WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS · ISTANBUL, TURKEY · AUGUST 2026
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BRONZE FOR THOMAS PROUST IN ISTANBUL
3rd Place — 2026 Formula Wing World Championship
Thomas Proust secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Formula Wing World Championship in Istanbul, claiming his first senior World Championship podium in the discipline at just 19 years old.
But the road to the podium was far from straightforward.
A Difficult Start, Followed by a Strong Comeback
The championship opened with four long-distance races in winds ranging from 12 to 20 knots. After two difficult opening races, Thomas found himself playing catch-up.
He responded immediately, finishing fourth and fifth in the final two races of the day to move into ninth place overall.
The following day brought six more races in changing conditions. Thomas raised his level, winning races and steadily climbing the leaderboard.
As the competition moved into the Gold Fleet, bringing together the 20 best male riders, he maintained his position among the leading contenders.
Fighting Through the Finals
After finishing the qualifying series in sixth place, Thomas faced an additional challenge: he would have to advance through the quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals.
He delivered when it mattered, securing his place in the next round before qualifying for the championship final.
Despite a difficult start to the final, Thomas fought his way back into contention, overtaking Italy’s Gregorio Pugliese on the second lap and securing the bronze medal.
“I’m incredibly happy to finish third at the World Championship. It’s a great reward for all the hard work we’ve put in over the winter and since the beginning of the year!” — Thomas Proust
Three French Riders in the World’s Top Ten
The French men’s team also delivered an impressive collective performance: Thomas Proust finished third, Mathis Ghio sixth and Julien Rattotti seventh.
For Thomas, the result confirmed an exceptional season, following his World Cup podium in Hong Kong, European Championship bronze in Naples and fifth place at the Gizzeria World Cup.
From ninth after the opening day to third in the world. A breakthrough performance on the international stage.
