UIM E1 Foiling Race Schedule Set
Hong Kong has signed up to host the season finale of the world’s first all-electric race boat championship in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The UIM E1 World Championship has revealed a seven-event schedule for its first series in 2024, with Hong Kong hosting the concluding event from November 9-10 and signing up to also host the season finale of the second and third seasons in 2025 and 2026.
The official standings will be known as the ‘Race to Hong Kong’ as the 2024 championship concludes in a city that has also hosted Formula E, the electric race car series inaugurated by E1 co-founder Alejandro Agag.
Kevin Yeung, the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “We are most excited to see the debut of UIM E1 World Championship in 2024 and are proud that Hong Kong will host the grand finale of the first three seasons.
“It will be the only East Asian host city in the inaugural season, highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-renowned events capital and one of the best destinations for tourists around the world.”
The 2024 season starts in Saudi Arabia as Jeddah hosts the first weekend event from February 2-3. Over three months later, the series resumes with five events in Europe from May to September, taking in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Monaco and the Netherlands.
The European swing kicks off in the Venetian lagoon from May 11-12, moves to Puerto Banus on the Costa Del Sol from June 1-2 and then heads to the ‘gateway to the Alps’ in Geneva for lake racing from June 29-30.
The series then visits Monaco from July 26-27 and Rotterdam from September 7-8, as the Dutch city welcomes back the Racebirds after hosting a test event last September. The 2024 tour then heads east to Asia for the season finale in Hong Kong.
Rodi Basso, co-founder and CEO of E1, said: “I share the pride of everyone at E1 as we announce this spectacular calendar of events for our first season. These cities are all world renowned for their cultural, touristic and sporting offerings and will each provide our fans with a unique and unforgettable experience.
“Our race locations not only provide a stunning backdrop for our Racebirds but align with our goals of improving the ecosystems in which we race, and accelerating marine electrification.”
As of late December, eight teams had been announced with seven headed by sporting and entertainment celebrities: Tom Brady (American football) will be heading up one of the teams, along with Rafael Nadal (tennis), Virat Kohli (cricket), Didier Drogba (football) and Sergio Pérez (F1), Steve Aoki (DJ) and Marc Anthony (singer). Up to 10 teams will compete in the inaugural E1 championship, with each choosing two pilots to share driving duties.
Alejandro Agag, co-founder and Chairman of E1, said: “The list of names in the season one calendar shows the immense confidence our city stakeholders have in E1 before the first race has even started and there’s still so much more to come from the championship.”