Is the class O-125 problematic?

Drivers of class O-125/F-125 are disappointed! Why?

Is something wrong with the class? Who wants' to kill the class? Why U.I.M. works against this class?

These are questions, drivers are asking.

O-125 was introduced 10 years ago as everyman O-class with very little restrictions. Only type of the hull (hydroplane type), number of cylinders (1), fuel (alcohol) and capacity of engine (max 128 ccm) were limitations.

Later were added more safe sideboards with Kevlar and minimum weight for boat with driver (170 kg). Last limitation was introduced, because drivers started to build very lightweight boats, they can't any more handle safely. Only very lightweight drivers were on the podium (see Colombi and Marsala) and others, slightly more heavy drivers, were out of the competition. Class even lost some great drivers for a while.

Now, in 2009 U.I.M. GA, were introduced two new rules.

First was introducing minimum weight for the boat without driver (100 kg). As opinion of most drivers in this class, it just gives advantage for lightweight drivers (about 65 kg). Others can't compete against them. In this class with smallest engines in U.I.M. rule book every kilogram is valuable. Now some drivers with average weight (75-85 kg) and even world and European champions are stopping racing in this class.

Another rule makes possible to use gasoline 4-stroke engines in class O-125 with capacity up to 250 ccm. No drivers are agreeing with arguments, that 4-stroke gasoline engines are more "green" than alcohol-engines. And if it gets even more worse, nobody can't explain to spectators, to media and to sponsors, that in class O-125 there are all drivers are using engines with capacity 248 ccm. It is then not any more class O-125.

Next confusing thing is World record case, where two drivers tried to broke speed record. Normally, if class has change in minimum weight or minimum weight was introduced for the class, old World record is frozed. It was the case for example in class OSY-400. Now Cominsport decided, that in class O-125 old record stays. Problem here is also with this, that this decision was made 9 months too late. Why Cominsport not informed record attempt organizers about such decision, even about record attempt was informed earlier to U.I.M. office? As it was said in GA in Riccione, we have to say o the drivers - Sorry! That's all!

We have to ask U.I.M. Council members to discuss with drivers of one of the most popular circuit class and find out how disappointed they really are. Then they can make better decision immediately, even asking U.I.M. members to vote again. 10 countries not agreed with rules at GA already - countries, which are involved in O-125 class racing.