E1 TEAM MONACO SHOWS CHAMPIONSHIP PACE AT HOME EVENT DESPITE RACE SETBACKS
Monaco, 19 July 2026 – E1 Team Monaco demonstrated outstanding pace throughout its home race weekend, securing pole position, setting the fastest lap of the event, and once again proving its potential to compete at the front of the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is pictured with E1 Team Monaco in the paddock during the UIM E1 Championships in Monaco races. Standing with H.S.H. (from left to right in the centre) are Chris Taylor, Co-founder of E1 Team Monaco, Maxime Nocher, Co-founder and Pilot, and Oban Duncan, Pilot. On the right-hand side of H.S.H. are the team's engineers, whose dedication and expertise continue to drive the team's progress throughout its inaugural E1 season.
The weekend began on a high note on Friday, 17 July, as Oban Duncan and Maxime Nocher delivered an exceptional performance securing pole position and giving the team a strong advantage heading into race day.
The opening race started positively, with the 11-time kitefoil world champion Maxime Nocher leading the field and showcasing the speed of the team’s RaceBird that had been evident throughout qualifying. During the second race, however, the team encountered difficulties when they missed the first corner of the mandatory start lap. Despite Oban Duncan fighting back to fourth position on the water, the accumulated penalties ultimately led to a DNF (Did Not Finished).
Throughout the weekend, Team Monaco consistently ranked among the fastest teams. Maxime Nocher recorded the fastest lap of Race 1 with an outstanding time of 1:15.422, underlining the team's raw performance potential.
The home event concluded with Monaco finishing second in the Place Race and seventh overall in the E1 Monaco 2026 rankings. While the final result did not reflect the team's true pace, the weekend reinforced that Monaco has the speed to challenge for podium finishes.
Reflecting on the weekend, Maxime NOCHER said:
"Qualifying was great. We had strong pace all day and securing pole position was a fantastic moment for the team. Today was difficult, but it's our first season and we're learning from every race. We know we have the pace, we proved it with the fastest lap, and we'll come back stronger at the next round."
Oban DUNCAN added:
"We will learn from our mistakes so we don't repeat them. Despite the setbacks, there were a lot of positives to take away. We're building something special, and we're ready to keep pushing."
A major highlight of the weekend came away from the water as the team had the honour of welcoming H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco to the paddock. His visit and words of encouragement provided an important boost for the entire team.
Acknowledging the team's remarkable progress, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco remarked:
"Their progression has been incredible. They have been working very hard, and I congratulated Maxime, Oban and the whole team. I'm sure that for the remaining races of the season we will see them do very well and hopefully be on the podium. My message is simple: keep working and keep that positive attitude. Daghe Munegu!"
E1 Team Monaco leaves its home event encouraged by its performance and determined to convert its pace into championship results.
With the E1 Monaco 2026 races marking the final European round of the 2026 UIM E1 World Championship, E1 Team Monaco now turns its attention to the remaining four races of the season. Determined to build on the pace demonstrated at home, the team remains firmly focused on climbing the championship standings.
The next round takes place in Angola on 12–13 September, where E1 Team Monaco will be aiming to convert its speed into a podium finish and continue its charge in the championship.
