TEAM NEWS: FRANCESCO, VICE-WORLD CHAMPION IN ISTANBUL!

Team News
Wing

18 august 2026 0

Francesco Cappuzzo in control on the Bosphorus all the way to the final!

The Formula Wing Foil Racing World Championship came to a close in Istanbul after five days of racing in the particularly technical conditions of the Bosphorus. A Formula format that requires riders to race with a limited quiver and registered production gear: one mast, two foil configurations and two wings to cover the full range of conditions. A format that rewards both the versatility of the gear and the riders' ability to make the most of their quiver across a wide variety of conditions.

Wing foiler: Francesco, GONG team rider, on a Racer FSP Pro, Pulse Race, Ypra Race mast, Ypra Race V3 Atmo front wing and stab. Photo: Wing Foil Racing.

Francesco leads going into the decisive final

In this context, Francesco Cappuzzo delivered an impressive week with the new Ypra Race V3 Atmo. Fast, consistent and confident, he led the championship with a margin of more than 20 points over his closest rivals at one stage, before heading into the final day wearing the yellow jersey and with a direct qualification for the grand final.

With the Medal Series format, the lead built up over the week earns direct access to the final, but the title then comes down to just a few races. Francesco and Alessandro Tomasi, the top two qualifiers, each started with one win to their name: the first to secure another victory would become world champion.

Francesco gets off to an excellent start and immediately puts himself in contention for the title. Approaching the first mark, a tactical decision ultimately swings the race: Tomasi finds more pressure and takes the lead. Francesco pushes all the way to the finish but has to settle for the vice-world champion title for the second consecutive year.

In a Formula format where the choice and versatility of a limited quiver are crucial, the Ypra Race V3 Atmo foil proved to be a serious weapon for fighting for the win at the highest level.

Congratulations to Alessandro Tomasi on his world title and to Francesco on this well-earned medal. Gold slips away once again, but one thing is certain: the speed is there, and the hunger for victory is stronger than ever.

Photo: Wing Foil Racing.