Friday, July 24: Just one week remains until the UIM F1H2O World Championship makes history with its first-ever race in Central Asia, as the Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan gets underway on July 31. The Grand Prix will take place on Lake Issyk-Kul, known as the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan" for its stunning mountain scenery and deep blue waters.

Final preparations are now underway ahead of the arrival of all the F1H2O teams, who will race on the lake for the very first time. They will have their first opportunity to test the course on the afternoon of July 31, competing at an altitude of 1,607 metres above sea level—the highest elevation at which an F1H2O World Championship event has ever been held.

As the second round of the 2026 F1H2O World Championship, the Grand Prix will be a crucial opportunity for the drivers battling for the title. Sharjah Team's Stefan Arand currently leads the championship standings following his dramatic victory in Cagliari, where his teammate Rusty Wyatt and reigning World Champion Shaun Torrente both barrel-rolled out of the race. Both will be determined to claim victory in the inaugural Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan and keep their championship ambitions firmly on track.

The F1H2O teams will not be the only ones travelling to Issyk-Kul for the event. Alongside thousands of spectators, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic is expected to attend, together with the Presidents of the other Central Asian nations, the President of Azerbaijan, and numerous regional and national dignitaries.

To celebrate the historic occasion of the first-ever F1H2O Grand Prix in Central Asia, the race weekend will also feature a rich programme of cultural and musical events, showcasing the region's traditions and hospitality. Concerts held each evening after the racing will entertain fans with live performances by singers, DJs, orchestras, and other artists, ensuring that the Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan delivers an unforgettable experience both on and off the water.