TCA Racing celebrates Sebastien Vidémont’s 2026 World Champion title in Model Powerboat
Sebastien Vidémont wins the 2026 iMBRA World Championship in the 3.5 cc category using TCA Racing glow plugs: a result built on real testing, racing feedback and development dedicated to marine racing.
There is one result that has a very special meaning for TCA Racing: the 2026 Model Powerboat World Championship title, won by Sebastien Vidémont in the 3.5 cc category.
For us, this is not only a sporting success. It is the concrete confirmation that real-world testing, technical collaboration and targeted development can turn into performance, reliability and top-level international results.
A strong start from the qualification heats
Sebastien showed outstanding pace right from the beginning.
He took pole position with both boats after the first qualification heats, then confirmed the competitiveness of the overall package with a new record in the 3.5 cc category during qualifications.
After five days of racing, the situation was already extremely positive: first place in both categories and a very solid base going into the finals.
A great satisfaction, but the most important moment was still ahead.
A final fought until the very end
The 3.5 cc final was an intense race, fought all the way to the last moments.
Sebastien managed the race with great composure, alternating controlled phases with very high-pressure moments. For a large part of the race, he stayed close behind Erich Costa, holding second place just a few meters from the leader while gradually building a gap over the rest of the field.
After around 18 minutes, he made a first attack attempt, but it was unsuccessful. A few minutes later, in traffic and with a very risky move close to buoy number 2, Sebastien finally managed to take the lead.
From that point on, he pushed hard to build a small safety margin. The final minutes became even more demanding: less traffic, flatter water, reduced wind and a very high pace until the finish.
Erich Costa came back close again, and both drivers pushed their equipment to the limit until the very last minute.
In the end, Sebastien took the victory by only 4 seconds after 30 minutes of racing.
A minimal difference, around 0.2%.
A victory built on speed, consistency, composure and reliability.
An important result from a technical point of view
This world title is also highly significant from a technical perspective.
In model powerboat racing, the glow plug works under very demanding conditions: long races, high pressure, high temperature, rich fuel settings and the need to maintain stability and reliability throughout the entire run.
The result achieved by Sebastien is therefore very important for the development work TCA Racing is carrying out for marine racing applications.
The new TCA Racing Pro Marine Line comes from this path: real testing, direct racing feedback and technical collaboration with experienced drivers.
The goal is to develop a specific glow plug line for marine racing, designed to meet the reliability, stability and performance requirements of this demanding category.
The final configuration will be defined by carefully evaluating both the technical aspects and the production and commercial sides, but the direction is clear: a dedicated model powerboat line, developed from real racing experience.
The new TCA Racing Pro Marine Line is coming soon.
If you would like to receive launch updates, you can join the dedicated list here:
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A strong performance in the 15 cc category as well
Sebastien also came into this World Championship as the reigning 15 cc World Champion, having won the title in the previous two editions.
The final in this category was extremely intense and raced in difficult conditions, with many waves. After a difficult start, Sebastien found himself further back after the first lap, but progressively fought his way back up to second position.
While trying to catch the leader, contact with another competitor compromised the race: damaged propeller, return to the pontoon for a replacement, and only a few minutes left for a final recovery attempt.
Despite that, Sebastien still finished fourth, only 9 seconds away from the podium.
A result that confirms once again the overall quality of his performance throughout the entire World Championship.
A victory built together
For Sebastien Vidémont, this title represents a very important achievement.
For TCA Racing, it is a great satisfaction and also a confirmation: technical collaboration, when built on real testing and concrete feedback, can lead to important results at the highest level of international competition.
We are proud to have been part of this journey and to share this victory.
Thank you, Sebastien
We would like to thank Sebastien Vidémont for his trust, testing work, technical feedback and outstanding racing performance.
Seeing TCA Racing glow plugs involved in a world-class result of this level is a great satisfaction for us.
And this is only a new starting point.
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