Team Monaco claims home E1 pole ahead of Saturday race showdown
In some of the roughest conditions of the season so far, they came through to secure the advantage ahead of Saturday’s racing. Oban Duncan at the wheel of the team’s E1 RaceBird clinched first position on the very final lap, inching ahead of John Peeters of Team Blue Rising.
The youngest pilot in the field, Oban ensured that she and French co-pilot Maxime Nocher will be at the head of the field for Team Monaco’s home race in only their fourth E1 outing.
Double reigning champions Team Brady were under pressure in Q1 before Emma Kimmilänen hauled her team out of danger with her final lap. That meant Sports.com Predict Team Miami Powered by Magnus and Team Rafa were eliminated in the first part of qualifying.
With NBA star and Sierra Racing Club co-owner Kyle Kuzma watching on, Sierra were eliminated in Q2 along with Team AlUla championed by LeBron James. They came through from qualifying ninth to finish third at the last race in Dubrovnik, so they still feel confident heading into the weekend.
Championship leaders Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola were the shock result in Q3. Having advanced to the final part of Qualifying in every race so far this season, pilot Sara Price had a prop overspeed in the choppy conditions, which left her underpowered for the remainder of her final lap of the session, seeing them tumble to fifth.
The Championship pace setters will be looking to make progress tomorrow with their team owner Will Smith in attendance. Aoki Racing was the other team to fall in Q3 as they look to get back on track after a challenging weekend last time out in Dubrovnik, though they just missed out on making it through to the top four.
Team Blue Rising had set the benchmark in Q4 with John Peeters bettering his own time on his second run and looking set to secure pole position for the first time.
The E1 Monaco 2026 race marks the Championship’s third visit to the Principality, one of the world’s most celebrated racing destinations hosted at the world-renowned Yacht Club de Monaco.
The E1 Fan Zone boasts a dedicated space in Jetée Lucciana for fans of all ages to watch the racing unfold on Saturday.
"Congratulations to Team Monaco on a fantastic home pole and to all teams for a thrilling qualifying here today. It sets up the prospect of an exciting race tomorrow."
"With its racing heritage and coastal beauty, the Principality is a natural home for E1 and one of the standout events of the Championship."
