The world’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship continues to build a family of supporting cutting-edge partners, appointing Sparco as Official Technical Accessory Supplier to develop the racing accessories for the RaceBird, including the seat, seat belt and footrest.
When the fleet of RaceBirds take to the water for their first season of electric racing, the sleek foiling powerboats will offer the pilots the best performance equipment in the world thanks to Sparco. With a commitment to R&D over more than 45 years and a hunger to always find the competitive edge in every product, Sparco’s passion and expertise mean the Italian business is the ideal partner for E1 and SeaBird, who are developing the RaceBirds to compete in the championship.
Balancing safety and style, Sparco’s bespoke racing seats, racing seat belts and quick release systems will maximise speed and comfort, while ensuring the highest standards of safety for the male and female pilots of the RaceBirds.
E1 has chosen the most innovative technical products to equip their RaceBirds, including Sparco EVO CARBON X; a specific seat that combines research for the best ergonomics and driver comfort, with the maintenance and management needs of technical equipment in extreme conditions.
The seat features an ultra-light carbon shell and an innovative water-repellent fabric upholstery specially designed and developed for powerboat racing. The comfort of the drivers is also guaranteed by the presence of FIA approved ergonomic memory foam cushions, able to mitigate the wave effect, absorbing shock and vibrations during the E1 races.
Sparco Formula H-7 harnesses ensure reliability and ductility - a safety belt system with 6 points and 2’’ webbing on both shoulders; lap straps specifics for FHR (Forward Head Restraint) systems with lightweight steel adjusters. An ultralight aluminium buckle secures all straps, according to the philosophy that led Sparco to make the lightest Formula 1 belts, which equip the Red Bull and McLaren Teams.
Sparco's extensive expertise in carbon fibre technology means they are trusted suppliers for Alfa Romeo, AMG, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Keonigsegg, Lamborghini and Lotus to name a few, and has long established supplier relationships across all motorsport disciplines .
Rodi Basso, Co-Founder & CEO of E1, said: “We continue to bring together a family of passionate partners who are the best in their field as we build towards our first racing season for E1. So we are pleased to have Sparco onboard as an official technical supplier, making sure the safety, performance and style of our RaceBirds remains the best in the world. They also share our passion for bringing motorsport and sustainability to new audiences, so will be another powerful voice to help us introduce this new sporting concept to racing fans around the world.”
Niccolò Bellazzini, Brand Manager of Sparco, said: “For over forty-five years Sparco has meant safety, innovation and performance. From 2023 onward, sustainability and environmental protection are the new key words of our company strategy. From such innovative intuition, the “FULL-Efficiency” line was born: a complete range of racing (and fireproof) products where at least 51% of raw materials used derives from regenerated fibres. So, we have enthusiastically welcomed the invitation to collaborate on E1’s project that perfectly combines motorsport and sustainability in an amazing new challenge which makes us proud to be part of the change.”
The eagerly anticipated first season of the UIM E1 World Championship is scheduled to get underway in early 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and in the months that follow championship organisers will continue to accelerate preparations for the inaugural season, with races set to take place in Venice, Monaco, Rotterdam and two more yet to be announced venues.