Ben Jelf scores points at high-altitude Kyrgyzstan F1H2O round

British powerboat racer Ben Jelf and Team Atlantic competed at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, in the inaugural Mid Asia Grand Prix, the second round of the 2026 F1H2O World Championship.

According to Team Atlantic, eight teams travelled to the venue, where racing took place at more than 1,600 metres above sea level. The altitude placed additional emphasis on engine set-up and propeller selection during free practice and qualifying ahead of the 41-lap Grand Prix.

Before Jelf could begin practice, the team had to repair his DAC hull following damage sustained during the previous round in Cagliari. Team Atlantic said the damage resulted from a collision with the overturned boat of Sami Seliö at the start of that event. Boat builder David Moore assisted the team with repairs before the opening practice session.

Once the boat was back on the water, Jelf and the team concentrated on testing different set-ups and propellers. Team-mate Duarte Benavente was meanwhile reported to be experiencing continuing engine problems carried over from Cagliari, affecting his performance during the early sessions.

During Saturday’s qualifying session, Jelf missed a place in Q2 by 0.081 seconds and secured 13th position on the Grand Prix starting grid.

Team Atlantic also reported that the event was attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov alongside the heads of state of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Jelf returned to the water later on Saturday for the Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan – Issyk-Kul Sprint Race 1. Starting sixth, he moved up to fourth place and collected championship points towards his 2026 campaign.

Seventeen boats started Sunday’s 41-lap Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan – Issyk-Kul. Jelf suffered an engine misfire at the start but recovered to 16th position and began closing on Maverick Team driver Deguisne.

His race ended on lap 14 while attempting an inside move at Turn Two. Team Atlantic said the right-hand side of Jelf’s boat caught Deguisne’s wash, causing the boat to roll and forcing his retirement.

Benavente also retired after one lap because of continuing engine problems.

The championship’s next round will take place in Shanghai on 3-4 October, where Team Atlantic will return to competition.