Team AlUla championed by NBA icon LeBron James, topped a breathless qualification session to secure pole position ahead of tomorrow’s E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d’Este. 

A stunning backdrop greeted all 10 teams as AlUla skilfully battled its E1 RaceBird ahead of Westbrook Racing and both 2026 season newcomers Team Monaco and Sierra Racing Club.

The session was witnessed by NBA star Kyle Kuzma who was in Como to watch his team, Sierra Racing Club, in action on the water for the first time since being announced as the sport’s latest high-profile team owner. 

But it will be LeBron James’ team who will have bragging rights heading into race day tomorrow as the team seeks to build on their podium in the first race of the season in Jeddah.

The qualification session was one of mixed fortune and it proved a tough day on the water for some of the Championship's leading contenders. Aoki Racing Team and Team Brady arrived in Como sitting first and second in the standings after Jeddah, yet both were knocked out in Q2 alongside Team Blue Rising and Team Rafa, leaving all four with a battle through the field on Saturday.

Sierra Racing Club, Team Monaco, Westbrook Racing and AlUla contested pole position, with Westbrook’s Sara Price pushing AlUla’s Wyatt closest before the Canadian’s composed second lap sealed the deal. 

The result leaves Westbrook and AlUla well placed to close the gap at the top of the standings tomorrow.

Rusty Wyatt said: "It was amazing. We definitely didn't have the first lap we wanted - we were bouncing around a little bit - but we turned it around for the second lap. It felt super good. I'm so happy for the team. P1 to start the weekend!”

Teammate Nerea Marti added: "I'm really happy we are in P1. I'm excited because it's the first pole for me in the team."

Jamie Copas, Chief Executive Officer, E1, said: "It's great to kick off the European leg of the season here in Lake Como, one of the most iconic race backdrops we visit. It captures everything E1 stands for - world-class racing from world-class pilots, incredible entertainment, and all in a location of natural beauty. 

“We are delighted to welcome our newest team owners Kyle Kuzma and Thibaut Courtois to their very first race tomorrow. The stage for tomorrow is perfectly set, the grid is as competitive as it has ever been, and our guests and fans are in for a tremendous day of electrifying racing."