Formula One veteran engineer Frank Dernie resurfaced at the opening Powerboat P1 event of the season, in Malta, at the weekend, having been appointed as one of two new members of the category's Technical Compliance Committee.
Along with Bob Teague, Dernie - who enjoyed spells in
F1 with the likes of
Williams, Lotus, Arrows, Benetton and Ligier - will ensure that the fleet of 20-plus boats comply with the clear set of rules and regulations set out to promote safety and fair play. Dernie holds a PHD in Computational Fluid Dynamics and has a wealth of practical knowledge in areas as diverse as composite construction and aero/aqua dynamics. His official title within the P1 structure is technical scrutineer.
"The appointment of two recognised technical experts is further evidence of the investment that P1 is prepared to make to continue its dramatic growth," explained technical director Steve Lydon ahead of the weekend's Grand Prix of the Sea, "Increased investment by teams and manufacturers puts greater pressure on teams to achieve and greater demands upon the championship organisers to stay ahead of the game in terms of safety, rule compliance, technical development and environmental issues. We have now appointed two experts with a depth of knowledge in their respective fields that will bring immeasurable benefits for the future of the championship and all participants. The future of the P1 TCC is in very safe hands."
Speaking in Valetta, where he was getting his first taste of P1 action since being cast adrift by Williams last season, Dernie admitted that he was looking forward to operating in a different setting.
"I was done with 80-100 hour weeks," he explained, "I'm enjoying the consultancy work that I am now doing, and the Powerboat P1 world championship provides an interesting variation to what I am used to."
Asked how he expected his F1 and four-wheel background to translate to powerboat racing, Dernie admitted that he was not anticipating entirely calm waters, but hoped that he could use his experience to help others.
