Day: 11 June 2023

Monaco will host an E1 Championship race during the inaugural season of the electric powerboat racing series in 2024, whilst the identities of three other host cities have been revealed. 

The world’s first – and only – all-electric race boat championship will finally get underway in 2024. The first race will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, although the exact date is yet to be announced. There will then be a further race in the Middle East in February, although the location is yet to be revealed.

The flotilla will then head to Europe with two races in Venice in April and May before another, as yet unconfirmed race in Europe. It will then be Monaco’s turn to host a race in the Principality’s harbour in July, before the seventh and final race of the season in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

What is the format of the race?

In E1’s announcement, more light was also shed on the logistics of the races themselves. The races themselves will take place close to the shore, allowing spectators in attendance a good view of the action. Each event will take place over two days with practice sessions, qualifying and knockout races. Pilots will go head-to-head in a number of heats to determine who progresses to the next stage. The fastest will advance to the final.

Big-name involvements

Some big names will be involved in the championship. Rafael Nadal announced that he will be entering a team into the E1 Championship back in January. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez has entered into the championship as ‘Team Mexico,’ whilst legendary former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba has also entered a team. Currently, Venice Racing Team is the only other confirmed participant, but more will be confirmed in due course. Up to 10 teams and 20 pilots could ultimately be involved in the inaugural season.

“It’s a fantastic day for the UIM E1 Championship as we confirm our first-ever racing calendar. We are keeping the door open to new venues for the calendar and expect to confirm them very soon. It’s an exciting time for the championship,” said Rodi Baddo, co-founder and CEO of E1.

After years of preparation, the E1 championship is finally taking shape and the much-anticipated inaugural season is now just six months away.

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Photo source: E1 Series/ Lloyd Images

AS Monaco Basketball began their Betclic Elite final series with a resounding victory over Boulogne-Levallois (87-64) on Saturday. 

All eyes were on Victory Wembanyama, the NBA’s number one draft prospect, who is destined to join the San Antonio Spurs later this month. However, in the face of the individual threat posed by the French prospect, it was an incredible collective performance from the Roca Team that not only silenced Boulogne-Levallois’ talisman but also allowed Monaco to notch their first victory of the series with ease.

Monaco are yet to lose during this year’s playoffs (2-0 versus Strasbourg, 3-0 versus Bourg-en-Bresse), and at no point on the night did they look like losing that record inside a packed Salle Gaston Médecin.

John Brown III was the neutralising force, limiting Wembanyama to a mere eight points, but their dominance wasn’t simply man-to-man, Boulogne-Levallois were dominated all over the court, especially in the second quarter, which put pay to any chances of an away victory.

A lead stretched to 34 points

Monaco’s top-scorer, Alpha Diallo, only scored 14 points, but he was backed up by the entire team, notably by the usual suspects’ Mike James (12 points, eight assists) and Elie Okobo (10 points).

The Roca Team’s foot was firmly on the accelerator from tip-off, and by half-time, Boulogne-Levalloise trailed by a mammoth 32 points (52-21), largely thanks to a second-quarter capitulation (29-6). It was not so long ago that Monaco were on the receiving end of such a collapse against Olympiacos.

Midway through the third quarter, Monaco’s lead reach an incredible 34 points, and there was no way back into the game for Boulogne, despite a late rally to add an air of respectability to the scoreline (87-64).

“We approached this game with the right attitude,” began Sasa Obradovic. “Tactically, we were good, firstly in stopping Wembanyama and then by limiting the players around him. We mustn’t rest, however. I’m expecting a reaction from them. We mustn’t give them a chance,” added the Serbian coach.

Monaco are two win away from the Betclic Elite title, and they can go one step closer to their objective on Monday night at the Salle Gaston Médecin.

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Photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Stephane Danna