Powerboat P1 has received a massive boost with Croatian football superstars, Luka Modrić and Niko Kranjčar, lending their support to the 2010 Croatian Grand Prix of the Sea ahead of the official UK launch at the World Travel Market in London.

Kicking off in Split on April 16 next year, the world's fastest growing offshore racing series crosses into the Balkan country for the first time in its seven-year history.

Taking time out from training, the Tottenham Hotspur favourites are confident that the addition of a world class motorsport event to a country's growing sporting portfolio will enhance Croatia's reputation as a sports tourism destination.

Tottenham's £16.5million record-signing from HK Dinamo Zagreb, Modrić said: "Croatia has a very proud sporting history in football, tennis and athletics, so bringing the Powerboat P1 World Championship to Split in April is a welcome addition to our growing presence on a worldwide sporting stage.

"For me, putting on the Croatia football shirt is a very special honour, so I am delighted to be asked to lend my support to the country's first-ever international motorsports Grand Prix."

Fellow countryman, Kranjčar, who used to ply his trade for HNK Hadjuk Split before his move to the English Premier League, thinks fans will be in for a treat: "I really enjoyed my time playing in Split and it is a fantastic city with a passionate set of sports fans.

"I still have a lot of friends there and I'm sure they'll love watching the powerboat racing. I probably will not be able to make it myself, as I will hopefully be playing for Tottenham, but I'll make sure I watch it on TV.

"It is understandable why it has become such a popular summer holiday destination. No one visiting Split in April will be disappointed."

Source: www.powerboatp1.com