The UIM E1 Pilot Academy has been launched to prepare a new generation of racing stars for the upcoming world’s first electric propulsion boat championship. Among the 35 candidates, 20 pilots will be selected by October 2023 after undergoing initial training by September. The academy encourages athletes of all genders with experience in motorsport, cycling, Esports, extreme sports, and high-speed sports to apply.
With the UIM E1 World Championship commencing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in early 2024 and new teams being announced successively, the UIM E1 Pilot Academy is on the brink of its debut as the training pathway for a fresh cohort of racing luminaries.
E1 is actively seeking athletes of all genders, experienced in motorsport, cycling, Esports, extreme sports, and high-speed activities, who are eager to test their mettle in the world’s foremost series of electric propulsion boat races.
The new Academy is spearheaded by Nina Dreier, a seasoned professional who has previously collaborated with Red Bull, Formula E, and Extreme E, bringing her invaluable expertise in sports marketing and entertainment. Alongside receiving specialized training from other leading figures in the maritime industry, candidates will undergo an advanced training regimen meticulously designed to challenge their skills in close-quarter racing, across diverse vessels, and under varying water conditions.
The selection process will unfold across Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the United Kingdom in August and September. The final 20 pilots chosen for the championship will be unveiled in October.
Prospective athletes are strongly encouraged to apply for the initial phase of Pilot Training by emailing pilottraining@e1series.com, and including:
– Name and surname
– Nationality
– Spoken languages
– Gender
– Practiced discipline
– Resume or portfolio
– Racing experience
– Social media accounts or website
– Availability (including other leagues for 2024)
– Passport validity/eligibility to travel
Once the selection process concludes, the UIM E1 World Championship teams and riders will make their debut in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Throughout 2024, they will compete in Venice, Munich, Rotterdam, and other locations to be announced shortly.
The events of the UIM E1 World Championship will span two days, comprising practice sessions, qualifiers, and direct elimination races. Pilots will compete in several heats to determine who advances to the subsequent stage. The fastest teams and pilots will ultimately progress to the final race that will determine the champion.
Engineers at SeaBird Technologies have successfully completed a rigorous testing program to optimize the performance and tuning of both prototype and production series RaceBird boats.
There are 10 available spots on the E1 World Championship starting grid for teams, with RaceBird boats scheduled to be delivered by year-end. Each team will field two pilots, one male and one female, who will alternate in driving during the race weekend.
The first season has already announced five teams led by NFL superstar Tom Brady, tennis legend Rafa Nadal, F1 icon Sergio Perez, former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, and team Venice Racing, with additional teams set to be unveiled in the upcoming weeks.
To find out more about the E1 Series, visit the website.