Countdown to E1 Series Competition in Puerto Banús
With just two weeks to go until the E1 Series competition, the electric off-shore Formula 1 of the sea, anticipation is building in Puerto Banús. The VIP box has been set up this week by the event organisers, spearheaded by sports promoter Alejandro Agag and engineer Rodi Basso, who has previously collaborated with NASA and the Red Bull and Ferrari racing teams.
Marbella: The Only Spanish Town to Host the E1 Series
Marbella has the unique distinction of being the only Spanish town chosen to host the competition. This year, the E1 Series plans to make stops in Monaco, Venice, Geneva, Jeddah, and Hong Kong, where the championship final will take place. The Puerto Banús leg of the competition will be held on 1 and 2 June, with several teams vying for a spot in the E1 Puerto Banús GP.
Star-Studded Lineup for E1 Puerto Banús GP
The competition will feature teams captained by internationally renowned personalities such as Rafa Nadal, Sergio Pérez, Didier Drogba, Tom Brady, Steve Aoki, Will Smith and Marc Anthony. Marc Anthony will also perform on 31 May as part of the Oasis Marbella Fest music series, serving as the opening act.
Introducing the Racebird: The Only Electric Engine Authorised for the E1 Series
The competition will serve as a testing ground for the Racebird motorboat engine, the only electric engine authorised by the International Motorboat Racing Union. Unlike other competitions, all competitors will use the same engine. The Spanish contingent includes Laia Sanz, Cris Lazarraga, Dani Clos, and Lucas Ordóñez, who joined the competition following the announcement of Will Smith’s participation as a team captain.
Format and Expectations for the E1 Series
The competition format will consist of four stages: qualification, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. The E1 Series is a competition that prioritises the driving skills of its participants over the technical capabilities of its teams. The Racebird, with a top speed of 90 kilometres per hour, is 7.5 metres long and has a power output of 150 kilowatts supplied by a 35 kilowatt/hour battery.
Investment and Impact of the E1 Series in Puerto Banús
With a guaranteed three-year run in Puerto Banús and an additional three years under negotiation, the investment for this year’s competition stands at five million euros. According to Juan Núñez, CEO of Cívitas Puerto Banús, the event is expected to reach over 1,000 million people worldwide. The initiative has the backing of the regional ministry of tourism and sport, Marbella town hall, and the provincial council. Marbella mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, who visited the facilities this week, estimates the economic impact of the event at 25 million euros.
