Edgaras Riabko won the Grand Prix of Italy in Brindisi on Sunday evening, taking victory from pole position in a race delayed from its scheduled 19:30 start and curtailed after 31 laps.
Peter Morin finished second, 8.737 seconds behind the Lithuanian, with Hilmer Wiberg third and Nelson Morin fourth. Defending world champion Mathilda Wiberg finished fifth, one lap down.
The result leaves Riabko leading the championship by two points over Morin after two rounds, 32 to 30, with Mathilda Wiberg third on 27.
Riabko said the win came under sustained pressure from Morin throughout the race.
It was a very difficult fight with Peter Morin. He is a very experienced driver, especially in the rough conditions. He was pushing me so hard, and before the yellow flag he was so close to me. I was lucky that he did not overtake me.
Edgaras Riabko, race winner.
Riabko was full of praise for his team.
I am very happy with the performance and very happy with our team. They made a very good job with the balance. We chose good propellers and hopefully this will be my year. I want to win. I need to win this year.
Edgaras Riabko.
On the conditions on the Adriatic circuit, Riabko was sanguine.
It was rough. Maybe because we were in the front it was not so bad. The conditions here are not easy, but it is what it is for all pilots. If you want to be the champion, you must win in any conditions.
Edgaras Riabko.
Morin confirmed he had opportunities to pass Riabko but chose not to take the risk.
It was very close that we could overtake him two times, but it was finally safe to collect some points and get the second position.
Peter Morin, race runner-up.
The Frenchman was aware of the broader championship picture.
When you are in second position and try to take first, every overtake is difficult and you can make some big risks. This is only the second GP of the season, it is still long, so we need to collect points.
Peter Morin.
Owen Jelf retired from the race with 16 laps completed.
Riabko takes a two-point lead over Morin into the third round at San Nazzaro on August 30. Mathilda Wiberg sits third in the standings on 27 points, five clear of Hilmer Wiberg in fourth on 21, with Nelson Morin fifth on 16.
Official Results
| Pos | No. | Driver | Nat | Laps | Gap | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41 | Edgaras Riabko | LTU | 31 | 20 | |
| 2 | 11 | Peter Morin | FRA | 31 | +8.737 | 15 |
| 3 | 70 | Hilmer Wiberg | SWE | 31 | +20.332 | 12 |
| 4 | 33 | Nelson Morin | FRA | 31 | +22.597 | 9 |
| 5 | 1 | Mathilda Wiberg | SWE | 30 | +L1 | 7 |
| 6 | 96 | Roope Virtanen | FIN | 30 | +L1 | 5 |
| 7 | 74 | Giacomo Sacchi | MON | 30 | +L1 | 4 |
| 8 | 15 | Dainis Podžuks | LAT | 30 | +L1 | 3 |
| 9 | 4 | Jarno Vilmunen | FIN | 30 | +L1 | 2 |
| 10 | 45 | Duarte Benavente | POR | 30 | +L1 | 1 |
| 11 | 14 | Ian Blacker | GBR | 29 | +L2 | 0 |
| 12 | 9 | Mette Bjerknæs | GBR | 29 | +L2 | 0 |
| 13 | 27 | Andrè Solvang | NOR | 29 | +L2 (1) | 0 |
| 14 | 2 | Johan Österberg | SWE | 27 | +L4 | 0 |
| 15 | 30 | Sam Whittle | GBR | 24 | +L7 | 0 |
| 16 | 3 | Owen Jelf | GBR | 16 | DNF | 0 |
(1) UIM Rule 313.01, rounding a turn mark the wrong way. DNF – Did Not Finish.
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John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
