The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is delighted to announce that Jessica Chavanne from France and Simon Jung from Slovakia have been elected 2023 UIM Driver of the Year and 2023 UIM Junior Driver of the Year respectively.

Jessica Chavanne, a French Aquabike rider, has secured her second World Champion title in the Aquabike Ski Ladies GP1 Category. Professionally, she is an aerospace engineer and has consistently been a prominent figure in the UIM Aquabike scene for several seasons. Despite finishing 12th in the World Championship in 2018, Chavanne progressively climbed the ranks, achieving a podium finish in the slalom discipline in 2019 and securing a sixth-place finish in the World Championship. Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she claimed her first title, and although she finished as the runner-up last year to her formidable Estonian counterpart, Jasmiin Ypraus.

Simon Jung, a promising young driver hailing from Slovakia, has emerged as the 2023 UIM World Champion in the Formula Future Class 5 category, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. This rising star's outstanding achievements in 2023 have earned him a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious title of 2023 UIM Junior Driver of the Year. Jung's journey in the world of powerboating has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing both skill and determination. His success in clinching the UIM World Champion title in the Formula Future Class 5 underscores his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. The recognition as a nominee for the UIM Junior Driver of the Year serves as a testament to the impact he has made at such a young age. Notably, 2023 has seen Simon Jung diversify his racing portfolio by venturing into the competitive GT15 class.