Marit Stromoy is a trailblazer in the world of powerboat racing and the Norwegian cannot wait to return to competitive action in London after a 15-year competitive absence from the capital.

The 41-year-old became the first woman to win a UIM F1H2O Grand Prix when she triumphed in Sharjah, UAE in 2015.

She achieved a personal best fourth in the overall standings in the same season and will take to the water in London as part of a hugely competitive F1 field.

The Grand Prix is returning to the city for the first time since 1985 and will take place at the Royal Victoria Dock from June 15 to 17 – the race itself crowning off a whole festival of powerboat action.

Fifteen years ago, Stromoy raced on British waters in the F2, but is relishing the chance to show off her skills in a bigger event this time around.

“I’m really looking forward to the race in London,” she said. “I raced here in a smaller class and now we’re here in the Formula 1 and I’m sure it will be a great race.

“The Docklands is very narrow – it’s a small circuit and for sure it will be very tight racing and very interesting.

“We have to adjust to it – we’re going testing in a few days. It’s great to be back here – I’m sure there will be loads of people coming and for me it will be the closest race to home.

“We’ll have a huge crowd from our sponsors coming down. It’s good for the sport and good for London.

“To have London on the list of races for this year’s championship is really great.”

Stromoy was speaking at the press launch of the London Grand Prix, which took place on Monday at More London Riverside near Tower Bridge.

June’s competition, which will be staged in tandem with London Tech Week, is the second leg of the 2018 series after an opener in Portugal in May.

And Stromoy knows just how fiercely fought the race will be, making it a treat for the spectators.

“I’ve been racing for nearly 30 years, the last ten years in F1,” continued the Norwegian.

“This event will be a lot bigger and the location and the fact it’s London Tech Week makes it a bigger event for us as well.

“People should definitely come and see us – it’s narrow, it’s close to the audience, you can get close to the action. It will be a tight race, a lot of people want to win this one!”

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