The Red Sea sparkled with excitement as Aoki Racing Team stormed to victory at the season opener of the UIM E1 World Championship in Jeddah. Thousands of fans witnessed a day of spectacular foil-to-foil action, marking a triumphant return for the team after a challenging 2024 season. With this impressive win, Aoki Racing Team has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying championship battle.
Rewriting the narrative
After finishing eighth overall in 2024, few would have predicted such a commanding performance from Aoki Racing Team. Yet, the team’s revitalised approach bore fruit in Jeddah, as they clinched their first-ever E1 win and secured an early lead in the championship standings. The victory was made even sweeter by the stellar performances of team pilot Mashael Alobaidan and her new teammate, Dani Clos.
Alobaidan, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever female rally driver, delivered her career-best performance, thrilling the home crowd with her mastery of the RaceBird hydrofoil. Her teammate, Clos—a former Formula 1 test driver—proved to be an excellent addition to the team, with their combined efforts leaving the competition in their wake.
Reflecting on the win, Alobaidan shared her emotions:
“Last year, I think we placed last or close to last. So it just goes to show the underdog has a chance when you have determination, passion, and love for the sport. We came together and retooled everything we possibly could. Winning this one is just a dream come true.”
Fierce competition on the water
The E1 Jeddah GP showcased high-stakes racing among nine teams, with rivals pushing their RaceBirds to the limit. Rafael Nadal’s Team Rafa claimed second place after an intense battle, while Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising achieved their first-ever podium finish, taking third.
Reigning champions Team Brady faced a disappointing start, falling short in the finals and underscoring the intense level of competition this season. Meanwhile, Eric Stark of Team Miami Powered by Magnus set the fastest lap of the day, earning an additional point and a confidence boost for the races ahead.
Building momentum for a greener future
The UIM E1 World Championship, presented by PIF, is more than just a racing series—it’s a platform for sustainable innovation. The cutting-edge RaceBird hydrofoils, designed for electrified marine racing, represent a push towards greener mobility on water.
E1 CEO and Co-founder Rodi Basso highlighted the importance of the championship’s mission during the event:
“Fans have seen a thrilling racing spectacle this weekend here on the Red Sea. The level of competition and drama reached new heights as the team pilots pushed the RaceBird to its limits. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation continues to go from strength to strength as we build on our shared vision to accelerate the electrification of sport and marine mobility.”
The Jeddah GP not only delivered an unforgettable sporting experience but also reinforced the series’ commitment to environmental sustainability and technological progress.
Looking ahead: all eyes on Doha
With their stunning victory, Aoki Racing Team is now the team to watch as the championship heads to Qatar for the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP, beginning February 21. The event marks another milestone in the series’ expansion in the Middle East, promising more action-packed racing on the horizon.
For other teams, the Doha GP presents an opportunity to recalibrate and challenge the early dominance of Aoki Racing. From Team Rafa’s consistent podium finishes to Team Brady’s hunger for redemption, the season is far from predictable.
Riding the wave of excitement
The UIM E1 World Championship has kicked off with a bang, bringing together the best in electrified marine racing, state-of-the-art technology, and a shared passion for sustainable innovation. As the teams prepare for the next race, one thing is certain: this season will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Boating enthusiasts in New Zealand and around the world can look forward to following the twists and turns of the championship as it unfolds, showcasing the future of racing on water.
