international drivers from the F1H20 circuit will compete for the top honours in the debut season of Amaravati in UIM motorboat racing.

"This is one of the foundations of the Amaravati development project," emphasized the state's tourism secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena. "The resident organizing committee of F1H20 Grand Prix is geared to promote water sports culture which will also benefit the local fishermen communities," said Meena. "AP Tourism has been applauded for all the initiatives taken so far and we intend to create solid resonance for Amaravati with F1H20."

The capital city is gearing up to welcome visitors from around the world. The 23-km-long stretch along the river Krishna will turn into a carnival site celebrating best of the sport along with a host of other exciting activities to engage the spectators and showcase arts, culture and delectable cuisine of Andhra Pradesh. For them, APTA is setting up viewing galleries near Punnami Ghat and close the Prakasam Barrage during the two-day event.

To help Andhra Pradesh to put its state capital on the global sporting map, Marco Pietrini, Director of Logistics, F1H20 is in Amaravati working closely with APTA. "I am confident this initiative will take the sport to greater heights in the years to come. I won't be surprised if India has its own team competing in the global arena in the coming years," said Pietrini. This year the championship began in Portugal on May 18 and will end in Sharjah on December 15. The race in Amaravati will see the world's top teams in action including those from Portugal, Italy, UAE and France besides Team Amaravati.

"We are focused on conducting engaging sporting activities that nurture the spirit of outdoor enthusiasm in people across the country," said Sandeep Mandava, CEO, India Extreme Adventure Activities, a Vijayawada based entity that is bringing in F1H20 as the pilot initiative. Besides this, it has plans to usher in adventure sports events in mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, bungee jumping, glacier biking, dirt biking, skiing and rock climbing.

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