Tennis legend Rafael Nadal purchases E1 Series racing team
Announced on Tuesday, professional tennis player Rafael Nadal purchases E1 Series racing team in the UIM E1 World Championship, the first all-electric boat league in the world. The roster has not yet been confirmed but the team is the third to be announced to date.
“I’m really excited to be getting involved with a project like E1 that values sustainability and will make a positive impact on society as a whole, especially in coastal communities,” Nadal told The Guardian. “I also like the fact that E1 has a clear mission and is committed to preserving marine ecosystems.”
The UIM E1 World Championship will consist of 10 to 12 teams, each of which will have two boats and two pilots. As Rafael Nadal purchases E1 Series racing team, its very first season is expected to start later this year.
“As a professional athlete, I recognise how making marginal gains has a positive impact on performance,” Nadal added. “To see this same competitive spirit and approach being applied at E1 to optimize the performance and efficiency of sustainable marine mobility is good news for our oceans.”
Nadal’s team will compete against nine other teams when the season begins. Two teams have formally committed to competing in the sport so far, which include the Venice Racing Team and an outfit owned by Red Bull Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez.
The 22-time Grand Slam Winner will promote E1’s Blue Action Program, which aims to coordinate the locations of its races with initiatives to rebuild marine ecosystems near city waterfronts. Duarte is leading the program.
“I’m delighted to see tennis legend Rafael Nadal join E1,” stated Duarte as Rafael Nadal purchases E1 Series racing team. “Rafa epitomises elite sportsmanship and resilience. As a fellow Mallorquin islander, I know Rafa shares my passion and commitment for marine conservation, and I’m looking forward to having Rafa’s support on this important journey to deliver restoration of marine ecosystems at scale.”