Jeddah | BETH – January 23, 2026

The opening round of the third season of the E1 World Championship for Electric Powerboats got underway on Friday in North Obhur, Jeddah, with Saudi Arabia hosting the championship for the third time. The event is organized by the Saudi Arabian Federation for Marine Sports and Diving, in cooperation with the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, and in partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The first day featured qualifying sessions with the participation of 10 international teams, aimed at setting lap times, determining positions, and allocating teams into groups for Saturday’s races.

Defending champions Team Brady dominated the opening qualifying round, with British pilot Sam Coleman and Finnish co-pilot Emma Kimiläinen securing first place, topping the standings and claiming pole position for the main race.

Team OKX Racing finished second following a strong performance by Spanish driver Dani Clos and Jamaican teammate Sara Misir, while Team Rafa claimed third place, represented by France’s Tom Chiappe and Spain’s Cris Lazaraga, confirming their status among the leading contenders.

Westbrook Racing placed fourth, led by Spain’s Lucas Ordóñez and American co-pilot Sara Price, ahead of Sierra Racing Club, making its first appearance this season, which finished fifth with Sweden’s Erik Stark and Britain’s Kitty Munnings.

Drogba Global Africa secured sixth place, represented by New Zealander Mika Wilkinson and Latvian Eva Miller-Hagen, followed by Team AlUla in seventh, with Canadian Rusty Wyatt and Spain’s Nerea Martí. Team Monaco finished eighth, represented by France’s Maxime Nouchy and Britain’s Aubone Duncan.

Team Miami powered by Magnus took ninth place, led by Sweden’s Timmy Hansen and Uruguay’s Patricia Pita-Gajardo, while Blue Rising rounded out the standings in tenth, with American driver John Peters.

Competition continues on Saturday with the group-stage races, followed by qualification and placement heats, culminating in the final showdown that will determine the top three finishers and crown the winner of the Jeddah Grand Prix, the opening round of the E1 World Championship.