This weekend, one of Europe’s most exciting waterfront cities once again becomes the home of world-class powerboat racing as the UIM F2 and F4 World Powerboat Championships arrive in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
Located on the Baltic Sea coast, Klaipėda is Lithuania’s historic port city — a place where maritime culture, trade and life on the water have shaped local identity for centuries. With its unique harbor setting, vibrant old town and passionate motorsport community, Klaipėda has become one of the most spectacular and popular venues on the international powerboat calendar.
Lithuania itself has earned a respected place in world powerboating. Over the years, Lithuanian racers, teams and organizers have helped elevate the sport, producing world-class competitors and delivering professionally organized international events. Local hero Edgaras Riabko has long been among the sport’s most recognizable names, and Lithuanian fans are known for creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Formula racing on water.
Last year’s UIM F2 Grand Prix of Lithuania delivered exactly the kind of drama that makes Klaipėda unforgettable.
The 2025 race was won by Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg, who produced a dominant performance to take victory ahead of France’s Peter Morin and her brother Hilmer Wiberg, while Lithuania’s Edgaras Riabko thrilled home fans with fourth place.
But the results tell only part of the story.
The Klaipėda circuit is famous for producing intense racing. Tight corners, harbor conditions, changing water surfaces and close wheel-to-wheel — or rather hull-to-hull — battles demand precision and courage from every driver. In 2025, the race featured relentless midfield fights, strategic pressure and non-stop action from lights to flag, confirming why many drivers consider Klaipėda one of the true highlights of the championship.
The importance of last year’s victory only grew with time. Wiberg later went on to secure the 2025 UIM F2 World Championship and made motorsport history as the first woman ever to win a Formula-class world title.
Now attention turns to 2026.
This weekend’s event opens both the F2 and F4 World Championship seasons, bringing a new generation of talent and established stars back to Lithuania. Fans can expect fierce competition, dramatic qualifying sessions and the return of racing at speeds exceeding 160 km/h through Klaipėda’s spectacular waterfront course.
There’s also significant national attention around the event. The Lithuanian Prime Minister has officially announced her support to the championship weekend with her attendance expected, showing the world how significant the race has become for Lithuanian motorsport and coastal tourism.
The stage is set.
The boats are ready.
And Klaipėda is prepared to write another chapter in powerboat racing history.
See you at the water’s edge! 🇱🇹🔥
