Stark produces powerboat race masterclass to win 'challenging' F1H2O Grand Prix of London

Sweden's Erik Stark produced a powerboating masterclass to secure victory in a pulsating UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of London on Sunday.

It was a heart-stopping race from start to finish with Maverick F1 Racing's Stark surviving two prolonged yellow flag periods and restarts, the first when championship leader Shaun Torrente speared and destroyed a turn buoy, forcing him to retire on lap 10.

The yellow flag was raised again when defending world champion Alex Carella dramatically crashed out of the race when he barrel-rolled going into a turn at 100 mph on lap 18 of the 54-lap final.

At speeds of up to 140 mph, roared on by a spellbound London crowd, Stark, who secured pole position in qualifying on Saturday, said: "I had control of the race and so many things can happen with the boat but I felt I had a good speed, it's always difficult, I was going 95 percent and the restarts are always tricky."

"The boat was bobbing a lot and the wind was tricky but the race was better than I expected – it was a fantastic weekend. I would love to come back to London next year – to be racing in a capital like London is what it's all about and it's as challenging as it should be."

Philippe Chiappe and Peter Morin made it a double celebration for CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team finishing second and third after a neck and neck team battle for the duration of the race.