He’s a legend of the sport and has set the bar as high as it can go but there is still something missing from Philippe Chiappe’s trophy cabinet.

The triple world powerboat champion is seeking a maiden victory in London as the UIM F1H2O Grand Prix returns to London after a 33-year absence.

The Frenchman won three consecutive world titles from 2014 to 2016 with the CTIC China Team – but a victory on English waters is definitely in his crosshairs.

Indeed, Monday’s press launch on the banks of the River Thames was the first time Chiappe had set foot on British soil.

And he is determined to make his mark on the water when the championship returns to London from June 15 to 17.

“It’s the first time I’ll race in London which is great,” he said. “London is an incredible city, it’s a dream city for me and I’m very excited.

“It’s an exciting race – it’s an old race and a spectacular race and I hope a lot of people in the UK see it because it’s a great spectacle.

“If it’s possible to win the London race, it would be a dream.”

Chiappe, 54, is fighting to reclaim the title he lost to Italian Alex Carella last year – the latter triumphing with Team Abu Dhabi to scoop his fourth crown.

The duo, along with the rest of the field, will tear around Royal Victoria Dock at the Grand Prix, which includes a whole festival of powerboat sporting action and will be held in tandem with London Tech Week.

The French racer is very much focused on victory in the capital – which is the second round of this year’s championship after May’s curtain-raiser in Portugal – and insisted he will not look back on his historic record as he gets ready to mount another title tilt.

“It’s very important for me to win in London because we are focused on the world championship – we finished second last year and we want to win,” he added.

“I have a lot of moments I’m proud of but now I don’t look forward, I look only on this year.

"We made a few mistakes during the winter and the preparation [last season], we’re not happy with the result and we’re very motivated for this year.”

The UIM F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of London – spectacular, high-octane inshore circuit powerboat racing – returns to East London’s Royal Victoria Dock on 15-17 June 2018. Spectators will be able to watch the powerboats battling each other into turns at over 90mph and hitting speeds of up to 140mph on the straights. For more information including tickets and hospitality, visit www.F1H2O.co.uk