Qatar will commence three weeks of marine competition fun this weekend with the launch of the 2012 Aquabike Grand Prix this afternoon on the Corniche.

For the next three days, 63 riders from 14 countries, including defending champions Mattia Fracasso and Valerio Calderoni from Italy and French stars Jeremy Poret and Julie Bulteau – will practice in the morning and compete in the afternoon for the world title.

It is Qatar’s second year hosting the competition, and the Corniche has been decked out for the occasion, including plenty of seating and a mini-food court near Sheraton Park.

The weekend’s events are a prelude to the 2012 Qatar Grand Prix, the opening round of the UIM F1 H20 World Championship, from March 9 to 10; and the Pearl Qatar Grand Prix, the opening round of the prestigious UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, from March 15 to 17. 

Find the full schedule for the Aquabike Grand Prix here – and unless you’re checking out the events, steer clear of the Corniche this weekend!