The 2025 UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship came to a spectacular close at the Grand Prix of Qatar, held at Old Doha Port, where Estelle Poret, Oliver Koch Hansen, François Medori, and Roberto Mariani captured world titles in an action-packed finale. Emirati rider Amer Hawair also celebrated success, claiming the inaugural Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship crown.
Poret Claims First Ski Ladies GP1 World Title
France’s Estelle Poret finally achieved her long-awaited dream, securing her maiden Ski Ladies GP1 world title after a tense final Moto. Despite intense pressure from Estonian rival Jasmiin Ypraus and a Moto 3 victory by Benedicte Drange, Poret’s consistency across the weekend proved decisive.
Drange dominated the last race, but Poret’s third-place finish was enough to seal the world crown and the Grand Prix of Qatar win. Overwhelmed by emotion, Poret dedicated the victory to her team and family, saying:
“It’s been a long journey after three years of injuries. This title is for everyone who supported me along the way.”
Koch Hansen Becomes Ski GP1 World Champion
Denmark’s Oliver Koch Hansen celebrated his first-ever Ski GP1 world title after a composed performance under pressure. Starting the final race with an 18-point lead over Jérémy Poret, Koch Hansen maintained his focus in challenging conditions while Belgian Quinten Bossche charged from the back to win Moto 3.
Second place in the Grand Prix and a steady ride in the final Moto secured Koch Hansen’s world crown after a decade of dedication.
“I’ve been working toward this moment since I was 12,” said a thrilled Koch Hansen. “It’s taken ten years, and it feels incredible to finally make it happen.”
Austria’s Kevin Reiterer claimed the overall Grand Prix victory after an impressive comeback weekend marked by mechanical setbacks and determination.
Medori’s Stunning Comeback Earns Third Runabout GP1 Title
In one of the weekend’s most dramatic storylines, Frenchman François Medori clinched his third Runabout GP1 world title after overcoming disaster in Moto 2 and starting the final race from the back of the field.
When series leader Jérémy Perez suffered mechanical failure before the start, the door opened for Medori — and he seized the opportunity in spectacular style. Charging through the pack, Medori delivered a flawless performance to win Moto 3 and secure the championship.
“There was maybe one chance in a million, but we never stopped believing,” Medori said. “My team worked incredibly hard — this title belongs to them.”
Qatar’s Waleed Al-Sharshani took victory in the Grand Prix, while Hungary’s György Kasza completed the world podium in third.
Freestyle Glory for Mariani as Al-Mulla Wins Qatar GP
Italy’s Roberto Mariani held off a strong challenge from Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashid Al-Mulla to capture the Freestyle world title. Al-Mulla thrilled home fans with an electrifying display capped by a double backflip, earning him the Grand Prix win, but Mariani’s consistent high scores throughout the season secured the championship.
Italy’s Massimo Accumolo completed the season on a high, taking third overall in both the Moto and World Championship standings.
Hawair Crowned Runabout GP2 Asian Champion
In the Asian Continental Championship, the UAE’s Amer Hawair emerged victorious after a consistent weekend. Despite finishing third in the final Moto, later promoted from fourth due to a penalty for Khalid Al-Maazmi, Hawair’s steady results earned him the overall title. Saudi Arabia’s Daoud Kaloti and Qatar’s Mohamed Abumaali completed the podium.
The Grand Prix of Qatar brought the 2025 Aquabike season to a thrilling conclusion, celebrating new champions, dramatic comebacks, and the unwavering spirit of competition that defines the UIM-ABP World Aquabike Championship.