Get ready, London! A pioneering zero-emissions motorsport race might be zooming into the land of dodgy weather and overpriced pints soon.
The E1 Series, the world's first all-electric race boat championship, is under consideration for a thrilling event right here on the Thames.
Thousands flocked to Marbella's Puerto Banús this weekend to witness the electrifying E1 Series after exhilarating rounds in Jeddah and Venice.
The championship features pilots racing high-speed, sustainable crafts, with teams owned by big names like Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, and Didier Drogba.
Electric Boats, Zero Emissions
These crafts, called RaceBirds, are high-speed and zero-emissions, making them a perfect fit for eco-conscious cities like London.
Co-founder Rodi Basso is enthusiastic about the potential London race, saying, "I would love to be in London; we're discussing London. Yeah, London would be amazing."
Why London?
London already hosts the annual Formula E car-racing event at the ExCeL center, so the city is no stranger to high-octane, sustainable motorsports.
A high-speed race on the Thames would be a spectacular addition to the city's vibrant event calendar.
"When you have the 'cocktail party effect' in a loud environment, marine life stops communicating, much like whales becoming silent."
Sustainability at Its Core
What sets the E1 Series apart is its commitment to sustainability. These electric boats don't generate waves, which is crucial for cities like Venice, where wave erosion is a significant issue.
Plus, they're silent, reducing noise pollution and its harmful impact on marine life.
E1 chief scientist Professor Carlos Duarte explains, "Noise has a pervasive impact on marine life. When you have the 'cocktail party effect' in a loud environment, marine life stops communicating, much like whales becoming silent."
The E1 Series is designed to minimize this disruption, reducing noise emissions by 50 times compared to traditional combustion engines.
A Global Sensation
Interest in the E1 Series is global. After Jeddah, the championship saw a surge in interest from cities, teams, sponsors, and media worldwide.
Cities like Miami, Tokyo, Rio, and São Paulo are also in the running for future races.
London's Water Mobility
Basso believes water mobility is critical to easing city congestion, noting, "I strongly believe that we should encourage water mobility much more because of congestion - and London is trying; the average speed is 7mph in the city."
The Future of Racing
Extreme E rally driver and E1 Series pilot Catie Munnings, part of Team Brazil, is excited about racing in London.
"That would be really cool, actually," she said. "I think you could do like a city kind of race. I hope so, in the future, if you can get an estuary or a river that's wide enough."
Munnings encourages Brits to explore this innovative sport, highlighting the incredible potential and versatility in racing, whether on land or water.
Upcoming Events
Before (hopefully) hitting the Thames, the E1 Series will visit Monaco, Rotterdam, Geneva, and Hong Kong. So, get ready, London! The future of high-speed, sustainable motorsport racing could be making waves in our city soon.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates because this is one event you won't want to miss!
- Yes, I'd like you to post more about E1 Series
- I don't care, to be honest.
- This whole thing is ridiculous!
