Julius Leysen, the Belgian racer who competed for four seasons in the F1H2O World Championship before becoming a longstanding figure in international waterski racing administration, has died.
Leysen's career on the water stretched from waterski racing to Formula 1 powerboats, before continuing through race organisation, safety and international administration.
A former World Championship waterski-racing pilot, he arrived in the F1H2O World Championship in 2003. In his debut season, Leysen was named Rookie of the Year, recording four top-ten finishes and ending the championship tied for 12th with 10 points. His best result that year was seventh in Abu Dhabi.
The 2004 season brought stronger results. Leysen finished sixth in Singapore and seventh in Malaysia, scoring nine championship points. He also survived a major accident at the Grand Prix of China, where his boat was severely damaged.
In 2005, he raced alongside Finnish driver Sami Seliö with the Seliö F1 Powerboat team. He scored nine championship points, with seventh at Sharjah his best result. He completed his fourth F1H2O season in 2006, scoring four points and finishing seventh at Como.
Leysen's contribution to boating extended well beyond his driving career. He remained active in waterski racing administration, serving on the European & Africa Racing Council and the IWWF Racing Council, and contributing to international racing rules. He was also involved in an IWWF project to re-establish the historic Giro del Lario race.
At Belgium's Viersel Waterski Club, Leysen served for many years as president and was involved in organising the Viersel Diamond Race, including responsibility for safety. His daughter Vicky also followed the family's racing path in waterskiing.
