Angola Westbrook Racing, the team owned by Hollywood star Will Smith, has taken pole position for the Adriatic Luxury Hotels E1 Dubrovnik GP 2026 after topping qualifying on the Adriatic.
It marks the first time the team has led qualifying, and the result adds three points to their Championship tally, stretching their lead at the top of the standings heading into race day.
The session played out against the backdrop of Dubrovnik's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with all 10 teams on the water and NBA star Kyle Kuzma, one of Sierra Racing Club's team owners, watching on. Angola Westbrook Racing finished ahead of Team Brady and Aoki Racing Team, the three teams that have set the pace throughout the season so far.
Westbrook's Spanish pilot Lucas Ordóñez said: "The conditions changed a lot through the day, but this evening it was beautiful. The sunset here in Dubrovnik was really an amazing feeling. I just tried to keep on point as we always try, and the lap came."
American teammate Sara Price added: "This is amazing for our team, I don't think we've ever actually won qualifying."
New Zealander Micah Wilkinson's Team Drogba was among the ten teams competing as the Championship heads into its third round of the season.
With just 17 points separating the top four teams, tomorrow's racing shapes up as a genuine contest for Championship ground.
Jamie Copas, Chief Executive Officer, E1, said: "This is an extraordinary setting for E1 and we are thrilled to return for the Adriatic Luxury Hotels E1 Dubrovnik GP 2026 with the support of our local partners following a successful debut here last season.
"The city perfectly reflects the Championship's vision of innovation, sustainability and world-class sport, with its historic coastline providing a stunning backdrop for racing on the Adriatic.
"Heading into tomorrow's race just 17 points separate the top four teams, setting the stage for an electrifying day of racing."
Alongside the racing, the Blue Economy Summit brought together city officials, industry leaders, financial institutions and public authorities to examine how coastal economies can transition to climate-resilient development, with the Championship providing a live demonstration of zero-emission marine technology at scale.
