On the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, a significant chapter of the F1H2O championship has drawn to a close, marking a momentous occasion for both Kyrgyzstan and the renowned driver Sean Torrente from the Victory Team of the UAE. This Grand Prix served as a poignant farewell to Torrente’s illustrious career, as he chose to conclude his journey in water sports at an elevation of 1,607 meters above sea level.
The competition featured 18 of the world’s elite pilots, who navigated a challenging two-kilometer circuit over the course of 40 laps. The high-altitude climate, coupled with unpredictable winds, presented formidable challenges for both the racers and their teams, making Torrente’s victory all the more commendable.
Reflecting on his experience, Sean Torrente expressed, “It’s amazing! Winning in Formula 1 is tough, and in my 15 years in the sport, I have only 13 victories. This highlights the level of competition. I am thrilled to have won here, in Kyrgyzstan, at Issyk-Kul.” He elaborated on the unique challenges posed by the lake, noting how a shift in wind direction during the race complicated boat handling. “The track changes every second, and you must constantly adapt to the conditions. Due to the altitude, tuning the engine was difficult. My engineers and I debated until the end; I aimed for maximum performance while they insisted on safety,” he added.
As Torrente prepares to retire, he views his win at Issyk-Kul as the perfect conclusion to his sporting narrative, vowing to recommend Kyrgyzstan to friends and acquaintances.
Eduard Kubatov: “This is a significant achievement for Kyrgyz sports”
Eduard Kubatov, head of the State Agency for Tourism Development, commented on the outcomes of the competition, emphasizing its safety and international significance. “The Issyk-Kul Grand Prix concluded triumphantly, with 18 of the best water sports pilots at the starting line. It was a fair yet risky race. Despite the inherent dangers, everything went smoothly: there were no collisions, accidents, or technical issues,” he noted.
Additionally, Kubatov announced the signing of a preliminary memorandum with the F1H2O organization and the International Union of Motorboating (UIM). “Discussions are underway for hosting the world championship at Issyk-Kul on a regular basis,” he added, hinting at a promising future for water sports in the region.
