Jelf’s Championship Charge: British Ace Eyes China Double
Maidstone’s Ben Jelf sits third in F1H2O standings heading into crucial Shanghai-Zhengzhou double-header that could define his championship campaign.
Championship Position
Ben Jelf travels to China in third place in the 2025 F1H2O World Championship following his breakthrough podium finish in Indonesia. The F1 Atlantic Team driver now faces a pivotal double-header in Shanghai and Zhengzhou that could determine his championship prospects.
Shanghai Challenge
Racing takes place in Paotaiwan Bay where the Yangtze River meets the Huangpu River, creating challenging conditions at Shanghai’s international cruise terminal. The unique location presents technical demands that will test all competitors.
Team-mate Duarte Benavente returns fresh from F2 competition, determined to bounce back from engine issues that hampered his Indonesia campaign. The Portuguese veteran aims to score his first points of the season and boost F1 Atlantic’s team championship position.
— Ben Jelf
Double-Header Strategy
Following Shanghai, the championship moves to Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province, for the second Chinese round on 10-12 October. The back-to-back races offer significant points-scoring opportunities but demand peak physical and technical preparation.
— Ben Jelf
All the key timings for the F1H2O Grand Prix of Shanghai-China.
Sessions, qualification, sprint races and the main Grand Prix — all automatically converted to your device’s time-zone.
F1H2O Grand Prix of Shanghai-China
1–4 October 2025. Venue: Shanghai, China.
| Thursday 2 October | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Local time (CST, UTC+8) | Your time |
| Free Practice 1 | 10:00–11:00 | 10:00 |
| Free Practice 2 | 12:00–13:00 | 12:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | 15:00–16:00 | 15:00 |
| Friday 3 October | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Local time (CST, UTC+8) | Your time |
| Qualifying | 09:00–10:00 | 09:00 |
| Sprint Race 1 | 15:10 | 15:10 |
| Sprint Race 2 | 15:40 | 15:40 |
| Saturday 4 October | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Local time (CST, UTC+8) | Your time |
| Warm-up (Optional) | 10:00–11:00 | 10:00 |
| Grand Prix of Shanghai-China | 15:00 | 15:00 |
The “your time” column automatically converts to your device’s time-zone.
| Friday 26 September | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Local time (CEST, UTC+2) | Your time |
| GT15 Technical Scrutineering | 14:00–19:00 | 14:00 |
| Saturday 27 September | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Local time (CEST, UTC+2) | Your time |
| GT15 Additional Scrutineering | 07:00–09:00 | 07:00 |
| GT15 Drivers Meeting | 09:45 | 09:45 |
| GT15 Free Training & Time Trials | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| GT15 Heat 1 | 16:45 | 16:45 |
| Sunday 28 September | ||
|---|---|---|
| Session | Local time (CEST, UTC+2) | Your time |
| GT15 Final Scrutineering | 08:00–09:00 | 08:00 |
| GT15 Drivers Meeting | 09:00 | 09:00 |
| GT15 Heat 2 | 09:30 | 09:30 |
| GT15 Heat 3 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| GT15 Heat 4 (Championship Final) | 13:00 | 13:00 |
| GT15 Prize Giving Ceremony | 16:00 | 16:00 |
The “your time” column automatically converts to your device’s time-zone.
Nikki Drummond has been instrumental in promoting powerboat racing through her reporting and her roles within the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), including serving as a Powerboat Racing Officer.
Her journalistic work spans both UK and international racing, and she currently manages media for the F1 Atlantic Team, Jelf Racing, and other competitors. Drummond’s insights and coverage have appeared in a variety of publications, significantly contributing to the visibility and growth of the sport.
