Sacchi Dominates in Peso da Régua as Title Fight Heats Up
The fourth round of the 2025 UIM F2 World Championship unfolded on the Douro River in Peso da Régua, Portugal. After a weather delay and a switch to a rolling start, Giacomo Sacchi made the most of his pole position, taking control from the green flag and never looking back. Behind him, Hilmer Wiberg surged from fourth on the grid into second, keeping pressure on Sacchi throughout the 45 laps.
A lively battle for third between Mathilda Wiberg and Edgaras Riabko kept spectators on edge, while a collision on Lap 10 forced the retirement of Tino Lehto and Mette Bjerknæs. Both drivers walked away safely.
With one round to go in Vila Velha de Ródão, the championship remains wide open. Five drivers are still in contention for the crown: Hilmer Wiberg (39 points), Mathilda Wiberg (34), Peter Morin (32), Giacomo Sacchi (25), and Matthew Palfreyman (22). The final race promises a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season.
Photos by F2 World Championship
Slakteris Crowned World Champion After Viverone Showdown
Latvia’s Nils Slakteris captured the 2025 UIM F4 World Championship in Viverone, Italy, after a dramatic weekend finale. With the standings tied going into the last race, the title came down to a head-to-head fight between Slakteris and France’s Jean Baptiste-Thomas.
Saturday’s race saw Baptiste-Thomas take the win, leaving him level on points with Slakteris and setting up a decisive final showdown. On Sunday, under perfect skies, William Leithe-Martinsen led from pole to take the chequered flag, but all eyes were on the duel behind. Battling through the pack, Slakteris seized his opportunity when Baptiste-Thomas slowed in choppy water, moving ahead and holding his position until the finish.
The result secured Slakteris the World Title, with Baptiste-Thomas taking silver and Sweden’s Adam Wrenkler bronze. Reflecting on his victory, Slakteris said: “That was so tough – one of the toughest races of my life. At the start I didn’t think I’d be standing here as World Champion. I started in seventh and had to wait for the right moment. When Jean Baptiste slowed, I thought it was now or never, and I made the move. I have to thank all my family and team for helping me achieve this – I’m so happy!”
Race Director Jeni Jelf praised the season as one of the most competitive in memory, underlining the strong future of the F4 class.
Photos by F2 Powerboat Series
Virumann Secures European Crown in Viverone
The UIM GT30 European Championship also concluded in Viverone, Italy, adding to an exciting weekend of powerboat racing. Estonia’s Andres Virumann emerged victorious after a fierce contest, claiming the European Title ahead of Italy’s Mattia Andreani in second place. Lithuania’s Mantas Kukcinavicius completed the podium in third.
