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Aoki Beat Brady To Win Dramatic E1 Jeddah GP Opener

24th January 2026
Emma Kimilainen (FIN) / Sam Coleman (GBR), Team Brady, leads the pack in the final 2 race during the E1 Series Jeddah GP on January 24, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Emma Kimilainen (FIN) / Sam Coleman (GBR), Team Brady, leads the pack in the final 2 race during the E1 Series Jeddah GP on January 24, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Malcolm Griffiths/Getty Images for E1

Aoki Racing Team secured victory at the E1 Jeddah GP 2026 after a dramatic final on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. The win saw Aoki defeat defending powerboat racing champions Team Brady to take an early lead in the Championship standings.

Pilots Sara Misir and Dani Clos delivered a decisive performance, with Clos setting up the inside lane before Misir controlled the race. Misir went foil-to-foil with Team Rafa pilot Cris Lazarraga into the opening corner, with light contact between the boats before Misir emerged ahead. She then led the remaining six laps, holding off pressure in front of thousands of spectators lining the waterfront.

After the race, Team AlUla, championed by LeBron James, was promoted to third place following a penalty for debutants Sierra Racing Club. The penalty was issued for an overtaking infringement, dropping Sierra from the podium to fifth.

Misir was also named PIF Pilot of the Day on her debut for Aoki Racing Team. “It feels good,” said Misir. “I went out, kept my head down and tried my hardest.” Clos added, “This is super special for us. I’m happy with the team and everyone around me.”

Trophies were presented by senior Saudi sports officials, highlighting Jeddah’s role as the Championship’s season opener. E1 founder Alejandro Agag said the race was “an exhilarating spectacle framed against the Red Sea skyline”.

The Championship now moves to Lake Como, Italy, on 24–25 April for the next round.

Published in Powerboat Racing
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