While the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) F1 H2O World Championship saw one of its most decorated retire before the start of the 2010 season, the organization has a lot in store to celebrate a milestone anniversary.

The F1 H2O World Championships, which opened its 30th season in Portimao, Portugal in May, will venture to Russia, China and Qatar before finishing with two races in Dubai in December.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary, organizers are expanding its broadcasts on the F1 H2O website. Along with a live qualifying broadcast, an edgy new show called F1 H2O “After Hours” will be added to the programming lineup. The one-hour race broadcast, which is offered worldwide via satellite and on the website, is being spiced up with a new on-board camera.

Yes the series will miss 10-time champion Guido Cappellini, but a group of talented racers, including Jay Price, Sam Selio, Thani Al Qamzi and more, will do their best to fill Cappellini’s big shoes.

“We’re excited about the new innovations and exposure we are offering our race fans around the world in this our special anniversary season,” said Nicolo di San Germano, promoter of the F1 H2O series. “Qualifying is very important for every driver to win a Grand Prix and we are taking a page out of the automobile FIA F1 series going through a process of eliminations during the hour of qualifying to determine who will be the fastest of the day and on pole for the race. The drama and excitement will only build as the hour comes to an end.”

Website: www.f1h2o.com

2010 F1 H2O World Championship Schedule

*Schedule subject to change. Check F1 H2O to confirm. You'll need to select the race and results from the top two tabs on the F1 H2O site.