DS Automobiles SailGP Team France makes a strong statement in Perth

The DS Automobiles SailGP Team France made an outstanding start to its 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship campaign by securing a podium finish at the Perth Sail Grand Prix, the opening event of the season.

After an intense and highly competitive weekend, staged on an exceptional racecourse with crystal-clear waters, the French team finished an excellent third overall, having been the leader of all fleet racing throughout the Grand Prix — a powerful statement right from the start of the season.
Thanks to sharp starts, consistency and strong execution during the fleet racing phase, DS Team France qualified for the final and immediately confirmed its place among the championship’s leading contenders. While victory ultimately went to the GBR team, the French squad leaves Australia with very positive takeaways and strong momentum heading into the rest of the season.

Saturday: sharp starts and first race win of the seasonConditions were already demanding on the opening day of racing, with moderate winds punctuated by strong gusts. The F50s were fitted with the 24-metre wing, in a season-opening Grand Prix where teams were still finding their marks.

Racing was contested with ten F50s, following a spectacular crash between Switzerland and New Zealand in the opening race, and the absence of the Spanish team, whose F50 had been damaged during training. In this context, it is worth noting that only the top ten finishers score points in each race, making every start critical.

The DS Automobiles SailGP Team France quickly displayed a high level of performance, driven by effective starts and stable flight, within a crew renewal and a swap to onboard communication in English. The team notably claimed victory in Race 2, its first race win of the 2026 season, thanks to solid on-water execution and a decisive tactical reading in dense traffic.

Manon Audinet, Strategist – DS Automobiles SailGP Team France: “I think these were the most extreme conditions we’ve faced in SailGP so far, with a lot of sea state and wind. Everyone had to be extremely focused on their technical role, and then Quentin and I had to be very precise in reading the racecourse.

It’s a really strong start to the season, one we were eagerly waiting for: new team, new title partner, and a great result this weekend. It’s exactly what we needed to move into this new phase.”

Sunday: maximum intensity and leadership confirmed

Conditions intensified further on Sunday. The F50s were fitted with the smaller 18-metre wing, with stronger winds and even more demanding race situations. The key focus was clear: keep it simple, stay present and adapt continuously.

Racing took place with 11 boats, as Switzerland was able to return to action, while New Zealand remained sidelined. On the start line, speeds were extremely high, crossings were tight, and tension was at its peak — even through the onboard communications.

At the end of a very intense day, the DS Automobiles SailGP Team France posted consistent results of 5th, 2nd and 2nd, retaining the overall lead in fleet racing and securing its place in the final.

Quentin Delapierre, Driver – DS Automobiles SailGP Team France:  “Leading the fleet racing at this first Sail Grand Prix is a very strong signal for the whole team. The level is incredibly high, and we managed to be consistent, solid and competitive across a wide range of conditions.
The final is always a special moment, but this podium and our fleet-race leadership show that we’re in the right rhythm to launch the season.”

A very positive momentum from the opening Grand PrixPresent alongside the team from this first event, Philippe Presti, the newly appointed Team Manager of DS Team France, highlighted the cohesion and potential of the group:

Philippe Presti, Team Manager – DS Automobiles SailGP Team France: “What stands out from these first races is the collective energy, the quality of execution and the team’s ability to adapt very quickly. Leading the fleet racing at the very first Grand Prix, with a renewed group, is extremely encouraging.
There is still room for improvement, but the foundations are healthy and solid for the rest of the season.”

An inaugural podium full of promiseThis podium finish at the opening event represents an excellent start for the DS Automobiles SailGP Team France and is promising for the remainder of the 2026 season. It validates the choices made during the off-season and also delivers strong momentum for the team’s partners — starting with its new Title Partner, DS Automobiles, announced just a few days ago.

Next stop: AucklandThe DS Automobiles SailGP Team France now turns its focus to the next round of the championship, the Auckland Sail Grand Prix (New Zealand), scheduled for 14–15 February, with the ambition of building on this very positive momentum.