US TAKES INTEREST IN LOCAL F1 POWERBOAT DESIGN

By Amrizan Madian

KUCHING, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian may be powering his way to
international fame with his design of a Formula 1 powerboat model.

Abdul Latiff Osman's design has caught the eye of a veteran United States
F1
powerboat designer Derick Collect, of Mississippi, last month.

The 58-year-old's boat model, named La-tiff Body Guard, was introduced on
Youtube more than a year ago.

Abdul Latiff, 58, a former Formula 3 and Formula 3000 powerboat racer, told
Bernama Friday: "The achievement is not solely mine, it is the achievement of
the country and our locals, to prove that we can compete on a global
level."

He said his model, scaled 1:6, was sent to Collet yesterday, and was
expected to arrive in a week. The man is confident that if successful, the model
would retain the name, 'La-tiff'.

Abdul Latiff said that so far, he had only created and sold his models to
fans of remote control powerboat racing and never thought an outsider would be
interested in his model, with a power customised-design.

According to Abdul Latiff, there was tremendous response and support after
introducing his model on Youtube, to continue creating F1 powerboats.

"Every model I create is tested to ensure the design is balanced and
suitable with the requirements of making an F1 powerboat," he said.

He said he had conducted many studies and research on Formula 1, Formula 2
Formula 3 and Formula 3000 powerboats since 1987, as a hobby.

"When I watch the F1 powerboat races, I always think of how the boat glides
and has good balance, besides noticing their design," said Latiff who now
resides in Kampung Tupong, Petra Jaya.

Between 1989 and 1994, he was often involved in Formula 3 and Formula 3000
racing series in East Malaysia state of Sarawak and southern state Johor,
besides creating an F3 powerboat capable of competing with international models.
-- BERNAMA