HydroGP Financial Overhaul – Czech Prize Money Model Adopted

The UIM Council has voted to adopt the Czech Republic’s prize money model for HydroGP events, confirming a major shift in financial philosophy for the 2026 season. Poland’s competing proposal to equalise travel money across all classes was rejected.

The decision, made during the 98th UIM General Assembly on Friday 10 October, marks a definitive move away from participation-based travel compensation and toward performance-driven prize distribution.

Adopted: Czech Republic’s Prize Money Model

Under the newly approved Rule 108.03, organisers will no longer be required to pay travel money to foreign competitors in Formula 125 and Formula 250. Instead, €1,130 in prize money per class will be distributed across the top ten finishers, with pay outs ranging from €600 for first place to €100 for tenth.

Organisers must still provide €3,000 per class in start money, but the removal of travel payments reduces total financial obligations by €1,870 per class. Prize money must be paid in euros either on-site or via bank transfer by the Wednesday following the event, with organisers covering all associated fees and taxes.

The rule also includes new flexibility for event scheduling and cancellations:

– Date change restrictions reduced from 120 to 90 days
– Late applications permitted when titles remain vacant
– No travel money owed if cancellation occurs within 14 days and drivers have not departed

Karel Krämer, who submitted the proposal, argued that the changes would motivate better performance and attract new venues previously deterred by high travel costs.

Rejected: Poland’s Travel Money Equalisation

Poland’s proposal to reduce Formula 500 travel payments to €250 per driver—matching the rates for Formula 125 and 250—was not supported by COMINSPORT and failed to pass the Council vote.

The proposal aimed to preserve the participation-based model while lowering organiser costs from €12,000 to €9,000 per event. However, the Council opted for a more radical restructuring, favouring performance incentives over universal support.

Outcome and Implications

The vote reflects a clear preference for rewarding competitive results rather than subsidising attendance. While the Czech model may challenge smaller teams and privateers, it offers a leaner financial framework for organisers and aligns with broader efforts to streamline HydroGP logistics.

Formula 500 retains its separate financial structure under the “blue pages,” with €1,720 in prize money and €6,000 in travel money still applicable for 2026.

With the new rules taking effect from 1 January 2026, organisers and competitors alike must now adapt to a reshaped financial landscape—one that prioritises podium finishes over participation.