Victory Team has announced its participation schedule for the opening round of the 2026 UIM F1H2O World Championship in Cagliari, Italy, as the UAE team begins its campaign to defend the world title won last season. The championship season officially commences on May 30-31, 2026, with the team’s delegation departing Dubai on May 26 for final preparations. The new season will feature seven main races across five different countries, running through December. Victory Team’s driver lineup includes reigning world champion Shaun Torrente, competing in his final season before retirement, alongside challengers Alec Weckström and Ahmed Al Fahim.
Pre-Race Schedule and Technical Preparations
Victory Team’s schedule for the Cagliari opening round reflects comprehensive preparation protocols. The delegation departs Dubai on May 26, with the official drivers’ briefing scheduled for May 27. Technical inspections of boats and engines follow on May 28, allowing teams to ensure full compliance with championship regulations. Free practice sessions commence on May 29, providing drivers with critical track familiarity before competition begins. Qualifying heats and sprint races take place on May 30, with the main championship race held on May 31.
Competition Format
The UIM F1H2O World Championship operates under a structured format combining qualifying sessions, sprint races, and main races across each venue. This multi-race approach over two days allows drivers to demonstrate consistency and adaptability across varying conditions. The sprint races serve as critical preparation for the main championship race, where points are awarded toward the season-long standings.
Shaun Torrente’s Final Season
Reigning world champion Shaun Torrente enters the 2026 season as defending titleholder, competing in his final year before retirement. Torrente’s dominance in F1H2O racing has established him among the sport’s elite performers. His partnership with Alec Weckström, who brings competitive ambition for the current season, and Ahmed Al Fahim creates a balanced team capable of challenging across multiple race formats. Torrente’s experience in high-pressure championship scenarios positions Victory Team favorably heading into Cagliari.
UAE’s Marine Sports Leadership
The announcement reaffirms the UAE’s global standing and leadership in marine sports. Victory Team’s world championship victory last season demonstrated the nation’s technical excellence and competitive capability in international powerboat racing. Mohammed Hareb, CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club, expressed confidence in the team’s continued success, citing strong preparations and technical and mental readiness ahead of the new season.
Institutional Support and Infrastructure
The Dubai International Marine Club, under the directives of Dr. Ahmed Saeed Bin Meshar, Chairman of the Board of Directors, provides institutional support and resources essential to Victory Team’s competitive performance. This infrastructure reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing world-class marine sports programs and infrastructure, positioning Dubai as a regional hub for competitive water-based athletics.
Cagliari’s F1H2O History and Strategic Significance
Cagliari, located on the Italian island of Sardinia, hosts an F1H2O World Championship round for the first time since 2004. The venue previously staged seven championship rounds between 1998 and 2004, establishing itself as a traditional stronghold of the sport. During that period, legendary drivers Scott Gillman and Guido Cappellini dominated the Cagliari circuit, with Viktor Kunitsch breaking their dominance to win the 2001 race. The return to Cagliari after 22 years carries historical significance for the championship and represents a return to classic F1H2O racing territory.
Global Championship Structure and Calendar
The 2026 UIM F1H2O World Championship spans seven main races distributed across five different countries, extending from May through December. This calendar structure provides geographically diverse venues while maintaining championship intensity across multiple months. The series attracts elite international drivers and competitive teams from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, establishing F1H2O as a premier global marine sports championship.
Conclusion:
Victory Team’s entry into the 2026 F1H2O World Championship represents a pivotal moment for UAE marine sports, as the defending world champions pursue continued excellence at Cagliari and across the global championship circuit. With reigning champion Shaun Torrente leading the driver lineup, comprehensive technical preparations underway, and institutional support from the Dubai International Marine Club, Victory Team enters the season positioned to defend its title and advance the UAE’s standing in international marine athletics.
