Round 2 of the Hydro GP World Championship comes to Małe Żnińskie Lake in Żnin on 29–31 May 2026. The F-125, F-250 and F-500 world championship classes race alongside four Polish Championship categories: OSY-400, P-750, GT-30 and GT-15. Entry for spectators is free.
Where: Centrum Sportów Wodnych, ul. Szkolna 12, 88-400 Żnin (Małe Żnińskie Lake)
When: Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 May 2026
Entry: Free
What you will see
The F-125, F-250 and F-500 classes are single-seat methanol-powered hydroplanes, where the number indicates maximum engine displacement in cubic centimetres. They race on a closed heptagonal circuit of 1,500 metres marked by buoys directly on the lake. Boats start from a floating jetty with engines off; drivers fire up on the signal and go immediately to full power. F-500 is the fastest class; F-125 and F-250 produce close battles on the tight layout.
Alongside the world championship classes, four Polish Championship categories add further variety: OSY-400 and GT-30 are outboard classes, P-750 runs 750cc outboard engines, and GT-15 is a junior class open to drivers aged 10 to 16. An opening ceremony on Friday evening at 19:00 marks the start of proceedings.
Race schedule
Free practice and time trials for all classes run through Saturday morning and early afternoon. Racing begins at 15:30 on Saturday, with heats continuing through the evening. Sunday brings the final heats for all classes, with prize giving at 17:30.
| Session | Local time (CEST, UTC+2) | Your time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 30 May | ||
| F-125 free practice | 09:00 | |
| F-500 free practice | 09:45 | |
| F-250 free practice | 10:30 | |
| OSY-400 time trial | 11:15 | |
| GT-30 time trial | 11:35 | |
| P-750 time trial | 11:55 | |
| GT-15 time trial | 12:15 | |
| F-125 time trial | 12:35 | |
| F-500 time trial | 13:20 | |
| F-250 time trial | 14:05 | |
| OSY-400 Heat 1 | 15:30 | |
| GT-30 Heat 1 | 15:50 | |
| P-750 Heat 1 | 16:10 | |
| GT-15 Heat 1 | 16:30 | |
| F-125 Heat 1 | 16:50 | |
| F-500 Heat 1 | 17:10 | |
| F-250 Heat 1 | 17:30 | |
| OSY-400 Heat 2 | 17:50 | |
| GT-30 Heat 2 | 18:10 | |
| P-750 Heat 2 | 18:30 | |
| Sunday 31 May | ||
| F-125 free practice | 10:30 | |
| F-500 free practice | 11:00 | |
| F-250 free practice | 11:30 | |
| GT-15 Heat 2 | 12:00 | |
| F-125 Heat 2 | 12:20 | |
| F-500 Heat 2 | 12:40 | |
| F-250 Heat 2 | 13:00 | |
| OSY-400 Heat 3 | 14:00 | |
| GT-30 Heat 3 | 14:20 | |
| P-750 Heat 3 | 14:40 | |
| GT-15 Heat 3 | 15:00 | |
| F-125 Heat 3 | 15:20 | |
| F-500 Heat 3 | 15:40 | |
| F-250 Heat 3 | 16:00 | |
| Prize giving | 17:30 | |
Times shown in local time (CEST, UTC+2). The Your time column displays your device’s local time.
Getting there
Centrum Sportów Wodnych is at ul. Szkolna 12, Żnin, directly on the shore of Małe Żnińskie Lake (GPS 52.84317, 17.72515). Żnin sits on the S5 expressway between Bydgoszcz and Poznań – approximately 50 km south of Bydgoszcz and 75 km north-east of Poznań.
Further information: www.zninpowerboat.pl
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.
