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Electric powerboat championship E1 Series has revealed the calendar for its inaugual 2024 season.
Confirmed:
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will host the first ever E1 Series event in January
- First race delayed from planned debut in late 2023
- All events will take place over two days, with the competitive action held close to the shore
- Venice, Monaco and Rotterdam all confirmed as destinations
- Two additional races in the Middle East and Europe yet to be confirmed
Context: It is far from surprising to see Saudi Arabia announced as the curtain-raiser for E1 Series. The electric powerboat championship has considerable backing from the Gulf state’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), in addition to sponsorship deals with Saudi-based – and PIF-funded – ACWA Power and its Sudair Solar PV (photovoltaic) project.
This announcement bookends a notable week for Saudi Arabia which, despite missing out on soccer player Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Inter Miami, saw the shock merger of golf’s PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf and the capture of soccer’s current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema.
Comment: Rodi Basso, co-founder and chief executive of E1 Series, and a member of BlackBook Motorsport’s Electric Energies Commission advisory board, said: “It’s a fantastic day for the UIM E1 Championship as we confirm our first ever racing calendar. After opening the racing in the Middle East, the action will move to Europe where we will be racing in the historic and beautiful harbours of Venice and Monaco, before culminating in the vibrant port of Rotterdam.
“We keep the door open on new venues for the calendar and expect to confirm very soon. It’s an exciting time for the UIM E1 Championship as we attract more teams and cities to be part of our fast-growing journey.”
Coming next: Organisers revealed that, outside of preparations continuing ahead of the debut race, new celebrity-led teams will be announced soon. Some of the existing teams are backed by the likes of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, former soccer player Didier Drogba and Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez.