Lagos Set For Debut E1 GP Pilot Powerboat Racing
By Saheed Afolabi
All is now set for the E1 Lagos GP, as RaceBird pilots of the nine teams in the World Championship are looking forward to a thrilling penultimate race of the season in Lagos.
E1, which is making its debut in Africa this weekend, is an all-electric international offshore powerboat racing series. The three-day event is expected to be attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the CEO and co-Founder of the E1 Series, Mr Rodi Basso; and other major stakeholders in different sectors.
Ivory Coast-born former African Footballer of the Year and ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who is the co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, along with Gabrielle Lemaire, will participate in the event.
Ahead of the E1 Lagos GP competition, which starts with the opening ceremony today, Friday, the pilots tested the waters with their RaceBirds on Thursday, before the qualifying on Saturday and the final race on Sunday.
Speaking about the competition, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr Sam Egube, said the E1 Lagos GP will serve as a global showcase for Lagos’ culture, energy, and economic potential.
Egube, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu, noted that beyond sporting significance, the E1 championship would showcase Lagos on the global map in line with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to join international conversations on sustainable energy and innovation in marine transport.
“E1 Lagos GP elevates Nigeria’s profile as a modern, progressive, and forward-thinking nation. This is an opportunity to show the world what makes Lagos special: the cultural heritage and energy of Lagos people.
“It is also an opportunity to welcome tourists and investors and share Lagos success stories to bring in more investment and highlight the potential of the city of aquatic splendour. History is happening here. Lagos is racing for the future, for Africa, for the world,” he said.
Also speaking, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, Rodi Basso, said bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment in their mission to grow electric racing globally.
“Lagos brings incredible energy, creativity and ambition that matches E1’s DNA perfectly. We are honoured to work with local partners to create a sporting spectacle that helps drive clean innovation while elevating Lagos’ profile as a global hub for sport and sustainable development,” he said.
