UIM F2: World Champion Edgaras Riabko Honoured by Government
The newsroomUpdated on October 26, 20263 minLithuania's Edgaras Riabko, 2026 UIM F2 World Champion, was honoured by the Prime Minister in Vilnius a month after clinching his title in Portugal.
Key point
A month after his UIM F2 title, Lithuania's Edgaras Riabko was received by the government in Vilnius on 26 October and granted a cash award of 80 BSI, around 5,920 euros.
Lithuania's Edgaras Riabko, crowned UIM F2 World Champion for 2026, was honoured by his country's government on Monday 26 October, a month after his title, Powerboat News reports. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius received him in Vilnius, together with the men's 3×3 basketball team that won the under-23 world title.
A cash award and a message from the Prime Minister
By order of the Prime Minister, Riabko was granted a cash award of 80 BSI. The BSI, or base social benefit, is the unit Lithuania uses to set state payments; at its 2026 rate of 74 euros, the award comes to around 5,920 euros. The two basketball coaches, Deividas Kumelis and Algirdas Stuknys, received the same amount.
According to the government's press release, Mindaugas Sinkevičius said that sport is about more than winning: for spectators and fans, pride and shared emotion count just as much. He praised sporting results at the very highest level and added that, thanks to Riabko, powerboat racing had found even more spectators in Lithuania this year. Riabko shared photos of the ceremony on his Facebook page, calling it another memorable day and thanking the government for recognising his team's work.
How the title was won
Riabko opened his season with third place at the Grand Prix of Lithuania in Klaipėda in June, then took pole and the win at the Grand Prix of Italy in Brindisi. He held the championship lead from there on. A lap penalty at Peso da Régua could have ended his hopes, and the title race was still mathematically open for six drivers heading into the finale.
In that finale, the Grand Prix of Vila Velha de Ródão in Portugal, France's Nelson Morin won ahead of Sweden's Mathilda Wiberg and Hilmer Wiberg. Riabko, fourth, scored the points needed to take the championship on 46 points, four ahead of defending champion Mathilda Wiberg (42). Morin finished third on 36 points.
A title long in the making
This first UIM F2 world title crowns a long career: the Kaunas driver, a two-time UIM F2 European Champion, had already been World Championship runner-up three times, including in 2020, and was third last year. He is also the founder of a youth powerboat academy in his home country. At his homecoming on 28 September he was met at Kaunas Airport with an oak wreath, the day after clinching the title.
Key points
- Riabko was received in Vilnius by the Lithuanian Prime Minister on 26 October.
- He was granted a cash award of 80 BSI, around 5,920 euros.
- His 2026 UIM F2 world title rests on 46 points against 42 for Mathilda Wiberg.
The editorial team will keep following UIM F2 and powerboat racing news.
Frequently asked questions
When was Edgaras Riabko received by the Lithuanian government?
On Monday 26 October in Vilnius, a month after his 2026 UIM F2 world title.
What reward did he receive?
A cash award of 80 BSI, the unit Lithuania uses to set state payments. At its 2026 rate of 74 euros, that comes to around 5,920 euros.
How did Riabko win his title?
With 46 points, four ahead of defending champion Mathilda Wiberg (42) and Nelson Morin on 36, thanks to fourth place in the Vila Velha de Ródão finale.
Sources
- Powerboat News — Edgaras Riabko honoured by the Lithuanian Government
- Powerboat News — Morin wins the finale, Riabko crowned UIM F2 World Champion
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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