Ben Jelf Secures Double Bronze at Lake Toba

Maidstone’s Ben Jelf opened his 2025 F1H2O World Championship campaign with two hard-earned bronze trophies at Lake Toba, Balige, Indonesia. Now in his third full season in the elite class, the F1 Atlantic Team driver demonstrated determination and control against the world’s best.

After ranking fourth in free practice, Jelf advanced smoothly through qualifying to secure fifth on the starting grid. That position gave him a strong launchpad for the weekend’s Sprint Race and Grand Prix.

In Saturday’s Sprint Race, Ben Jelf powered into third on the opening lap and defended the position with precision. Despite mounting pressure from Team China’s Peter Morin, he crossed the line in third, claiming his first podium of the season.

Sunday’s Grand Prix brought more tension. A dramatic first-turn collision between Peter Morin and Abu Dhabi’s Erik Stark forced an early yellow flag. At the restart, Jelf edged past three-time World Champion Shaun Torrente to move into fourth, before inheriting third when reigning champion Jonas Andersson retired with engine failure. With Stefan Arand and Torrente close behind, Ben Jelf held his nerve to take the chequered flag in third.

Speaking after the race, Jelf said: “Wow, what a race. I’m over the moon to have secured not only a Sprint Bronze but also the Grand Prix of Indonesia Bronze. My team have worked so hard to get me here and that hard work is paying off.”

This result marks Ben Jelf’s third podium at Lake Toba, reinforcing his growing reputation in international powerboat racing.

Currently sitting third overall in the 2025 F1H2O World Championship, Jelf now turns his attention to the Grand Prix of Shanghai in five weeks’ time.

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