Balloch's Oban Duncan joins Didier Drogba's team in new E1 racing series

Balloch powerboat racer Oban Duncan has jetted off to Saudi Arabia, as she prepares for the first season of a brand new, all electric, racing series.

Oban has been chosen as one of a select group of drivers who will make up the grid for the first ever E1 Series - joining former Chelsea and Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba’s squad.

The pioneering championship, which will see races across the world including Hong Kong, Monaco and Venice, aims to usher in a new era of cleaner powerboat competition - and has the backing of a host of superstars running teams, including F1 driver Sergio Perez, NFL hero Tom Brady and tennis superstar Rafa Nadal.

And Oban, a racer in the British F4 powerboat series, admits she is all set for a new challenge - starting in the Middle East next month.

The 18-year-old told the Lennox: “It’s been a bit mental.

“We went to Rotterdam in September to do a demonstration and media event. Then all the teams and drivers started to be released and announced.

“I got approached by Team Drogba in late November. We knew that Jeddah was coming in February, but it all came around so quickly.

“I’ve been trying to get my F4 ready in the background too, so it feels like it’s never ending. But it’s good.

“I can’t complain at all that I’m getting to travel the world racing everywhere and meeting amazing people. It’ll be amazing, but it’s been a lot of work.”

Oban jetted off to Jeddah last week for two weeks of practice sessions, and says that experience makes her incredibly thankful to parents Ewen and Karen for their commitment getting her to this stage - having been racing since she was a primary pupil.

“My mum and dad have put so many hours and so much money into supporting my racing. I never thought I’d get a career