Represented by Peng Linwu, China, as a team, will participate in the Formula One Powerboat World Championships in Portimao, Portugal on May 27-28.

Wei Di, director of the Chinese Water Sports Administration Center, told a press conference here on Monday that Peng, 40, is the only Chinese driver to take part in the boating gala.

"Every powerboat driver dreams of racing in the F1 worlds. I will try my best in Portimao. Since it's my first time, ranking is not that important, I'll just complete the race." Peng said.

Peng took up the sport in 1981 and has won over 20 national champions. In 1995, he was sent to Germany to learn F1 driving and later in Italy he acquired the license. He is the only Chinese having the license up to now.

In 2001, he won the first place in the O-125CC World Championship and became China's first powerboat world champion.

The Chinese team was established in joint effort by the Chinese Sports Ministry and Shenzhen Tianrong Investment Co. Ltd..

F1 Powerboat World Championships was inaugurated by International Powerboat Federation in 1981 and features 10 to 15 races every year.

F1 Powerboat World Championships has been formally introduced into China, and from October 4 to 5 this year, a grand prix will take place in Chongzhou, Sichuan province of China. And in 2007, another grand prix will be held in China's southern city of Shenzhen.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2006)