Professional tennis star Rafael Nadal is entering the sport of electric powerboat racing with his purchase of an E1 team.
The inaugural E1 season is expected to start later this year.
“I’m really excited to be getting involved with a project like E1 that values sustainability and will make a positive impact on society as a whole, especially in coastal communities,” Nadal said in a statement. “I also like the fact that E1 has a clear mission and is committed to preserving marine ecosystems.
“As a professional athlete, I recognize how making marginal gains has a positive impact on performance,” he added. “To see this competitive spirit and approach being applied to E1 to optimize the performance and efficiency of sustainable marine mobility is good news for our oceans.”
Nadal also will support E1’s Blue Action Program, designed to create a positive impact on local communities through projects aimed at restoring marine ecosystems along city waterfronts. The program is led by Carlos Duarte, chief scientist at E1.
“Having a team owner of Rafael Nadal’s stature demonstrates the importance of our mission and shows that people like Rafa are passionate about making a positive impact,” Rodi Basso, co-founder and CEO of E1, said in the statement. “It’s amazing to see how driven Rafa is both on and off the court, particularly his appreciation for the ocean and marine life.”
