The inaugural UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of Jeddah made a powerful debut on the North Obhur Waterfront, with Shaun Torrente (UAE) delivering a dominant, start-to-finish victory. The American’s flawless performance earned him his 12th career win and a 14-point lead going into the season finale in Sharjah.
Despite two yellow flags and only 11 finishers, Torrente stayed in total control. “When everything works this well, you just have to make it count—and we did,” he said after securing the win.
Behind him, Jonas Andersson (SWE) fought back from seventh to second, keeping his title hopes alive. Bartek Marszalek (POL) completed the podium after resisting heavy pressure from Sharjah’s rising star, Stefan Arand (UAE). Solid performances from Peter Morin (FRA), Erik Stark (UAE), Ben Jelf (GRB), Marit Strømøy (NOR), Alec Weckström (SWE), Alexandre Bourgeot (FRA), and Mansoor Al-Mansoori (UAE) rounded out the finishers.
The race unfolded in front of esteemed guests, including HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahad bin Salman Al Saud, President of the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation, who helped mark a memorable first stop in Jeddah.
A Debut Filled with Suspense
Nineteen drivers took the start of Jeddah’s first F1H2O race. Torrente immediately pulled ahead while intense battles and several mechanical failures reshaped the order behind him. A dramatic barrel roll by Sami Seliö (FIN) and multiple retirements added tension to an already thrilling debut.
Each restart only tightened the fight, with Andersson pushing through the field and Marszalek and Arand delivering some of their strongest performances of the season. Yet Torrente never faltered, pulling away with precision to take a commanding victory nearly ten seconds ahead of Andersson.
UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, who attended the event, celebrated the success of this new Grand Prix:
“Jeddah delivered a truly spectacular race—full of suspense, skill, and world-class competition. My deepest thanks to the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Association and its President, HRH Sultan bin Fahad bin Salman Al Saud, and to H2O Racing for their outstanding organization of this exceptional event.”
With Jeddah’s impressive debut complete, all attention now turns to the Final round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship – Grand Prix of Sharjah on December 19–21, where the world title will be decided.