Wettpunkt.com, the Italian-built, Isotta Fraschini-engined powerboat has bounced back to win the last two legs of the Round Britain Race and now heads to Inverness in the knowledge that another inspired showing will put the team in contention.

Wettpunkt.com, piloted by Hannes Bohinc, Max Holzfeind and Ed Williams-Hawkes, secured an emphatic victory in the Round Britain Powerboat Race over the 113 nautical mile fourth stage from Bangor to Oban. In traditionally difficult waters, the Italian-built, 1800hp Isotta Fraschini-powered craft enjoyed a clear and drama free run to Scotland and now heads to Inverness in the knowledge that another inspired showing will put the team firmly in contention.

"It was another strong performance, although we reduced our speed for the last 60 miles, dropping from 2,300 to 2,100rpm to ensure our starboard engine did not overheat," explains throttleman, Hannes Bohinc. "We now have a full day to prepare for the next stage and rectify any problems."

Englishman Ed Williams-Hawkes, long term navigator for Wettpunkt.com, was delighted by the result, achieved at an average speed of 76mph. "We had white waters most of the way and around the Mull of Kintyre, a place always to be respected, the Gods looked upon us favourably whilst further North the Sleeping Giants were sleeping!"

25 of an original 48 boats arrived in Oban and the teams are enjoying a rest day today as the boats head through the Caledonian Canal to Inverness on this epic 10 day event. "It's time to rest weary limbs, enjoy the scenery and sample the Scotch whisky," states driver Max Holzfeind. "Apart from the finish, this is the part of the adventure that I have looked forward to the most!”.

The fourth leg win was the second consecutive for Wettpunkt.com, following straight on from victory on the third leg of the 10-day race after an incident-free crossing from Milford Haven to Bangor in Northern Ireland. The crew completed the 190 nautical mile journey with over an hour to spare on many of its competitors. “The boat ran perfectly across the Irish Sea.” confirmed Bohinc in Bangor. “We have arrived in Bangor more than an hour ahead of most of the competitors which is a fantastic achievement. This performance is dedicated to our engineers and mechanics who have worked tirelessly to put us back in the race after the disappointment of Saturday.”

Last Saturday, Wettpunkt.com led the first stage from Portsmouth-to-Plymouth before water flooded the engines and the boat was forced to detour to Torquay. The team fitted new engines overnight and are now determined to make up for lost time.

The fifth leg of the Round Britain to Edinburgh, which gets underway tomorrow, is the event’s longest stage, a distance of 242 miles (210 nautical miles), a demanding test for these hardened racing pilots and their first taste of the North Sea as they power south at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour. The race will end in Portsmouth on Monday 30th June and Wettpunkt.com hopes to be the first past the finishing line.