Maidstone’s Ben Jelf bagged sprint bronze from the first round of the F1H2O World Championship at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia on the shores of Lake Toba.

Major changes to his boat set-up paid off for the F1 Atlantic team with strong lap times in free practice. Jelf then made it through to the second qualifying session for the first time in his F1H2O career and secured his best starting position of eighth for the Grand Prix race.

Sprint racers were split into two groups for a 14-lap battle. Jelf was placed in the first group with world champion Jonas Andersson for company while Jelf’s team-mate, Duarte Benavente, was placed in sprint race two.

As the lights went out for the start of the first sprint race, Jelf got off to a flier and, as the boats rounded the first turn, he was third - a place he stayed in, earning him his first podium finish and vital points.

In the 30-lap Grand Prix, Jelf finished eighth, with two racers docked a lap for course infringements, and sits joint-sixth in the standings.

"Things are really starting to come together,” he said. “We proved this weekend that we have the pace to keep up with the best powerboat racers in the world.

“Now, we just have to beat them at their own game.

“I have to thank my team for the hours of dedication in making my dream come true. I'd also like to thank our sponsors, all our supporters and the wonderful people of Lake Toba for the phenomenal reception we received"

The F1 Atlantic team next travel to the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh in Vietnam, on March 29-31.