Historic F1H2O Championship Stage Concludes at Issyk-Kul
On August 2, the inaugural stage of the F1H2O World Championship, often referred to as “Formula 1 on Water,” reached its thrilling conclusion at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. The Grand Prix was claimed by Sean Torrente, a driver for the Victory Team from the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting history.
The race unfolded near the village of Bayet, situated at an impressive altitude of 1,607 meters above sea level. A total of 18 skilled pilots took to the water, each tasked with navigating 40 laps around a circuit measuring approximately two kilometers in length. The high-altitude environment, coupled with unpredictable winds and substantial waves, posed unique challenges for both the boats’ configurations and the teams’ strategies.
Torrente expressed his exhilaration post-race, stating, “It’s amazing. Winning in Formula 1 is very difficult. I’ve been in this sport for 15 years, and I have only 13 victories. This highlights the level of competition. I am very happy to win here in Kyrgyzstan, at Issyk-Kul.”
During the race, Torrente noted that the wind direction shifted, creating formidable waves on the lake. This forced pilots to adjust their trajectories nearly every lap. The altitude also added complexity, as teams had to carefully balance engine settings between maximum power and safety until the very last moment.
In a reflective moment, Torrente revealed his intention to retire from competitive racing, deeming his victory at Issyk-Kul a fitting conclusion to his career. He expressed his desire to recommend Kyrgyzstan as a destination to his acquaintances.
The F1H2O stage took place from July 31 to August 2, with the official championship website highlighting it as the first event of its kind in Central Asia and the highest-altitude race on its calendar. This event is part of a broader initiative to promote Issyk-Kul as a venue for international sporting events and to attract tourism.
Eduard Kubatov, head of the State Agency for Tourism Development, reported that the competition proceeded without collisions, accidents, or serious technical issues. He further mentioned that Kyrgyzstan has signed a preliminary memorandum with the F1H2O organizers and the International Union of Powerboating.
Kubatov also indicated ongoing discussions about hosting the championship stage at Issyk-Kul annually. Should an agreement be finalized, Kyrgyzstan could secure a permanent spot on the international F1H2O calendar, establishing the race as a regular sporting event in the region.
