Extreme E 2022

Extreme E

2021

2022

Extreme E 2022

Datum	Plats	Land
19-20/2	Neom	Saudi Arabien
6-7/7	Sardinien	Italien
9-10/7	Sardinien	Italien
24-25/9	Antofagasta	Chile
26-27/11	Punta del Este	Uruguay
Officiell hemsida

Extreme E 2023

Datum	Land	Land
11-12/3	Saudi Arabien	Saudi Arabien
13-14/5	Skotland	Skotland
8-9/6	Sardinien	Italien
16-17/9	Brasilien eller USA
2-3/12	Chile	TBC
Officiell hemsida

22-11-28 How X44 Vida Carbon Racing claimed their maiden Extreme E Championship
After narrowly missing out on title glory in Extreme E’s inaugural campaign, X44 Vida Carbon Racing entered Season 2 on a mission to win. Despite tough competition from RXR and some setbacks, they brilliantly delivered at the Uruguay Naturals Energy X Prix, claiming third place to secure their maiden Extreme E Championship title in a nail-biting final round.

How did they do it? We caught up with the X44’s leading players to find out.
Lewis Hamilton's X44 team entered the 2022 season hungry for redemption after being denied championship glory in Season 1, due to having fewer X Prix victories than RXR over the course of the campaign. Season 2 was the opportunity to turn the tides.

Desert X Prix
At the season-opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, X44 Vida Carbon Racing laid down the gauntlet by securing first place in Qualifying, as well as progression through to the Desert X Prix Final.

However, despite flashes of speed, Sunday afternoon brought the team less reward. After Kristoffersson and Sanz pulled brilliant Final laps, securing P1 and P2 for RXR and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, respectively, Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez could only secure third spot on the podium.

NEOM Island X Prix I & II
X44 Vida Carbon Racing met similar misfortune during the second round of the season in Sardinia. Here, a difficult start ensured that the NEOM Island X Prix I was the first event that didn’t have Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez competing in the Final.

While Saturday’s Qualifying 1 was tricky for the team, with Loeb even helping to change a tyre in the Switch Zone, Q2 showed promise. Here, a masterclass from Loeb saw the team gain two track positions in the five-car Heat, claiming third in Qualifying overall.

The main troubles of the weekend struck on Sunday, with a struggle to set-off after the driver switch in Semi Final 2. Gutiérrez was unable to close the subsequent gap and the team fell short of a place in the Final, ending the X Prix in sixth.

X44 returned to fighting form at the NEOM Island X Prix II, securing third in the Q1 standings, ahead of NEOM McLaren Extreme E and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, respectively.

In Qualifying 2, Loeb and Gutiérrez picked up the chase, competing with RXR for that elusive top spot. Although the team picked up a 15-second penalty for leaving the Switch Zone too soon, their impressive pace they retained second place overall and proceeded to Semi-Final 2.

It seemed the NEOM Island X Prix II had finally delivered the whole package for X44 Vida Carbon Racing. In the Final, their pace was strong enough to claim second and their best result of the season to date. This meant the team entered the closing stages of the season on the coattails of the top three, just one point behind ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team in third.

Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix
In September, X44 Vida Carbon Racing finally produced a result that reflected their promise, claiming their first race victory of the season in Antofagasta, Chile.

The success of the weekend began on Saturday, with the team placing second in Qualifying overall. The team carried that momentum into Q2, where Loeb and Gutiérrez managed to secure their spot in Semi-Final 2, despite collecting a 10-second penalty for driving through a waypoint flag.

In Sunday’s Final, a dramatic turn of events saw multiple penalties accrued for X44 Vida Carbon Racing’s competitors, making way for Loeb and Gutiérrez to claim the top step of the podium.

As a result, Lewis Hamilton’s team successfully propelled themselves into the championship picture. Sitting only 17 points behind RXR going into the final X Prix weekend, the battle for the championship was in full swing.

Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix

Despite the momentum from their victory at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, X44 Vida Carbon Racing didn’t get the start they needed in Uruguay, as crash for Gutiérrez in Q1 put the team on the backfoot.

Alongside the DNF, the team were forced to use the championship car in place of their damaged ODYSSEY 21. Adding to the struggles of adapting to a new machine, the replacement incurred a five-second penalty that would later be served in the Crazy Race.

Loeb said: “When we used the second car it was the first time, we have ever changed the chassis. We had to get used to the car, it wasn’t working exactly like ours. The seat position, the pedals, everything was wrong, so we had to adapt in Q2 to try to get used to it. In the night, the team did a great job adjusting the car to make it more like the old car, so it felt a lot better for Finals Day.”

With the odds stacked against them, Loeb took a gamble and dropped to the back of the field in his Q2 Heat. This gave the Frenchman the clean air he needed to take on the Continental Traction Challenge, and Loeb’s bold tactics paid off. The team stormed to a time half a second quicker than the nearest challengers in the sector, earning five points that proved crucial come Finals Day.

This switched-on thinking came with its risks, as the team sealed their fate with a spot in the Crazy Racing alongside championship leaders RXR – a first for both teams as the title came down a wheel-to-wheel battle between the top two. X44 Vida Carbon Racing came out on top to take the fifth spot the Final, while RXR were disqualified for using too many engineers in the Switch Zone as they tried to get their damaged ODYSSEY 21 back out on course for crucial points.

The stakes were high, as Lewis Hamilton’s outfit needing at least third place in the Final to snatch the championship, and from the outset it was clear that it would be no easy task for X44 Vida Carbon Racing as Loeb slotted into fourth on his stint.

Championship glory slipped further and further away from the challengers, as Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Timmy Hansen kept Loeb at bay, leaving Gutiérrez to chase down Catie Munnings. Just as time seemed to be running out for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, a seven-second penalty came through for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E for speeding in the Switch Zone.

This was the lifeline that Gutiérrez needed, and the Spaniard crossed the line within two seconds of Munnings, thus securing third place and the championship title for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, just two points clear of RXR.

Gutiérrez said: "I still can’t believe it! It was a very tough weekend for us, especially after my roll yesterday. The team did a crazy job with the (spare) car and Qualifying 2 was the first time we had driven it.

"As for the Final, on the radio they told me someone was going to be penalised but still I didn’t know. I wanted to be sure that we won so I did not celebrate before it was official. It was a rollercoaster, but it is much better than that for us as we can now believe in what we have achieved."

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-27 Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing claim first Extreme E title in rollercoaster second season
X44 Vida Carbon Racing finished third by half a second in the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix to secure championship glory in a Final that went right down to the wire, with ABT CUPRA XE securing a maiden X Prix victory.

Lewis Hamilton's outfit entered a Final that was missing three of the top four teams in the championship standings, including leaders RXR.

As their closest rivals watched on from the paddock, Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez secured the podium finish needed to take their maiden Extreme E title, just two points clear of RXR in the standings, having bagged a crucial five points from the Continental Traction Challenge in Qualifying 2.

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: "I still can’t believe it! It was a very tough weekend for us, especially after my roll yesterday. The team did a crazy job with the (spare) car and Qualifying 2 was the first time we had driven it.

"As for the Final, on the radio they told me someone was going to be penalised but still I didn’t know. I wanted to be sure that we won so I did not celebrate before it was official. It was a rollercoaster, but it is much better than that for us as we can now believe in what we have achieved."

Sébastien Loeb, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: "We could only go and compete with everything we had and try to score maximum points. In the Final, it was a critical moment because I was fourth and we needed to be third. We had some contact here and there, but there was nothing I could do to overtake. Cristina did a great job to stay very close to the car in front and we knew potentially we were third. At the end it was what we needed so I’m really relieved to be here and really proud to win this championship."

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, added: "I think the season finale was an amazing rollercoaster. Everything was open!

“There was an incredible comeback from X44 Vida Carbon Racing and bad luck for Rosberg X Racing, who have done some incredible things this season. Once again the championship decider was close, with the season going down to the wire, so we’re ready for a fantastic campaign next year!"

The stakes were high, and from the outset it was clear that it would be no easy task for X44 Vida Carbon Racing. ABT CUPRA XE's Nasser Al-Attiyah and Veloce Racing's Kevin Hansen surrounded Loeb as the trio approached the opening sequence of corners.

A fantastic move from Loeb seemed to have taken the lead for the Frenchman, as he carried his speed through a wider line, until Al-Attiyah surged up the inside to steal first.

With the title on the line, Loeb kept the ABT CUPRA XE within reach, but as the leading teams tussled for supremacy, NEOM McLaren Extreme E's Tanner Foust timed his attack perfectly, charging through to take second away from X44 Vida Carbon Racing.

Championship glory slipped further and further away from the challengers, as Timmy Hansen managed to get past the recovering Loeb to secure third for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. A masterclass in defending followed, with Hansen keeping Loeb at bay as the teams approached the Switch Zone, where Gutiérrez would pick up the fight with Catie Munnings.

A five-second penalty for Veloce Racing, from Hansen hitting a waypoint flag on his stint, took the pressure off X44 Vida Carbon Racing from behind, but the heat was on to overtake Genesys Andretti United Extreme E.

Gutiérrez threw her ODYSSEY 21 into every corner but was struggling to gain enough ground on Munnings up ahead. What's more, the Spaniard was under investigation for a collision with Veloce Racing's Molly Taylor, for which she would later receive a five-second penalty.

Just as time seemed to be running out for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, a seven-second penalty came through for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E for speeding in the Switch Zone.

This was the lifeline that Gutiérrez needed as she fought to stay close enough to the Genesys Andretti United Extreme E ODYSSEY 21. The Spaniard crossed the line in fourth but within two seconds of Munnings, thus securing third place and the championship title for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, just two points clear of RXR.

Further up the field, a measured drive from Klara Andersson kept Emma Gilmour in her mirrors as the NEOM McLaren Extreme E driver chased a maiden podium for the team. Gilmour secured second, while Andersson and Al-Attiyah's performances earned ABT CUPRA XE their first X Prix win and back-to-back podiums during the pair's first Extreme E campaign.

Behind the tussling Gutiérrez and Munnings was Veloce Racing. Fifth place marked an impressive turnaround for the team and an amazing comeback from Molly Taylor as she returns to the Extreme E championship and competitive ways.

Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: "Wow! There are just so many emotions in me right now to be honest. I’ve been waiting for this for so long.

“It’s only my second Extreme E race, and my first proper Extreme E race weekend, so to be on top of the podium is huge. I couldn’t have done it without Nasser and the whole team."

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: "Thank you to the team and thank you to Klara. We had an amazing weekend and we are happy to win the last race.

“Now we have a lot of confidence to come back next year and fight for the title!”

Tanner Foust, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: "There was mayhem at the start, which is weirdly what you hope for when you’re last. I ended up coming out in second I think, and I had Timmy [Hansen] behind me and I got almost rolled. It was a push to stay in second place on the first lap and then Emma [Gilmour] came through - she was awesome."

Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: "It’s just fantastic - the team has worked so hard all year. We’ve had a few setbacks along the way so this is for the team, we couldn’t do it without them. I’ve got a fantastic teammate in Tanner and I'm just so happy to finish on this high note for the season."

Results
ABT CUPRA XE 10:26.537
NEOM McLaren Extreme E +3.427
X44 Vida Carbon Racing +10.467 (PENALISED)
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +11.029 (PENALISED)
Veloce Racing +15.094 (PENALISED)

Championship Standings
X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 86 points
Rosberg X Racing: 84 points
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 66 points
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 63 points
NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 52 points
ABT CUPRA XE: 46 points
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: 45 points
XITE ENERGY Racing: 33 points
JBXE: 27 points
Veloce Racing: 18 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-27 Jobbig avslutning i Extreme E
Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin Kottulinsky blev snuvade på Extreme E-titeln. Rosberg X Racing-ekipaget fick aldrig riktigt chansen att försvara sin ledning.
- Vi gjorde allt vi kunde, men den här gången gick det inte vår väg, konstaterar Johan.

Det blev en underlig och frustrerande avslutning på Extreme E-säsongen i Uruguay för Kristoffersson och hans team. Faktum är att Johan och Mikaela inte fick fullfölja ett enda race under helgen. I Q1 rullade Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, vilket innebar reparationsarbete istället för en styrning för Kristoffersson.

I andra kvalomgången tog Johan ledningen efter ett par tuffa inledande dueller, men det blev en kortvarig glädje. Kristoffersson blev påkörd bakifrån av Nasser al-Attiyah, vilken fick en bestraffning, men det hjälpte inte Rosberg X Racing som förpassades till crazy race istället för semifinalen.
- Inte vad vi hade hoppats på efter den starten på säsongen, men det är två struliga helger som har avslutat säsongen för oss. Så är det ibland, säger Johan.

Där hamnade också de största titelkonkurrenterna, X44, och eftersom bara ett team går vidare från crazy race till finalen, så stod det klart att minst ett av toppteamen skulle missa slutuppgörelsen.

När de två andra teamen i täten, Acciona Sainz och Chip Ganassi, missade avancemang i sina semifinaler så blev uppgörelsen mellan X44 och RXR än mer avgörande.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky inledde i crazy race och var med i tätstriden, men efter både en och två smällar från konkurrenterna blev bilen näst intill okörbar. Åhlin-Kottulinsky haltade in i växlingszonen långt efter ledande X44.

I det läget hade också X44 fem extra poäng från “traction challenge”- sträckan. Rosberg X Racing gav sig på en reparation av bilen för att kunna skicka ut Kristoffersson till ett försök att erövra de poängen. Under den tiden dömdes man dock för att ha använt för många mekaniker i byteszonen, med en diskvalificering som följd.

Därmed var helgen över för RXR, men inte titelhoppet helt och hållet. För X44 gällde att komma sämst trea i finalen för att ta hem titeln, annars skulle Rosberg X Racing behålla sin tätposition. X44 kom visserligen i mål som fyra, men tog hem titeln ändå. Trean Andretti United hade överskridit hastighetsbegränsningen i växlingszonen, vilket innebar sju sekunders tidstillägg. Sébastien Loeb och Cristina Gutiérrez upp till tredje plats, vilket räckte för att peta bort fjolårsvinnarna RXR från mästartronen med 86 poäng mot 84.
- Det är ett tufft mästerskap och många team blir snabbare och snabbare. Vi tar av hatten för X44. De drog det längre strået den här gången. Stor respekt för det, säger Johan som också hyllar det egna teamet.
- Ett väldigt bra jobb. De har gett oss en perfekt bil hela året. Och bra kört av Mikaela, som ny i teamet. Superbra gjort.

22-11-27 X44 Vida Carbon Racing take Crazy Race win to set up thrilling season finale
With championship contenders ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing already ruled out of the Final, only Rosberg X Racing and X44 Vida Carbon racing remained in contention to win this year’s Extreme E title.

As the teams launched off the start-line, the championship rivals were neck and neck up the opening straight as Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy and Cristina Gutiérrez tussled for the all important lead.

The Spaniard came out in front for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, and as Åhlin-Kottulinksy tussled with JBXE's Hedda Hosås for second place, the RXR driver lost her ODYSSEY 21 in a spin following contact from XITE ENERGY Racing's Tamara Molinaro.

Åhlin-Kottulinksy found herself back in the fight Hosås with a great recovery, however subsequent contact forced the JBXE off course and out of the race, while damage from the incident put RXR's race in question.

With X44 Vida Carbon Racing out in front, Gutiérrez pushed hard to extend her lead, conscious of the five-second penalty the team would be serving in the Switch Zone for the repairs to their ODYSSEY 21 post Qualifying 1.

Åhlin-Kottulinksy continued to push, making it to the Switch Zone where RXR worked hard to get their damaged ODYSSEY 21 back out into the race in search of essential points. With RXR still in the Switch Zone, a two-car race ensued, playing right into the hands of Sébastien Loeb and X44 Vida Carbon Racing.

As Lewis Hamilton's outfit exited the Switch Zone side-by-side with XITE ENERGY Racing, a fight between Loeb and Extreme E debutant Ezequiel Companc was all that stood in the way of a spot in the Final and a chance at stealing the championship title away from RXR.

A measured drive from Loeb saw X44 Vida Carbon Racing take the win they needed, coping with the pressure from an impressive performance from Companc. XITE ENERGY Racing finish second in the race despite a 30-second penalty for Molinaro's collision with Åhlin-Kottulinksy and Companc's 10-second penalty for contact with Loeb in the Switch Zone.

The race wasn't over yet, though, as the RXR team continued to work on their ODYSSEY 21 in a bid to take third place and a precious 2 championship points. Nico Rosberg's team appeared to have done the impossible as Johan Kristoffersson set off from the Switch Zone, but RXR were soon disqualified for a Switch Zone infringement.

Falling short of the Final, RXR must watch on as X44 Vida Carbon Racing fight for championship winning points the Final. Sitting 17 points behind RXR in the standings, Loeb and Gutiérrez must secure a spot on the podium and retain the 5 points from the Continental Traction Challenge to take a maiden Extreme E title.

With the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix Final getting underway shortly, find out where you can watch the action here.

Results
X44 Vida Carbon Racing 10:44.858
XITE ENERGY Racing +47.784 (PENALISED)
JBXE DNF
Rosberg X Racing DISQUALIFIED

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-26 ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team top a dramatic Qualifying 1 in Uruguay
Laia Sanz and Carlos Sainz Snr. topped the timesheets with a time of 10:14.120 in a nail-biting first session which saw the top five teams separated by just 2.606 seconds.

Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: “We are happy. This track is quite tight, as we can see with the times, and I think it will be like this all the weekend.

“It won’t be easy to get those five championship points from the Continental Traction Challenge in the next session, as when we are racing with more cars it will be really tough to improve the times. We will see though - anything can happen.”

Championship leaders Rosberg X Racing (RXR) and nearest challengers X44 Vida Carbon Racing both suffered setbacks in their title chase, as rolls for Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy and Cristina Gutiérrez leaves their teams with plenty of work ahead of Q2.

There was a total of three red flags in the session, with a similar incident for JBXE’s Hedda Hosås as the drivers found the limits of the three-kilometre course in Punta del Este.

A new driver line-up propelled Veloce Racing to second in the Q1 standings. Molly Taylor and Kevin Hansen temporarily topped the timesheets in their debuts for the team but were pipped at the post by just 0.563 seconds.

No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing were third, stealing a spot in the top three from ABT CUPRA XE who finished 0.219 seconds behind the American team despite a five-second time penalty for a Switch Zone infringement. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E maintained their strong start to proceedings in Uruguay as they rounded out the quick top five.

Slightly further adrift in sixth were NEOM McLaren Extreme E, who completed a clean run after a roll in Free Practice for Emma Gilmour, while in seventh were XITE ENERGY Racing as just 16.043 seconds separated the seven finishing teams.

It could not be much closer as the teams head into the second session, and with Qualifying 2 fast approaching find out where you can watch the action here.

Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: We have a good car, I was very comfortable with it out there. The team has done a fantastic job on the set up, I really enjoyed driving it and I tried not to take too much of a risk as I had seen other teams having a bit of an issue.”

Mikaeala Åhlin-Kottulinksy, Rosberg X Racing, said: “I came up and had too much weight on the outer wheel and just rolled. Hopefully our car should be ready for Q2, and timing wise we were fine, so we take the good parts with us, make some changes, and work from there.”

Sébastien Loeb, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: “We’ve seen three of the cars on the track roll, so I think the grip is too high for our centre of gravity and if you want to push in the corner, you roll.

“I saw Cristina’s roll from afar and saw the car jumping around so there could be some damage. We will see if we are okay to go out in Q2 – let’s hope so.”

Hedda Hosås, JBXE, said: “Of course, it’s not the way we wanted the weekend to start. I think there was a small bump, and it’s hard to save that when you’re going uphill. We’re going to look at the onboard and study what happened properly. The team is working really hard so we should be fine.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-26 Genesys Andretti United Extreme E fastest in Practice as Season 2 showdown starts in style
The three-kilometre course of the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix promises an exciting showdown and, with two laps per driver each round, the stage is set for some action-packed wheel-to-wheel racing.

Festivities got underway yesterday with a roadshow in downtown Punta del Este. A welcome speech was delivered by Alejandro Agag, while the drivers in the title contending teams took questions from the crowd of fans.

An autograph session followed, where the spectators got up close and personal with the stars and cars of Extreme E ahead of the final race of 2022.

Fraser McConnell, JBXE, said: “We got an amazing reception from the fans here in Uruguay. To be a part of Extreme E’s first fan event, especially from behind the wheel of the JBXE ODYSSEY 21, is something I’m really proud of.”

Ezequiel Companc, XITE ENERGY Racing, said: “It’s been an amazing event, and to introduce a parade to Extreme E is something quite amazing. Being close to the fans was a great experience - they really appreciated it and so did the drivers.

“This is quite a new series, only two years now, so it was amazing to see so many people coming by to give us the love.

With Rosberg X Racing (RXR) 17 points clear in the race to lift the championship trophy this weekend, the final round of the season will prove the most nail-biting yet for the other Extreme E contenders as they look to steal glory in Punta del Este.

Ahead of a crucial weekend, quickest out of the blocks in Free Practice were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E with a time of 10:07.248. Having shown pace throughout the campaign, Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings set off in hot pursuit of a second podium for their 2022 campaign.

Timmy Hansen, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “The whole team is hoping to end the season with a good result. We’ve had strong pace this year but unfortunately, have missed out a few times in the semi-finals which has ultimately resulted in us not getting the results we have been aiming for.

"Our qualifying results show we’ve had a good season from a pace perspective, so we’re hoping we can keep that pace going into the season finale. Our aim is a podium or to end the season with a win, nonetheless I’m excited to be back with the team for the final time this year.”

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: "The team is excited for a new race and for the chance to prove our pace out on track. Hopefully, we can have a clean set of runs and a successful race. We haven't had a win this year, so that's the aim but let's see if we can make it happen.”

Close behind were championship contenders X44 Vida Carbon Racing who, off the back of victory in Chile, maintained their momentum with a time of 10:08.851 and a quickest lap of the day from Sébastien Loeb.

Also setting their best time in the second session were ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, who rounded out the top three and kept their title hopes alive going into tomorrow’s Qualifying.

NEOM McLaren Extreme E recovered from a roll for Emma Gilmour in Free Practice 1 to claim the fourth fastest time of the day, while No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing completed the top five runners.

Championship leaders RXR were eighth overall in Free Practice as they search for the consistency needed to win back-to-back Extreme E titles this weekend.

Free Practice combined timings:
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E 10:07.248 (FP2)
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 10:08.851 (FP2)
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 10:15.664 (FP2)
4. NEOM McLaren Extreme E 10:18.988 (FP2)
5. GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 10:22.369 (FP2)
6. ABT CUPRA XE 10:22.588 (FP2)
7. JBXE 10:23.311 (FP2)
8. Rosberg X Racing 10:25.891 (FP2)
9. Veloce Racing 10:22.473 (FP2)
10. XITE ENERGY Racing 11:00.288 (FP2)

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: “Heading into this weekend, because I am used to driving in sand and gravel, I have some confidence. In Dorset we had similar conditions, and we won the race, so I'm hoping we can carry that forward. Obviously, it helps to have had the win in Chile. It’s meant we have come here with more motivation knowing the championship is alive.”

Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: “We feel strong but of course the championship is far away to win. It will be difficult, but anything can happen, so we need to find a little here and see what we get. I think we have a good rhythm and can be competitive this weekend so we will try our best.”

Tanner Foust, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: “The fifth and final round of Extreme E in Uruguay marks the end of a whirlwind first season for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. Emma and I have grown as a driving duo, the team has grown as a tight unit with a focus on results, and the pace has increased dramatically over the span of one short season. I’m looking forward to wrapping up the year in positive fashion!”

RJ Anderson, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, said: "It’s a very extreme learning curve and as I mentioned before, I’m going against some of the best teams and drivers in the entire world so that makes it an even steeper incline for me but I’m really enjoying the process!”

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “We saw in Chile that we can race for trophies and victory with a clean race day – and that’s exactly our goal for Uruguay. Now, my focus is fully on the XE finale. Starting in front of so many spectators is something that I’m not used to. I’m looking forward to it and hope we’ll have plenty of time for the fans.”

Fraser McConnell, JBXE, said: “It’s an honour to be here and great to be part of the racing team with JBXE. But it’s one step at a time, knowing what to do and what not to do, and there’s no pressure added either from the team or myself. We are not in the championship final, so the mission is to do whatever’s possible and bring it home.”

Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing, added: “It’s great to be here. The track is located on a wide grassy plain. We have never driven on such a surface before, so this will be interesting. Obviously, we will do our best as we thrive for the victory in Uruguay, and I am confident we are in a good position to bring it home.”

Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: “It’s really nice to be back. It feels very familiar in the paddock and seeing all the familiar faces. The way this track is built feels very different to me from anything before – it looks like a new kind of style from what I’ve been used to (in Extreme E) especially with the braking. But even from the first lap, it feels like a lot of fun!”

Ezequiel Companc, XITE ENERGY Racing, said: “It’s a completely new sport, and a completely new way of driving for me, especially as my background is with GT racing. But doing my debut here at Extreme E, at this amazing event so close to my hometown, it is something really special for me.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-24 Extreme E launches extensive Legacy Programme in Uruguay
Ahead of the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este this weekend (26-27 November), Extreme E has embarked on its latest Legacy Programme.

The sport for purpose series has taken a three-pronged approach towards its legacy efforts in Uruguay, turning its attention towards marine conservation, ecotourism, and renewable energy awareness.

All three aspects of this programme intertwine and came to fruition this week as the championship’s drivers visited both a colony of sea lions and fur seals, and a wind-farm run by the National Administration of Electrical Power Generation and Transmission (UTE).

Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: “It is great to be in Uruguay for the Season 2 finale, and it was enlightening to visit the series’ legacy programmes ahead of this weekend’s racing – especially in a country which is really focused on sustainability and the environment.

“It was interesting to hear so much about the importance of renewable energy here in this country, as well as how it is partnering with the OCC and their own commitments towards ocean preservation. It was a great way to start what will be an incredible weekend in Punta del Este – especially in my first race weekend with Veloce Racing.”

Despite being the second smallest sovereign nation in South America, Uruguay is leading the green energy charge on the continent. In particular, the contribution of wind energy positions Uruguay as a world leader in the sector alongside Denmark, Ireland and Portugal.

Extreme E visited a UTE wind-farm to better understand some of Uruguay’s environmental solutions and spread the message of how approximately 98% of the country's electricity generation originates from renewable sources.

Silvia Emaldi, UTE President, said: “For Uruguay and for UTE it is fundamental that Extreme E visits Uruguay and that the drivers can see the development that this small South American country has made and how important it is for us to take care of the environment.

“From now on, we are developing the second energy transformation of the country by promoting electric mobility. That is why it is essential that Extreme E visits Uruguay. We want to go from vehicles that use fossil fuels to electric vehicles and thus go a step further.”

Uruguay faces great challenges in the face of climate change due to its dependence on agriculture and low laying coastal land that can be affected by extreme weather conditions and sea level change. While the country is highly vulnerable, so too are its oceans, which are home to a rich range of ecosystems.

Tackling these issues head on, Extreme E has partnered with the Organisation for Cetacean Conservation (OCC) as part of its Legacy Programme in the region.

The OCC is a marine based NGO carrying out marine conservation, environmental education and awareness, responsible marine tourism and sustainable fishing. Extreme E will work with the OCC to help continue their efforts with their school education and itinerant exhibitions - driving the importance of marine life.

Extreme E's funding will also go towards improving the OCC’s whale photo-ID catalogue, organising and processing existing material and generating new content. These ID catalogues are integral in helping track and monitor whale data in Uruguayan waters.

While whales are the flag species for the OCC, the organisation recognises that biodiversity is a circle in which all species are connected. For the OCC, conserving whales means the conservation of the other marine species within the ecosystem that might go unnoticed.

Among these species are seals and sea lions. Uruguay hosts the largest reproductive colony of thin sea lions and fur seals in the southern hemisphere on the Isla de Lobos.

Alongside talks from Extreme E’s Science Committee and local maritime experts, the series’ drivers visited Lobos Island, home to both sea lions and fur seals, as the championship works with the government to promote effective ecotourism in the region.

Marcelo Sivack, OCC Board President, said: “This legacy activation has been special for both the OCC and the Extreme E drivers. An encounter face to face with fur seals, swimming in open waters close to Isla de Lobos, was a perfect demonstration of responsible tourism by the drivers and yet another example of Extreme E supporting sustainable activities.”

Extreme E will continue to support its new partners, pursuing research around marine conservation and promoting more sustainable methods of tourism, while using its platform to educate more than just the local community in Uruguay.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-24 Course revealed for Season 2 finale in Uruguay
Extreme E has revealed its exciting final course ahead of the championship finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
With each lap just under 3km long, the South American course will put our world class drivers to the test. The teams' drivers will cover half the race length each, taking on changing gradients and undulations, high-speed corners and a number of overtaking opportunities.

It should prove to be a fitting setting for an exciting Extreme E season – with four teams still in the running to win this year’s championship.

Timo Scheider, Extreme E Championship Driver, describes Extreme E’s final course of Season 2.

Timo explains: “We have what I think is a very exciting starting area down to Waypoints 1 and 2. It is a wide open, slightly downhill slope into the first drop which will create some action. The good thing here is that we will have a side-by-side situation for up to five cars. Then, we enter the ditch and jumping out of that, the cars will likely still be next to each other.

“Entering Turn 1, a ninety-degree right hander, it looks easy but it is a grass field so you will notice that we have very slippery conditions, even though the track is dry. This will affect the driving lines and affect the cars significantly in terms of grip, so the drivers are going to have to work hard to manage that.

“The first sector is the fastest, so there we will see who can adapt quickest to the track conditions in that area. I expect plenty of track evolution as the drivers run lines into the course and form ruts, so they will have to hit the line perfectly otherwise they will have to fight hard to recover. I also expect next to the line it will remain very slippery so we will likely see the cars sliding all over the place.

“The following sector is a more technical part, so the drivers have to hit the brakes and get the rotation right to position the car well to get through the intricate corners.

“Then the drivers enter the midfield straight which includes a nice spot for the ENOWA Hyperdrive. Here the drivers exit the straight, which is an overtaking opportunity, into what feels like a nearly 180-degree right hand corner. This leads into a high-speed jump, where the car runs smoothly before coming back into another technical area with uphill and downhill spots. A tight left-hander follows as the drivers prepare for a final jump that guides them either into the Switch Zone or across the finish line.

“Looking at the course overall, especially with the championship picture in mind, lap times will be super tight and to adapt driving styles and adapt the cars will be a pretty big challenge.

“It is tricky to be consistently quick and hit the right line all the time here, and that’s something which is made more difficult the more cars you have around you.”

As usual, each driver will get a chance to deploy their ENOWA Hyperdrive as tactically as possible as they all look to get an edge out on course.

Meanwhile, the Continental Traction Challenge will be as crucial as ever. Running from Way Point 5 to Way Point 13, being quickest through this section over the weekend will be absolutely pivotal with five extra points up grabs, especially so for the series’ four title contenders this weekend.

You can watch the Extreme E Season 2 title-decider in Punta del Este this weekend (26-27 November) and find out where you can catch all of the action here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/broadcast-information#country=UY

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-23 Countdown is on to Extreme E Season 2 showdown
Rosberg X Racing head into the final round at the top of the standings with 83 points
Still in contention for the championship title are X44 Vida Carbon Racing, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing
New driver line-ups for Veloce Racing, JBXE, XITE ENERGY Racing, ABT CUPRA XE, and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing as they take on the season finale
The Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix marks Extreme E’s second South American X Prix as the series returns to the continent after its fourth round in Chile
Uruguay is one of the leading countries in renewable energy production, generating over 98% of all its electricity from renewable sources

23 November 2022, London: This weekend’s Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix (26-27 November) will close a nail-biting second season for Extreme E, as four teams enter the weekend in contention for the championship title.

Championship leaders Rosberg X Racing (RXR) enter Punta del Este as favourites, having secured 83 points and two wins across their Season 2 campaign so far. This means that, despite technical issues ruling them out of the Final in Chile, Nico Rosberg’s team have kept their place at the top of the table. Claiming victory in Uruguay will secure them back-to-back Extreme E titles.

This remarkable feat will not be won without beating some tough opposition out on course. Only 17 points separate RXR from their closest rival, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, who seized their place in the championship running after claiming the win in Antofagasta, Chile. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team (60 points) and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing (55 points) follow closely behind, ensuring the fight for top of the podium has gone down to the wire.

The race format will be as it was prior to Chile, with each driver completing one lap during the races. This means that every move will count towards final position, increasing the stakes of both Saturday and Sunday.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are all set for a fantastic finale in Punta del Este.

“It has been an extremely competitive second season of Extreme E, with new winners and so many teams securing podiums it just goes to show the strength of our field out on course.

“It is fitting that we are completing the season in Uruguay, a country which shares so many of our beliefs around environmental progress, sustainability focuses, and raising awareness of the climate crisis.”

Uruguay is one of the leading countries in renewable energy production, currently generating over 98 per cent of all electricity from renewable sources, primarily through wind power. The South American nation will close Extreme E Season 2, which has been dedicated to highlighting tangible climate solutions via its ‘Race for the Planet’ standpoint.

The X Prix itself will take place near the sandy beaches of Punta del Este, on the Atlantic facing, 660km-long coastline in South-eastern Uruguay.

After the success of the first South American X Prix in Antofagasta, Chile, Extreme E is excited to be returning to the continent for its much-anticipated finale.

Enno Straten, Head of Strategy and Marketing at Continental Tires EMEA, said: “The 2022 season has been thrilling, with plenty of action on track. Once again familiar rivals X44 Vida Carbon Racing and Rosberg X Racing are battling to the end, but this time we see new contenders also battling it out for a place in the top three.

“With the addition of new locations this year, our tyres have really been put to the test in a variety of terrains, and we are pleased to say they have coped well.”

There will be some new faces for Extreme E fans to get to know in Punta del Este, as well as many of the series’ established stars in different race suits, in what promises to be an intriguing prospect.

Former Championship Driver and FIA World RX star Klara Andersson will start alongside Nasser Al-Attiyah for ABT CUPRA XE at the final race of Extreme E Season 2.

The 22-year-old Swede replaces Jutta Kleinschmidt, who continues to recover from an injury suffered at the previous race in Chile. Kleinschmidt was ruled out of competing in Extreme E’s South American debut following a crash in Free Practice.

Veloce Racing will bring to Uruguay an all-new line-up, with 2021 Extreme E Champion Molly Taylor partnering series star Kevin Hansen, who moves from JBXE, to replace Christine GZ and Lance Woolridge. GZ will be the female Championship Driver for the Season 2 finale.

Stepping into the Swede’s seat at Jenson Button’s outfit will be former Championship Driver Fraser McConnell, marking the Jamaican’s racing debut in Extreme E.

Argentine Ezequiel Companc will make his series bow for XITE ENERGY Racing, replacing Timo Scheider who will resume his responsibilities as male Championship Driver.

Meanwhile, due to a calendar clash, Kyle LeDuc will miss out on the Season 2 finale. Stepping in for LeDuc at No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing will be off-road star RJ Anderson, who will team up with Sara Price for the championship decider.

With the intense competition ahead, GridPlay will be crucial at the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix.

GridPlay puts fans at the centre of the action, giving them an opportunity to use their vote to influence the outcome of the racing. The team with the most fan votes gets the opportunity to pick its grid position for the Final first, followed by the team with the second most votes and so on.

Given the nature of the series, combined with an exciting new location, previous knowledge will not give an edge in Uruguay. The final championship standings will come down to just a handful of points still available.

With the difference in altitude, unique terrain, and a brand-new course to contend with, Extreme E’s return to South American racing is set up to be a special one… and we can’t wait!

Find out where you can watch the action here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/664_How-to-watch-Extreme-E-s-Antofagasta-Minerals-Copper-X-Prix

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-23 Fraser McConnell completes JBXE line-up for Season 2 finale
Fraser McConnell will contest the Extreme E Season 2 finale for Jenson Button’s JBXE team, replacing the outgoing Kevin Hansen.

McConnell joins JBXE having been Championship Driver at three races this season and off the back of a rich career in motorsport. He will partner Hedda Hosås at the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix this weekend (26-27 November), with Hansen switching to Veloce Racing.

Fraser McConnell, JBXE driver, said: "It is such an honour to be joining JBXE for the final round of Extreme E Season 2 in Uruguay.

"As the Championship Driver for the last three rounds, I have been able to get a closer look at how all of the teams operate, and I am very pleased to be jumping into the yellow and white JBXE machine alongside Hedda. I'm looking forward to meeting the team and getting some work done."

Alongside McConnell’s stint as Extreme E Championship Driver, including testing Continental’s Season 3 tyre prototypes, the 24-year-old is fast developing his off-road pedigree.

The Jamaican immediately impressed in North America’s ARX2 series in 2018. Reaching the Final four times out of five – bagging a podium in the last round of the campaign – McConnell went on to lift the ARX2 crown the following year.

Making the switch to the RallyX Nordic Supercar class in 2020, McConnell secured the runner-up laurels in the overall standings. 2021 saw him build upon that success, securing his first Supercar victory defeating Rosberg X Racing (RXR) star and four-time FIA World Champion Johan Kristoffersson at the RallyX Nordic in Nysum, Denmark.

McConnell is already enjoying a strong 2022 season having recently become Nitro Rallycross’ fourth winner of the season in Round 4 at Glen Helen.

Jenson Button, Team Owner of JBXE, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Fraser in action recently and I couldn’t be happier to have him join JBXE for our final race of the season. Knowing how quick he is, I can’t wait to see him battle it out in JBXE colours alongside Hedda!”

Catch JBXE’s new driver line-up at the season-ending Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 26-27 November. Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-23 Ännu en titel i sikte för Johan
Johan Kristoffersson och hans team, Rosberg X Racing, åker till Uruguay för att säkra mästerskapstiteln i Extreme E i den femte och sista deltävlingen.
- Visst har vi en ledning, men vi måste ändå få jobbet gjort, säger Kristoffersson.

Förra året tog RXR hem den historiska första titeln i det nya elbilsmästerskapet. Johan Kristoffersson hade då australiensiskan Molly Taylor som stallkompis. Det här året har han kamperat ihop med värmländska kollegan Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, och möjligheterna till en andra raka titel är goda. Rosberg X Racing leder teammästerskapet med 83 poäng, sjutton före X44, med Cristina Gutiérrez/Sébastien Loeb.
- Men vi kommer nog behöva gå till final för att säkra mästerskapet, annars lär det inte gå vägen. Det ser bra ut, men vi får inte få tekniska problem som senast i Chile, påpekar Johan.

Då missade RXR finalen på grund av ett elfel. Konkurrenterna kunde därmed knappa in på det stora försprång som svenskduon hade skaffat sig i Saudiarabien och på Sardinien. I de tre första deltävlingarna för säsongen registrerade Kristoffersson/Åhlin-Kottulinsky två segrar och en tredjeplats efter imponerande styrningar av de båda.

Nu är det tillbaka till Sydamerika för Extreme E-serien, men den här gången till den östra sidan istället för den västra. Säsongsepilogen körs i Punta del Este vid Atlantkusten och fokuserar på förnyelsebar energi under namnet Energy X Prix.
- Vi vet inte så mycket om platsen där vi ska tävla, och har ingen info om underlaget, men vi får reka när vi kommer dit och lägga en plan utifrån det.
- Vi har gått igenom tidigare tävlingar och förberett oss på bästa sätt. När vi kom till Sardinien tidigare i år hade vi lite koll eftersom vi hade varit där året innan, men den här gången kommer vi till ett ställe där allt är helt nytt.

Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky kan också ta hem förarmästerskapet. Där har den blågula konstellationen ett mindre försprång, endast två poäng.
- Där får vi inte tillgodoräkna oss supersektor-poängen som vi har plockat. Det krävs att vi kommer i mål före X44, Sainz team och Chip Ganassi om vi ska kunna säkra båda mästerskapen, men vi ska som vanligt göra allting så bra som vi kan, avslutar Johan Kristoffersson på sin väg till Uruguay.

22-11-17 Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen sign multi-year extensions at Genesys Andretti United Extreme E
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E have announced multi-year contract extensions with its drivers Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen.

The race-winning pair will continue to drive for Genesys Andretti United XE into Season 3 and beyond.

One of the most experienced driver pairings in Extreme E, the duo have been team-mates since the championship’s inception back in April 2021 when the series made its debut in the deserts of AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

The long-standing partnership has produced several successful and unforgettable moments, including three podiums and most notably victory at the 2021 Extreme E Arctic X Prix – which was also the very first race event ever to take place in Greenland.

Munnings and Hansen are currently sixth in the Extreme E standings this term with 33 points – including a podium finish at NEOM Island X Prix II.

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “I’m so excited to continue my journey with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. As a team, we have been able to continue to challenge the front of the field over the past few seasons.

“We have a great set of people around us that strive for the best, a focus of Extreme E not only in racing but in protecting and supporting our environment. I’m looking forward to continuing my time with the team. Roll on next year.”

Timmy Hansen, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, added: “I look forward to continuing my time with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. Catie and I continue to perfect and polish our driving styles to push ourselves to the top of the series.

Ultimately, our aim is to win the championship and being with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, I truly believe that we have all the tools we need for success.”

Michael Andretti, Chairman and CEO, Andretti Autosport, said: “Extreme E is a crucial contribution to our sustainability mission at Andretti Autosport. Catie and Timmy are one of the top driver combinations in the Extreme E paddock and we are thrilled to have them leading our team for Season 3 and beyond.

“Their experience and commitment to the series only helps us to continue to develop our sustainability journey through the series and continue to push to the front of the field.”

Find out if Munnings and Hansen can take Genesys Andretti United Extreme E further up the series leaderboard at the Season 2 finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on November 26-27.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-16 Extreme E announces Season 3 calendar
Extreme E has today announced its calendar for the upcoming 2023 season, with the series heading to new locations for the first time and revisiting some of the championship’s 2022 favourites.

The sport for purpose championship takes place in off-road locations as part of its mission to drive awareness of climate change issues, such as global warming, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, wildfires and extreme weather, whilst promoting sustainability and the adoption of electric vehicles to help protect the planet.

Extreme E’s third season kicks off once again in Saudi Arabia with the Desert X Prix on March 11-12. If the racing in Saudi Arabia is anything like as exciting as last year’s round in NEOM then Extreme E fans should be in for a treat – as Johan Kristoffersson scored a dramatic victory in the closing stages for Rosberg X Racing (RXR) with a late overtake on ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team’s Laia Sanz.

In May the championship will head back to the UK for its first X Prix in Scotland. At the midway point of the season, Extreme E will return to Sardinia – where it has raced in each of its past two campaigns. The Italian island has been the setting for some incredible on-track actions and some of the series’ most dramatic moments, and more of the same is expected in 2023.

The fourth X Prix of Season 3 will see Extreme race in another new setting, with the championship heading to either the USA for its inaugural round in North America or to the remote parts of Brazil.

Despite being unable to compete in Brazil so far due to Covid restrictions, Extreme E has continued its vital legacy work in the Amazon. Extreme E has partnered with TNC to develop its Amazon-based Legacy Programmes, which funds native forest restoration and a well-established cacao-based agroforestry programme.

With agreements currently being finalised, updates on the fourth slot in the Extreme E race calendar are coming soon.

The final round of Season 3 will take place in a familiar setting, with Extreme E returning to Chile for what is sure to be a thrilling finale on December 2-3.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “We have had two spectacular seasons of Extreme E so far and the third promises to be even more thrilling.

“All of us here at Extreme E are looking forward to revisiting some of the amazing race locations we have visited so far, and to build on the impacts we have made in those areas and further develop our vital legacy programmes as we continue to raise awareness of the climate crisis.

“I am proud to see the positive impact our electric series has had and to see what more we can bring to the communities there.

“It is also extremely exciting to potentially add a race in the USA or Brazil to our global championship, while returning to the UK, the birthplace of top level motor racing, is fitting. We cannot wait for the 2023 campaign to begin as the race for the planet continues.”

Extreme E Season 3 calendar (2023):
March 11-12: Saudi Arabia
May 13-14: Scotland
July 8-9: Sardinia, Italy*
September 16-17: Brazil or USA
December 2-3: Chile (tbc)

The St. Helena – the former Royal Mail Ship – provides the championship’s floating centrepiece – carrying the series’ vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure as well as playing host to scientific research with its on-board laboratory, all in a bid to lower the impact of the travel logistics compared to air travel.

The on-course action for Season 2 has not concluded yet, however, with a thrilling finale set to take place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, for a four-way title showdown on November 26-27 as the title fight once again goes down to the wire.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-15 Emma Gilmour on her Extreme E journey
Extreme E: How would you sum up your first full season in the series?
Emma Gilmour: It’s been a steep learning curve. As a team, we have accelerated our learning very, very quickly, from being in Saudi Arabia where it was our first ever event to crossing the finish line first in Chile. We’ve really shown how quickly we’ve grown as a team, and it’s really encouraging for the future how well we have done in such a short amount of time.

It hasn’t been without its challenges, having two crashes in as many events was pretty tough on the team, but it’s made us a really close-knit team as well. We’ve been through the challenges and we’ve come out stronger.

XE: What has been your highlight in Season 2?
EG: Definitely Chile, winning both of our races on the Race Day, winning the Crazy Race and then going through and winning the Final, although we did end up with penalties. We didn’t win it, but having that speed to be at the front of the field was really exciting and rewarding for all the hard work we have been putting in. To finally see that reward out on the track was great.

XE: You were so close to victory last time out in Chile – what were your thoughts coming away from that weekend?
EG: Disappointment and frustration. I keep seeing that flag that I hit! It is such a challenging series because you get such little time on the track, and you can’t afford to make mistakes. Unfortunately, our mistakes cost us having a trophy that weekend. Very frustrating, but also very encouraging. Mixed feelings!

XE: Looking back on your wider Extreme E journey, how have you found switching from one team to another in the series?
EG: I think it's easier than coming in and just starting with no background in Extreme E, because it was tough last year, coming halfway through the season into Veloce Racing and just having to learn on the go about everything.

So, being able to switch teams, I felt more comfortable in terms of what I was going to expect, Extreme E was going to be like and racing these vehicles. I felt I learned a lot with Veloce Racing in a really supportive environment. It was a really nice warm up to then being with NEOM McLaren Extreme E.

XE: What was your highlight from Veloce and what knowledge do you feel you brought to McLaren especially helping to guide them being new to the championship?
EG: I think competing in Greenland was a real highlight. I mean, it's such an amazing place to visit. Racing in front of this huge ice shelf was just a surreal experience. I really liked the track there because it was so varied, there was such unusual terrain from sand dunes to rocks, to jumps and everything in-between. I really enjoyed that.

What I was able to bring into NEOM McLaren Extreme E was that experience of how a race weekend works and how high intensity it is in terms of you get such a little time on the track.

All of that data that you can get from the shorter amount of running you do on the track and how you can then work with your team to make the most of that information. I think by just having had an intro to Extreme E, I appreciated how hard the series is.

XE: What were your goals when you entered NEOM McLaren Extreme E?
EG: To be competitive and to do the brand proud. It's a pretty special honour to be the first female driver for McLaren Racing.

XE: How did the team help you settle in?
EG: I was blown away from the very first time I worked with the McLaren Racing team, how a professional they were but also how down to earth they were. It's very much a real strong team unit. I think that's what makes us such a great team is that everyone knows each other quite well. Now we've had that consistency, right from testing late last year, we’re a strong unit.

XE: You and Tanner look like a great partnership. How did you gel so quickly?
EG: The fact we did the testing together and spent quite a bit of time together with different promotional activities at the McLaren Technology Centre. It was good because we weren't in a pressure racing situation, we just got to hang out together. I find his jokes funny. So, that probably helps us get along. I think he's hilarious. So yeah, we have similar sense of humour and although different racing backgrounds still have a lot of respect for each other.

XE: How does it feel to be the first female driver for McLaren? Did this add any pressure?
EG: It is a huge honour, and coming from New Zealand, I never ever imagined racing for motoring royalty like McLaren, with fellow Kiwi Bruce McLaren having started the team. It still feels a bit like a fairy tale for me to be there representing such an iconic brand.

As a team, I think we felt a lot of pressure at that first round, because we were the only team joining in the second season. All of the other teams had a lot more experience at that first round in Saudi Arabia. I think we really wanted to show that we were going to be competitive right out of the box. And we did which was great.

XE: What do you feel you’ve brought to the team?
EG: What I brought to the team was a bit of experience of Extreme E. I've got a huge range of experience from lots of different vehicles and racing different cars. Tanner and I have an all-round ability for setting up the car. I suppose we have different feedback, but Lena and Teena [Gade], our engineers, make it work so we can get the car set up for both of us pretty quickly.

XE: What have you learned during this season with a new team?
EG: The importance of teamwork. It is such a team sport, motorsport always is, but I think Extreme E even more so because it's such a small team when we're away. It's really crucial to have that that strong teamwork around you. I'm looking forward to heading into some brand new events for all of the teams because other teams have had more experience at the venues we've been to so far this season, so it'd be really nice going to somewhere brand new.

XE: What are you expecting from the season finale in Uruguay?
EG: I think we’re going to be competitive again. I think it will largely be determined by the track. We were really fortunate that in Chile the track was great and we were able to have close racing - the conditions allowed it, the track allowed it. I’m hopeful that what was learned from the track design in Chile comes forward to Uruguay, so it allows for that good racing again. Hopefully we can have a tidier run and be on that podium at the end of the weekend.

XE: How confident are you in ending the campaign in style?
EG: As confident as you can be in motorsport! I know as a team we are 100% capable of it, we just need all of the other little things to go our way. We’re totally capable of finishing the season in style!

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-11 Rosberg X Racing aiming to fend off rivals as Season 2 finale awaits
A technical problem just the before the Final in Chile saw Rosberg X Racing miss out on valuable points, while their nearest championship challengers closed the gap. Ahead of the final round of Season 2 in Uruguay, we caught up last year’s championship winners to check out their preparations ahead of the title decider.

After topping Qualifying at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in Chile before a dominant Semi-Final 1 performance, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) looked on course to get the result they needed to secure back-to-back Extreme E titles.

However, a rare mechanical failure ensured they were unable to take part in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final – the first time RXR out have missed out on a Final appearance in Extreme E. Worse still, Nico Rosberg’s outfit had to watch their championship rivals pull back valuable points ensuring the title battle is now a four-way fight ahead of the Season 2 finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

The Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix will mark a fascinating contest, as RXR look to secure their second Extreme E championship in a row with challengers X44 Vida Carbon Racing, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing in hot pursuit.

Despite the team’s Extreme E pedigree, their woes in Chile ensure RXR may not be entering with all of the upward momentum after sitting out the Final last time out.

Nevertheless, since the series’ inception in 2021 they have been the benchmark in the championship having won five of the nine X Prix to date.

So, how will the team fare in Uruguay and will drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky be changing anything in their driving style for the final round of 2022?

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: “Our team has proven that we have great pace, and we’ve worked really hard this season to remain on top. We still have a healthy lead in the championship, and I’m looking forward to regrouping ahead of the final race in Uruguay.

“We’ll be bringing our a-game and hope to make the dream happen there.”

Not only are RXR serial winners in Extreme E, but they have also demonstrated their outright speed in Qualifying in 2022 making the team even more formidable.

However, given what is at stake at the Uruguay Natural X Prix, could we expect a more cautious approach out on course?

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, added: “There’s definitely a lot at stake going into the final round of this season. You do need to be cautious and not always take big risks, but I just want to get back behind the wheel and give it my all. In Extreme E anything can happen so it’s important that we remain focused, stay on our toes, and do the best that we can do.”

Find out if RXR claim back-to-back Extreme E titles at the Season 2 finale, the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 26-27 November.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-08 Veloce Racing announces new-look driver line-up for Season 2 finale and 2023 campaign
Veloce Racing have announced that 2021 Extreme E Champion Molly Taylor and former JBXE star Kevin Hansen will form the team’s new driver pairing for the Season 2 finale in Uruguay, continuing onto Season 3.

Veloce Racing’s new line-up boasts considerable Extreme E pedigree, with Taylor securing the inaugural title with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) last term and Hansen taking five podiums from his eight X Prix appearances so far.

The upcoming Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este will not be the first time the duo have been paired together, having linked up at this year’s season-opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, for JBXE.

Taylor and Hansen replace outgoing drivers Lance Woolridge and Christine GZ.

For Taylor, it is a welcome return to the series after claiming the title with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in the championship’s inaugural season. Alongside Johan Kristoffersson in Season 1, Taylor helped secure three victories for Nico Rosberg’s team and returns to Extreme E with all the knowledge that comes with winning the series.

In?early 2022, as well as competing for JBXE at the Desert X Prix, Taylor became the first Australian woman to drive the gruelling Dakar rally?and will take part in the event again in 2023.

Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said:?"I had an incredible year with Extreme E in 2021 and I believe wholeheartedly in what the competition represents, both with respect to its commitment to sustainability and to gender equality.

"Having had the benefit of a win in last year’s championship, it feels amazing to know that I’m going to be back in the Extreme E paddock. I think we are building a very special team with the combination of Veloce's ambition and experience, as well as Kevin's skill and commitment. We are setting our targets high and I'm looking forward to being back in the action."

As a driver for JBXE, Hansen achieved an impressive run of four podiums from his four appearances in the inaugural Extreme E season.

Hansen took over from former Formula One World Champion Jenson Button to partner Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, and the Swedish pairing finished third in the Season 1 standings. Third place finishes in Senegal, where Hansen made his debut in the championship, and Sardinia last year were topped by second place finishes at the Arctic and Jurassic X Prix, respectively.

Hansen carried this mantle into Extreme E Season 2, competing alongside Veloce Development Driver Hedda Hosås, who joined Button’s outfit in Sardinia. The Scandinavian duo secured third place in the first round of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header.

Hansen has also been a fixture in off-road racing for several years through his efforts in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. The Swede has secured event wins and multiple podiums and currently sits fourth in this year’s standings for HANSEN World RX Team. His highest FIA World Rallycross Championship standing was third in 2019,?the season in which he secured his maiden victory in the series.

Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: “I am absolutely stoked to be joining Veloce Racing on a long-term deal starting in Uruguay.

“To join a team which is young, ambitious, modern in its ways and doing things that no other team does is fantastic for me. It’s a huge opportunity to continue in Extreme E for the next X Prix and for Season 3.

“The team has high ambitions, as do I and Molly. I am really happy to have her alongside me – we raced in Saudi Arabia together and had a great time. We work well as a pair and we’re looking forward to building a partnership between us and the whole team.”

Daniel Bailey, CEO and Co-Founder of Veloce Racing, added: “We’re delighted to welcome both Kevin and Molly to our Veloce family and we’re excited to see what the future holds for us together.

“The challenges of Extreme E are unique in the world of motorsport, and Veloce is continuously evolving to adapt to this fast-paced and innovative series. Next year promises to be the team’s biggest yet, but first we are looking to finish Season 2 on a real high.

“All of us here at Veloce Racing want to thank both Lance and Christine for their commitment and contributions to the team, and we wish them all the best going forward in their careers.”

Veloce Racing’s new driver line-up will take on the final race of the season in Punta del Este, Uruguay, later this month (26-27 Uruguay) as the team looks to end Extreme E Season 2 on a positive note.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-04 How to design an Extreme E course
Designing an Extreme E course presents extreme challenges. We caught up with Guy Nicholls, Head of Sporting, and Championship Driver Timo Scheider, who has competed for XITE ENERGY Racing this season, to find out how the series’ unique course layouts are created.

Extreme E: Timo, you have a unique role in terms of supporting the design of Extreme E courses. How did that come about?
Timo Scheider: It came about via James [Taylor, Chief Championship Officer]. I met him a couple of years ago via World RX and when Extreme E was beginning to develop. I was a little bit nervous because I hadn’t done anything like this before, however, my knowledge in racing spans more than 30 years so I have seen a lot on-road and off-road.

XE: Once you’ve got the core logistics in place and you have your driving expert ready to go – what’s the next step?
Guy Nicholls: Once we’ve overcome any logistical challenges, then we start on the course recce and design. We spend three days on site driving around to explore every element of that area, and then we begin to formulate an idea for a course. Once you have all the best features in place, such as landscape and backdrop, you can start piecing a layout together. By the end of the three days, you have your course.

We then do a technical recce with our partners Aurora [Media Worldwide], Alkamel, NEP and MRTC to ensure we can get the appropriate technical signals around the course and back to the paddock for our broadcast and communications systems. We spend a good amount of time finalising the details, such as where the cameras should be positioned to capture the action but also to ensure they are in a safe position. We want to get the perfect shots without putting anyone in danger.

Once we have organised the fixed cameras, we then move onto the effects cameras. We might need to change the layout slightly to make sure we can get the effects cameras as near to the course as possible, for instance, which then changes where an apex flag should go. Then, we need to add in the marshal positions at each camera point and around the course.

What we have ended up with in the last 18 months is some pretty great courses and there is a lot of hard work across several different areas of the business to produce them and film them. We all have different things we’re focused on, and it is a real collaborative effort to ensure it all comes together.

XE: What do you look for in particular when designing a course?
TS: I look at it from a driver’s perspective, while Guy looks at the safety side of things as well as how it looks visually. We have to get government approval too, so we to tweak it until everyone is happy across the board.

GN: There is so much to look at as a package – we focus on safety, where marshals will be stationed, and just how the racing might look from a broadcaster perspective. On the course, we try to avoid the holes and rocks, so it isn’t dangerous, and when you put the flags in the ground for the first time, it really changes how you view everything. You’ve got to tweak and adjust again from this, just to make sure it all lines up.

Every single flag is placed specifically for a reason. You put the apex flag exactly where you want them to turn, and you put what we call the redundant flag a good distance away if you want to open the corner up, or you bring it close because there could be something nasty further out - such as a big hole! Moving a flag five metres could mean going from being a corner taken at 20-40kph up to 80kph on exit, so it becomes very different and potentially dangerous, so flag position is crucial.

XE: Have you changed your approach to designing courses as the championship has developed?
GN: We have also brought in Earl Desiderio to help with the layouts of Extreme E courses to really add that further element of excitement and push the drivers to their limits. Earl is an off-road expert from the USA with huge trophy truck, ATV and Dakar Rally experience, so his knowledge of off-road racing is invaluable. Our most recent design in Chile and its characteristics were inspired by Earl’s experiences of off-road courses and featured a number of jumps and steep banked turns. His expertise has brought something totally new and really added to the make-up of our series.

XE: What measures do you take to avoid damaging a landscape?
TS: We always try to minimise what we are doing on site in terms of damaging anything. It is important for us to race without a trace, and this is our overall aim to help and take care of nature on the planet.

Sometimes we design a layout and then we have to make a few changes to that approach, especially if there is a chance that we effect the local habitat. We have to take it all into consideration.

XE: As a driver, what is key to designing an Extreme E course?
TS: When looking at the lap, I am looking for the spectacular – that’s a direct request from Alejandro [Agag]! He would always say “Timo, please make it extreme!”. That’s what I try to achieve in the areas we visit.

It is important to have special features in the lap like a big drop, water splash or a big jump. We need to find places for the ENOWA Hyperdrive and the Continental Traction Challenge too – not to mention plenty of overtaking options with wide lines so it is not just following the driver in front of you. If there is any possibility in terms of space, I always try to give this option for more choice out on track.

If you have a more difficult track, you can then make more of a difference as a driver. If you have a mix of high-speed sections, technical corners, low-speed areas, blind crests and high jumps, the challenge is increased, and you can show your skills and make a difference behind the wheel.

It's great to see so much risk being taken and how you can make the difference. We create tracks that are different and as a driver you must adapt quickly – which is crucial in Extreme E.

XE: As a course designer, have there been any standout moments for you?
GN: I think Johan [Kristoffersson] passing Laia [Sanz] for the win in Saudi Arabia this year with a couple of corners to go using an alternative line was fairly dramatic – it was exactly what I envisaged when we created the initial course design layout so to see it come to fruition was very rewarding.

The overtake took place towards the end of the lap in NEOM (Saudi Arabia), the drivers would come down a hill and into a tight left-hander. We put the apex flag far enough to the right so the drivers would either have to slow down to keep tight or use the alternate line and come in from a much wider angle. There was a possibility that in doing the latter, you could carry a lot more speed. Johan covered a lot of distance but kept the speed up to be quicker than Laia – it was a great spectacle as a result.

XE: That was a spectacular ending conclusion – are you always in agreement when making the final touches to a layout?
GN: Timo and I had different views on the ending of the course in NEOM! What we ended up with was a steep, spectacular finish to the lap. However, the initial plan was to make it even more daunting over a much higher and steeper drop – more extreme to follow Alejandro’s brief, but the fact was that it would have meant the racing was over before we reached the Finish line, so our final choice proved correct.

It certainly is a team effort though when it comes to designing the tracks in Extreme E. Timo is a two-time DTM Champion and has competed in World RX, so he has plenty of credentials to support the wider team in course development!

XE: Is designing an Extreme E course unique compared to any other racing discipline? Is that where Timo’s background comes in handy?
GN: Because of Timo’s racing history, competing in Rallycross and circuit racing, he really does have a unique blend of expertise. The way we view the courses is rallying meets rallycross meets Dakar meets circuit racing - Timo gives us a terrific blend with his background.

XE: Which course has been the most challenging to design to date?
TS: Greenland was the most challenging as it was so different and had everything in it. We had a rock garden, sand, hills, single tracks, steep jumps, and the dunes. There was high and low speed throughout as well.

It was super tricky to pull off, but it is one of the most exciting tracks we have had. That and the opening race in Al’Ula, Saudi Arabia, are my favourite courses to date.

GN:The same for me - they stand out! Both were around 9km and big courses to put together. Greenland was incredible and a once in a lifetime opportunity and the scenery in Al’Ula was out of this world – there was an epic drop. There were two others, but they were overwhelmed by ‘The Drop’. The shots of the cars coming down that was incredible and a real highlight for the series, especially in what was its first event.

XE: Lastly, what is the relationship like between the three of you?
TS:We get on so well and work collaboratively as a group. I love spending time with the guys and really appreciate their support – it is a great blend of fun and professional. There’s a great energy as we are all working towards a good course… and good cause!

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-11-02 Klara Andersson to compete for ABT CUPRA XE at season finale in Uruguay
Former Championship Driver and FIA World RX star Klara Andersson will start alongside Nasser Al-Attiyah for ABT CUPRA XE at the final race of Extreme E Season 2.

The 22-year-old Swede replaces Jutta Kleinschmidt, who continues to recover from an injury suffered at the previous race in Chile. Kleinschmidt was ruled out of competing in Extreme E’s South American debut following a crash in Free Practice 2.

Thomas Biermaier, ABT CEO, commented: “We are in constant touch with Jutta and sincerely wish her a continued good recovery.

“At the same time, we are pleased that we managed to have Klara [Andersson] in the team for the season finale after her strong debut in Chile. After the podium finish, our goal is clear: we want to end our second season in Extreme E, in which there have been some ups and downs, on a high.”

Getting behind the wheel at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix marked a long-awaited series debut for Andersson, and the Swedish protégé showed no sign of nerves as she helped the team step onto the podium to take third.

This marked ABT CUPRA XE's first podium of Extreme E Season 2 and meant a top three finish for Andersson in her very first race in the Championship.

Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “It was great how the entire team pulled together and gave me such a warm welcome. The fact that we were on the podium 48 hours later was a great finish for everyone in the team and for me, of course. The organisers continue to develop all areas: the events are becoming more and more professional, and the technology of the cars has also improved significantly within one season.

"I’ve never been to Uruguay before, so even the whole journey is an adventure. We now can sort ourselves out in advance, clarify open questions and prepare in a structured way. Onsite, I’ve got the course walk to get to know the track and two Free Practice sessions to get used to everything before Qualifying – a normal race weekend, in other words.

"I’m delighted that ABT and CUPRA have put their trust in me and that we will be competing in the final together. It’s a great challenge and I’m already a bit excited. We’re pushing together for a good end to the team’s season. We saw in Chile that we have the pace for this. We’ll build on that.”

Andersson also picked up the Zenith ‘Moment in Time’ Award for her performances for ABT CUPRA XE in the Semi-Finals and Final, the highlight being an exceptional overtake on No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Sara Price in Semi-Final 2.

As well as competing in Extreme E this year, Andersson is already enjoying a strong 2022 season. She is currently competing in World RX as the first permanent female competitor in WRX history with Construction Equipment Dealer Team.

Andersson recorded her best WRX result to date by finishing third in Portugal – becoming the first-ever female driver to step on the podium in the championship's history.

Catch the Swede in action at the Season 2 finale in Uruguay, as the Championship heads to Punta del Este for an exciting showdown in just under a month’s time (26-27 November).

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-27 Countdown on to Extreme E's Season 2 championship decider in Punta del Este
Extreme E, the electric off-road racing series, is counting down to the thrilling finale of its second season, the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix, in just one month’s time (26-27 November) in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Current leaders Rosberg X Racing (RXR) have won two out of four X Prix races this season in their bid to secure back-to-back Extreme E championships. Nico Rosberg’s team have 83 points, 17 more than nearest challengers and title rivals?from 2021, X44 Vida Carbon Racing.

Lewis Hamilton’s team were victors last time out in Chile and have the momentum, where they will be bidding to go one better than their runners-up finish from Season 1.

In third and fourth sit ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team (60 points) and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing (55 points), respectively, who will be doing all they can to reel in RXR to claim their first-ever Extreme E title.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to be heading to Punta del Este, for the final X Prix of Season 2.

“The Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix promises to be a spectacular event, especially as we have such a close battle for the lead with four teams still in the running to win the championship, we are confident that it will be one of our most thrilling rounds yet.

“Punta del Este marks a stunning location to complete our second Extreme E season, and its commitments towards sustainable solutions and the energy transition is not only commendable, but a benchmark for the rest of the world. We are excited to be racing in one of the most proactive countries in their commitment to combating the climate crisis.”

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: “It is always interesting to race in a country for the first time, especially when it is in a place like Uruguay, where I have some good friends and the fans are passionate about our sport. It is the big season finale, the Energy X-Prix. It will also be Extreme E’s first visit to the country, which makes it even more exciting.

“I am eager to discover what challenges wait for us in Punta del Este. We have been pushing all season long, but in Uruguay we will double our efforts because we still have a slim shot at the Championship. Hopefully it will be a good show for the fans.”

Uruguay is a country which embodies the principles of Extreme E in its commitments to renewable energy and electrification. Renewable energy production and use is as crucial to the series as it is to Uruguay. In terms of electricity generation, Uruguay is one of the leading countries in renewable energy production.

The country currently generates over 98 per cent of all electricity from renewable sources, primarily wind and hydropower. Moreover, Uruguay is one of the most electrified countries in the hemisphere, with 99.9 per cent of homes connected to the electric grid.

Since its inception, Extreme E has been a pioneer in using renewable energy sources to charge its electric racing vehicles, using green hydrogen and fuel cell technology for zero emission racing. In Punta del Este, a first-time trial of wind turbines, second life batteries and solar power aims to create the championship’s first fully renewable energy powered event site.

During the last X Prix in Chile’s Atacama Desert, a new 14-day record was set for the number of days the site was powered by solar power. In Uruguay, the goal is to go one step further and take the whole event off grid power, as the event team trials the use of wind turbines for the first time. The trial is part of Extreme E’s goal to becoming powered by fully renewable sources at each race.

Professor Richard Washington, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Oxford and Head of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, explains:?“The key to tackling the climate crisis is to end our reliance on energy generated from fossil fuels – the main cause of climate change.?There are many examples of clean, renewable solutions available to us, like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, wind and solar power, and as a global community, we need to take a proactive approach in shifting to these technologies, at scale, and at speed.

“Extreme E’s Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix will showcase how Uruguay as a country is take a world-leading commitment in its efforts to switch to renewables, setting a benchmark for how these lessons can be adopted. It is fantastic to see sports like Extreme E adopting crucial, purpose driven messaging into its mission and I’m pleased to support the series with these efforts.”

After last year’s dramatic ending to the inaugural Extreme E season, the finale to the 2022 campaign promises to be just as climatic. The countdown is on to the Season 2 finale event, as the Championship looks forward to heading to Punta del Este for a showdown in just under a month’s time.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-24 X44 Vida Carbon Racing set for another title showdown
X44 Vida Carbon Racing’s first victory of the season at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix not only propelled them up the Extreme E leaderboard, but right back into championship contention ahead of the Season 2 finale next month in Uruguay.

In a Final which saw multiple penalties accrued, X44 Vida Carbon Racing duo Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez kept their noses out of trouble to claim the top step of the podium in Chile.

With championship leaders Rosberg X Racing (RXR) unable to take to the course due to a technical issue, it gifted the chasing pack with an opportunity to claw back a huge haul of points and ensure the title fight rolled onto the finale in Punta del Este.

With victory in the Atacama Desert, Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing outfit are right back in the championship picture – just 17 points behind RXR with one X Prix to go.

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “The fastest lap time of all the day was Cristina’s – she did an amazing job!

“For me, I was quite behind in the first straight, but I managed to go through in the first or second corner and exited the second corner leading the race. From that point I tried to push to build a gap but it was difficult as McLaren was really fast and pushing behind, so we ended up side by side in the pits.

“Cristina did a great job after that, and she overtook immediately after the exit of the pits. We had the information that it was a penalty for McLaren, so Cristina kept her cool. It was not the ideal way to finish a race, but you know that is motorsport. It’s a part of the game and thankfully we scored the points.”

X44 Vida Carbon Racing had demonstrated their speed all weekend and it all came together for the team in the Final, where they duelled with NEOM McLaren Extreme E in an epic fight for the win, with the two teams swapping positions throughout.

Although NEOM McLaren Extreme E took the honours on track, they were to be denied a maiden win in the series due to penalties handed to drivers Tanner Foust and Emma Gilmour for infringements earlier in the race.

This ensured X44 Vida Carbon Racing took the win as Extreme E debuted in South America and climbed to second in the championship as RXR’s nearest challengers.

The team have been here before, entering the finale as underdogs in the title battle in Extreme E Season 1 at the Jurassic X Prix in the UK. Despite winning the event and drawing level with RXR on points, Loeb and Gutiérrez were denied championship glory due to having fewer X Prix victories over the course of the campaign, with one win against RXR’s three.

X44 Vida Carbon Racing will be looking to avoid that scenario at the Energy X Prix to take their first Extreme E championship.

Loeb added: “It was important to for us to win again. We only won only one race last year so to be in with a chance of winning the championship it was important to do well here.

“We did the best we could.”

Find out if X44 Vida Carbon Racing claim a maiden championship triumph at the Season 2 finale, the Energy X Prix in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 26-27 November.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-22 How No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing became the first reserve team to compete in an X Prix Final
A dramatic twist of events saw No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing enter the Final as first reserve in Chile.We caught up with drivers Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price following their rollercoaster of a Finals Day in the Atacama Desert.

As the five Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix finalists made their last preparations on the start line, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing were in their garage, downcast as their championship title hopes were crushed following third place in Semi-Final 1.

However, after Rosberg X Racing [RXR] were ruled out of the Final due to a technical issue, LeDuc and Price were rushed into action, frantically changing into their overalls as they took their place as the first-ever reserve team to appear in a Final.

Walking into the most unlikely of surprises, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing were characteristically straight into the thick of the action.

Strong drives from LeDuc and Price saw the American team claim a seemingly unthinkable second place, having been classified sixth just hours earlier.

Their joy was to be short-lived, though, as penalties accrued in the Final dropped them off the podium and down to fourth overall.

LeDuc said: "Even though there was a very slim chance of our GMC HUMMER EV team getting that call, we were still wanting to hold on to hope and remained ready just in case.

“The adrenaline was absolutely pumping once we got the call, but the team did a really great job of jumping into action. I was able to take a deep breath at the starting line and re-focus.

“Certainly, we were disappointed that the final official result didn't reflect our second-place racing effort, but I'm very proud of the group and their efforts. We are still in the mix heading into the last race in Uruguay.

“We're hoping that all the work we've put into. these two seasons will lead to huge results across the board."

Price added: “We probably had about two minutes to get our gear on and then just scrambled, I have honestly never put a suit on that fast in my life! But yeah… talk about an emotional roller-coaster.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team because it was a crazy day to say the least. The whole weekend was crazy, and our team took every chance we could and handled everything that was thrown at us.

“The first time in the championship’s history, I never thought that could happen. It definitely changes everything, and not just for us but for all the teams because RXR had quite a lead.”

The extra points gained ensured that the team remain in the championship hunt going into the finale in Uruguay, albeit with a 28-point deficit to leaders RXR.

Although a very slim possibility, anything can happen in Extreme as LeDuc and Price would attest to after their incredible Finals Day in Chile.

Find out if No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing claim a maiden championship triumph at the Season 2 finale, the Energy X Prix in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 26-27 November.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-19 Timmy Hansen joins for the new episode of Off-Track
There is every reason that Timmy Hansen was always going to be quick. From parents with exceptional motorsport pedigree, to team-mates like Kevin Magnussen in karting and Sébastien Loeb in Rallycross and a hunger to do his family proud, Timmy represents the very best of what being born into a motorsport family can do.

The 2019 World Rallycross champion sat down with James Baldwin, our podcast presenter, to talk about his career, the lessons he's learned along the way and how Extreme E has changed his perspective.

The latest episode of Off Track is available for free on all major podcast platforms, as well as www.Extreme-E.com

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-14 Klara Andersson on her memorable debut in Chile
After Jutta Kleinschmidt was forced to withdraw from the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix through injury, Championship Driver Klara Andersson stepped up to partner Nasser Al-Attiyah for ABT CUPRA XE in Chile. It was a debut to remember for the Swede, who marked her maiden X Prix with a podium finish.

We caught up with Andersson to find out more about her memorable Extreme E debut.

Extreme E: You were thrown in at the deep end in Chile - when did you find out you would be driving?
Klara Andersson: I found out on Friday evening. From there, I spent a few hours with the Extreme E team and ABT CUPRA XE to get all the information and knowledge about the car and championship format – and the next morning, I was in the car for Qualifying 1!

XE: Did your previous experience driving the ODYSSEY 21 prepare you in any way or did you have to learn from scratch?
KA: It was over a year ago since I last drove the ODYSSEY 21, and that was only a few laps at the Rookie Test with the old dampers. I was pleasantly surprised though, over how good it felt almost immediately! The team supported me a lot and helped me find the pace quickly.

XE: How supportive were the ABT CUPRA XE team from the very start of the weekend?
KA: They are a very professional team who welcomed me incredibly well. It was really nice to work with them throughout the weekend and I learnt a lot. They didn’t put any pressure on me, but coached me to become quicker and quicker out on the course.

XE: You seemed to be on the pace straight away - was that expected?
KA: Not at all – as I said I was pleasantly surprised, which was a great feeling! Since I’ve only driven the ODYSSEY 21 over a handful of laps, one year ago, I didn’t know what to expect, especially since many of the drivers have been driving since the very first event last year.

In Qualifying 1, I made sure to take everything as calmly as I could, while in Qualifying 2 it was great to have a bit of a battle with the other cars out there to secure our place in the Semi-Finals.

XE: Did you prefer the wheel-to-wheel racing compared to the time trial format given your rallycross experience?
KA: Yes I did! I feel comfortable with cars around me, and it’s easier to see where you gain and lose the pace.

I also made sure to have a game plan when going out in the heats!

XE: You certainly made a huge impression in Semi Final 2 with a great overtake on Sara Price - was that the highlight of the week? How did you find grip where others did not?
KA: That was for sure one of the highlights! I planned that move after lap one and thankfully, got good speed over the crest to dive on the inside down the hill. I knew that it was important for me to hand over to Nasser [Al-Attiyah] running in the top two positions, so I was proud that I took the opportunity for the overtake. I was so happy!

XE: It was a dramatic Final - how did you find it?
KA: I unfortunately struggled a lot with vision in the Final. The water fluid was out and the screen was filled with mud, otherwise I think we would have a shot at progressing even more in the Final! Nevertheless, it was great to secure third place and my first podium.

XE: You managed to grab that maiden podium first time out! How does that feel and where does it rank among your motorsport highlights?
KA: It was an amazing feeling when we got the news that we were P3! Everyone in the team were working super hard throughout the weekend, and I was so happy for everyone to finish on a high, especially after what happened to Jutta [Kleinschmidt], that we could come back and finish strong together as a team.

My whole family were watching from Sweden and they were super happy! You only get one chance as a driver sometimes to show your pace, so I hope this has shown what I can do.

XE: What's next for you in Extreme E?
KA: Hopefully I will race again soon – you never know! I would love to be a part of Extreme E in the future.

The final round of Extreme E Season 2 gets underway in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 26-27 November 2022.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-10 Ezequiel Companc joins XITE ENERGY Racing for Extreme E Season 2 finale in Uruguay
XITE ENERGY Racing has confirmed Ezequiel Companc will partner Tamara Molinaro at the Extreme E Season 2 finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

The Argentinian will make his debut in the Championship and brings expertise from his racing in an array of different series including endurance racing and esports. Companc is both the Team Principal and driver for GT outfit Madpanda Motorsport.

On joining XITE ENERGY Racing for the finale in South America, Companc said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to race in Extreme E and I am really happy to join XITE ENERGY Racing for the last round of the Extreme E Season 2 in Uruguay!

“It is an honour to be the first South American driver in the series and going racing in South America so close to my hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in such a prestigious event makes it a special one for me. Coming from GT Racing, the format, the car, and the track layouts of this series will all be new to me. I am looking forward to learning from my experienced teammate Tamara and from my engineer, who I have already started preparing with for the Energy X Prix.

“Last month I had my first electric racing experience with an RX2e and had a lot of fun! Getting behind the wheel and taming the ODYSSEY 21 in such a short time will be a big challenge, but I am ready to take on the beast!

“I would like to thank XITE ENERGY Racing for their trust in choosing me, and my partners who support me and understand the worldwide cause that Extreme E is fighting for, which I can’t wait to be part of.

"We have just under two months to keep working hard to arrive as prepared as possible in Punta del Este to fight for a good result. The challenge is on!”

Companc has raced across multiple disciplines in his motorsport career. The Argentine has plenty of experience in GT racing, where the 28-year-old has competed in GT World Challenge Europe, formerly known as the Blancpain GT Series, and ADAC GT Masters for a number of years.

With expertise in endurance racing, Companc also represented Argentina in the FIA GT Nations Cup and competed at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring in 2019, while also notably finished third in the 2015 International GT Open with five victories driving for AF Corse.

Ezequiel comes from a family with a strong motorsport heritage thanks to his father, Jorge, and two uncles, Luis and Pablo. With racing in his blood, the Companc’s have notable off-road racing pedigree - both Jorge and Luis have competed in the World Rally Championship on several occasions, as well as the Dakar Rally.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, added: “We are delighted to welcome Ezequiel to the Championship and look forward to seeing how XITE ENERGY Racing’s new line-up fares at the Energy X Prix.

“It is great that Ezequiel will become our first South American driver, bringing more diversity to the Extreme E paddock and I am sure fans of the series will be keeping a close eye on his progress alongside Tamara. Making his debut in South America will be a special moment for Ezequiel and we wish him well.”

The Energy X Prix will see Companc replace Timo Scheider for the final round of Season 2. As a result, Scheider will resume his duties as a race course designer and Extreme E’s Championship Driver.

The Championship Drivers support the series in both an advisory role and as a back-up driver should any of the teams require a replacement during an X Prix, as due to the nature of the race locations, teams won't have a reserve driver on site.

XITE ENERGY Racing have enjoyed a much stronger sophomore season, including securing their best result in Extreme E with a maiden podium at NEOM Island X Prix I on their debut Final appearance. The team currently sit seventh in the standings with 29 points, just five points adrift of NEOM McLaren Extreme E.

The fresh XITE ENERGY Racing driver line-up will look to gel quickly and round off Season 2 in style in Punta del Este, Uruguay for the Energy X Prix on November 26-27.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-10-07 Genesys Andretti United Extreme E aim to end Season 2 on a high
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E were so close to a place in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final.

Victory in Qualifying 2 Heat 1, after showing great initial pace in Free Practice, looked to be the springboard for further success for Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen, but a combination of bad luck and penalty misfortune ensured they were not able to make it back-to-back podiums.

As a result, the team had to settle for seventh overall and further evidence that despite Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s obvious speed they are not banking the points to show for it.
“It’s strange because the results were not at all reflective of our pace,” said Hansen.

“We had a very strong weekend, always been amongst the fastest and we definitely had what we needed to fight for a win, had we made it to the Final. It was disappointing being knocked out before the finals.

"Catie got a big splash of muddy water on the windscreen, and for some reason the wipers didn’t start when she activated them. She couldn’t see for a while and once she got going, she made a good run and closed the gap to the girls in front. When she handed the car over to me, there was a reasonable gap to the cars ahead.

"I did as much as I could and pushed to the maximum, passing Sainz Snr. in the air over the finish jump but, unfortunately, we’d already crossed the line by then. We gave it everything we had but our issues in Qualifying 1 and in the Semi-Final were major setbacks for us.”

As Hansen mentions, Munnings having troubles with her wipers proved pivotal in denying the team back-to-back Final appearances after being regular podium finishers in Season 1.

Munnings said: “I was unfortunate to be sprayed with a lot of standing water from the track and with no visibility and the wipers not functioning properly, I couldn’t do much. It resulted in a big gap to the cars in front which ultimately meant that it left Timmy with a big job to do.

"He did an amazing drive as always, almost catching Carlos [Sainz Snr.] on the last lap. I think that, overall, it’s been a positive week for the team in terms of pace; everybody has worked well together. It just seems we need a bit of luck for it all to come together, and hopefully that will come in Uruguay."

With one race to go in 2022, the Energy X Prix in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Munnings and Hansen will be doing all they can to combine their speed with a large haul of points when Extreme E returns to South America for the Season Finale on November 26-27.

Hansen said: “This championship is very tough, extremely competitive and everything needs to go right to be in contention. Unfortunately, last weekend not everything was perfectly smooth, but I’m proud of the team for doing a brilliant job.

"It’s frustrating when most things are out of our control, but we’ll keep our heads held high as I think this was our best race of the season in terms of overall pace. We performed well but didn’t get a good result. We’ll stay positive, keep working hard and try to end the season well in Uruguay."

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-26 X44 Vida Carbon Racing claim first win of Extreme E Season 2 as title fight goes down to the wire
X44 Vida Carbon Racing took their first victory of the season in a dramatic first X Prix Final in Chile for Extreme E.

Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez finished second on course, but penalties for on track winners NEOM McLaren Extreme E dropped the team down the standings.

A dramatic twist saw No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing enter the Final as first reserve, after technical issues robbed championship leaders Rosberg X Racing (RXR) a shot at securing the title this weekend.

The American team had finished the race in third, but in pushing hard to make the most of the opportunity they received a penalty for missing a waypoint, which subsequently put No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing off the podium and into fourth.

Following the penalties for NEOM McLaren Extreme E and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team took second place and ABT CUPRA XE secured their first podium of Extreme E Season 2 with third.

Sébastien Loeb, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: "We are very happy with the result today, of course. We were surprised to see that Rosberg X Racing weren’t competing in the Final, but we didn’t have a lot of time to think about it as we were racing straight away.

"It was a very strong fight against some great teams but Cristina was incredible, securing the fastest lap of all the drivers in the Final."

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: "Today was amazing, we are so happy to have won the Copper X Prix and to still be in the fight for the championship. Rosberg X Racing are a really strong team so for them to not be able to drive in the Final was not good for them, but hopefully it is more interesting to have more than one team fighting for the championship in Uruguay!

"It was a very tough race so I was surprised to get the fastest lap, but it shows what an incredible opportunity Extreme E is providing for female drivers to prove ourselves and show we can compete against some of the best drivers in the world. Now we go to Uruguay, which is very good for me as I love to race in South America. Hopefully we can even get another race win and maybe the championship too."

The scene was set for a thrilling climax to the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final, with all three of RXR’s nearest championship rivals lining up on the start line while Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky watched on from the paddock.

Loeb took the lead for X44 Vida Carbon Racing in the opening corners, while behind Tanner Foust muscled through the field to put NEOM McLaren Extreme E in second.

As the teams tussled for position, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyle LeDuc took third place from Carlos Sainz Snr. despite a half-spin after passing the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.

ABT CUPRA XE’s Nasser Al-Attiyah kept the other teams in his sights as all five ODYSSEY 21s remained close, with Foust putting more and more pressure on Loeb out in front.

The American threw everything he had into a left-hander, passing Loeb while sideways to put NEOM McLaren Extreme E at the front of the pack as the teams neared the Switch Zone.

The fight for the win fell to Gilmour and Gutiérrez, and the Spaniard made clever use of her ENOWA Hyperdrive to steal the lead for X44 Vida Carbon Racing early on in their first lap.

The front two pulled away from No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Sara Price in third, while Extreme E debutant Klara Andersson continued to impress for ABT CUPRA XE as she held off Laia Sanz in fifth for the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.

More wheel-to-wheel action between X44 Vida Carbon Racing and NEOM McLaren Extreme E saw Gilmour side-by-side with Gutiérrez before passing down the inside to finish in first on course.

Aware of at least one penalty for NEOM McLaren Extreme E, Price pushed hard to close the gap to Gilmour, but a 5-second penalty of their own for missing a waypoint earlier in the Final thwarted her efforts and saw No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing classified fourth.

Laia Sanz crossed the line in fourth, having made it through despite Andersson’s defences, but the penalties for NEOM McLaren Extreme E and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing meant the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secured second place for the second time this season.

The penalties also promoted ABT CUPRA XE up the order, resulting in a third-place and a podium finish for Al-Attiyah and Andersson on her debut.

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: "It was a very exciting weekend and now we need to look to Uruguay now and make sure we do a good final race.

"Even though we made it to the Final it was not easy from where we were. We have been consistent and have been improving, and in life you have to keep improving - although it’s difficult at my age!"

Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: "I can’t believe that we finished on the podium, I’m just so happy. My whole family has been watching from Sweden and they are super happy for me, and for the whole team, so now we celebrate!

"You only get one chance as a driver sometimes to show your pace, so of course I hope this has shown what I can do."

Results
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 8:59:728
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +6.093
3. ABT CUPRA XE +8.612
4. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +10.159 (Penalised)
5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +18.935 (Penalised)

Championship Standings
1. Rosberg X Racing: 83 points
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 66 points
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 60 points
4. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 55 points
5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 34 points
6. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: 33 points
7. XITE ENERGY RACING: 29 points
8. JBXE: 25 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 21 points
10. Veloce Racing: 8 points

To catch up on all of the racing action, you can read the Semi-Final 1, Semi-Final 2, and Crazy Race reports online.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-25 Stark insats slutade i antiklimax
Det blev ett antiklimax för Johan Kristoffersson och hans Rosberg X Racing i den fjärde deltävlingen av Extreme E. Trots en imponerande insats under helgen blev det ingen finalstart för RXR.
- När vi skulle rulla ut till finalen startade inte bilen, konstaterar Kristoffersson.

Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky började annars helgen i Antofagasta, Chile, på ett bra sätt och var snabbast i Q1, där bilarna körde en och en.

I Q2 var det fem bilar på startlinjen och Johan Kristoffersson fick en strulig inledning där han inte kom iväg som förväntat.
- Det var inte den bästa av starter, men det löste sig. Jag gjorde en omkörning och sedan försvann en bil innan Mikaela kunde ta bilen i mål trots lite tekniska problem.

Med en andraplats i racet säkrade RXR förstaplatsen totalt i kvalet och byggde upp för en bra helg, där mästerskapstiteln fanns inom räckhåll.
- Etta i kvalet. Mycket nöjda med insatsen, kommenterar Johan.

I söndagsmorgonens semifinal satt Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky i förarsätet i starten. Hon kom ut som tvåa efter Laia Sanz och eftersom Catie Munnings fick problem med sikten så handlade det mesta om att ta bilen runt banan utan problem.

Kristoffersson lyckades sedan passera Carlos Sainz i samband med förarbytet och kom ut som etta. Därifrån kunde han enkelt kontrollera racet fram till seger i semifinalen och säkrad finalplats.
- Vi hade riktigt bra fart under helgen, menar Johan.

Det såg ut som att Rosberg X Racing i allra högsta grad hade en god chans att säkra mästerskapstiteln, men så skulle det inte bli. När Johan satte sig vid ratten för att rulla ut som teamets försteförare i finalen startade inte bilen.
- Ingenting vi som team kan göra något åt, konstaterar Kristoffersson som fick agera åskådare när allt skulle avgöras.

Racet vanns istället av X44 före Chip Ganassi och Acciona Sainz, de tre team som närmast jagar Rosberg X Racing i totalställningen.

RXR leder fortfarande mästerskapet med god marginal, även om försprånget krympte under helgen. Med 83 poäng är man 17 före X44, 22 före Chip Ganassi och har 26 poäng ner till Acciona Sainz på fjärde plats inför sista deltävlingen som körs sista helgen i november.
- Vi får en ny chans att avgöra i Uruguay, konstaterar Johan Kristoffersson avslutningsvis.

22-09-25 NEOM McLaren Extreme E win the Crazy Race to complete the grid for the Final
NEOM McLaren Extreme E won a dramatic Crazy Race to take the fifth spot in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final.

Emma Gilmour took the lead for NEOM McLaren Extreme E at the first corner ahead of JBXE’s Kevin Hansen. Despite being quickest off the line Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ slotted into third, with Tamara Molinaro bringing up the rear for XITE ENERGY RACING.

After several attempts Hansen completed the overtake on NEOM McLaren Extreme E in the final corners of the first lap, but Gilmour kept the Swede in her sights as the teams hurtled towards the Switch Zone.

Following the driver switch, it was down to Tanner Foust to close a three-second gap to JBXE’s Hedda Hosås, with XITE ENERGY RACING’s Timo Scheider setting off in third ahead of Lance Woolridge for Veloce Racing.

Under pressure from Foust, Hosås went sideways as the American pulled up alongside her over a jump. Contact between the two put the JBXE car into a spin which forced both Hosås and Foust off track either side of the next gate, earning both teams a 5-second penalty for missing the waypoint.

When the dust settled Foust had recovered to claim the lead for NEOM McLaren Extreme E, but it was XITE ENERGY RACING’s Scheider in second ahead of JBXE in third, with a damaged Veloce Racing car crawling home in fourth.

The teams crossed the finish line in this order, but two 10-second penalties for XITE ENERGY RACING - for dropping a waypoint flag and causing a collision with Veloce Racing in the Switch Zone - dropped them into third place.

NEOM McLaren Extreme E not only took the win but also the quickest time in the Continental Traction Challenge, potentially stealing a crucial five points away from championship leaders Rosberg X Racing.

With the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix getting underway shortly, find out where you can watch the action [http://NEOM McLaren Extreme E win the Crazy Race to complete the grid for the Final]here.

Results
NEOM McLaren Extreme E 9:12.588 (Penalised)
JBXE +15.042 (Penalised)
XITE ENERGY RACING +17.474 (Penalised)
Veloce Racing +2:17.762

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-25 X44 Vida Carbon Racing and ABT CUPRA XE secure their spots in the Final
X44 Vida Carbon Racing secured the win in Semi-Final 2 to confirm their spot in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final, with ABT CUPRA XE coming in second to deny No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing a chance of fighting for a podium.

As the lights turned green No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing were quickest off the line, but it was Cristina Gutiérrez who got ahead in the first few corners for X44 Vida Carbon Racing.

Extreme E debutant Klara Andersson proved herself a quick learner in the ABT CUPRA XE car as she stuck with Sara Price throughout the first lap.

The Swede soon completed an exceptional overtake, charging down the inside of No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Price to take second place.

Sébastien Loeb took over for X44 Vida Carbon Racing with a five second lead over ABT CUPRA XE’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, which the Frenchman nursed home to take the win and a spot in the Final.

Kyle LeDuc was flat out for his two laps as he chased down Al-Attiyah from third, closing the gap to just one second as he tried to keep his team’s championship title hopes alive.

Al-Attiyah kept a level head and kept the No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing in his mirrors as the Qatari crossed the line in second, securing a spot in the Final for ABT CUPRA XE.

Results
X44 Vida Carbon Racing 9:02.840
ABT CUPRA XE +3.519
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +6.314

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-25 Rosberg X Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team make it through to the Final
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) fought hard to claim victory in Semi-Final 1 and progress to the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final, with ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team joining them as Genesys Andretti United Extreme E missed out by three tenths of a second on track.

Catie Munnings got the best traction off the line for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, but Laia Sanz came through the middle of the field to take the lead for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, with RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky slotting into second at the first turn.

Despite the strong start, Munnings found herself in third, unsighted as the windscreen wipers on her ODYSSEY 21 failed. The Genesys Andretti United Extreme E car continued in the race, but Munnings had a lot of time to make up if the team were to stay in contention.

Sanz kept the lead ahead of Åhlin-Kottulinsky as the teams entered the Switch Zone, but a slow stop for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team saw RXR steal the lead as the teams returned to the course.

Johan Kristoffersson picked up where his fellow Swede left off, with a controlled drive that saw RXR cross the line first and take the win in Semi-Final 1.

An amazing drive from Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Timmy Hansen saw him close the gap to Carlos Sainz Snr. in the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE car and he was all over the back of the Spaniard in the final corners.

Sainz Snr. did just enough to stay ahead of Hansen as the two reached the jump at the finish line, crossing in first just three tenths of a second ahead of Genesys Andretti United Extreme E to secure a spot in the Final for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.

Results
Rosberg X Racing 9:04
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +6.43
Genesy Andretti United Extreme E +6.79

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-24 Rosberg X Racing top Qualifying 1 ahead of Q2 in Chile
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) laid down the gauntlet for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix by finishing top of the timesheets in Qualifying 1.

Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky were fastest in the day’s first Qualifying session, heading the standings with a time of 8:49.216.

X44 Vida Carbon Racing were just over five seconds behind RXR, with Sébastien Loeb stealing the quickest lap time of the session away from Kristoffersson, as the top three teams went under the nine-minute mark.

RXR’s nearest championship challengers No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing finished third with a time of 8:58.966. Hot on their tails were NEOM McLaren Extreme E, just one second adrift in an impressive fourth.

Rounding out the top five was XITE ENERGY RACING, riding the momentum from their podium in Sardinia into the penultimate X Prix of the campaign.

A great debut run from Klara Andersson, filling in for the injured Jutta Kleinschmidt, saw ABT CUPRA XE slot into sixth, and a trouble-free session for Veloce Racing put them in seventh place.

In eighth were ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, who fell victim to penalties following issues in the Switch Zone and contact with a waypoint flag, thwarting what looked like a solid attempt to challenge RXR.

At the bottom of the Q1 standings were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E and JBXE. Despite Timmy and Kevin Hansen demonstrating their Rallycross pedigree in Free Practice, the brothers’ teams finished ninth and tenth, respectively, due to technical issues.

With the second session of Qualifying fast approaching, find out where you can watch the action here.

Provisional Classification from Qualifying 1 is as follows:
1. Rosberg X Racing 8:49.216
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing +5.599
3. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing +9.750
4. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +10.800
5. XITE ENERGY RACING +15.453
6. ABT CUPRA XE +20.544
7. Veloce Racing +26.088
8. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +32.434
9. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +1:07.016
10. JBXE +1:17.670

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-24 Klara Andersson replaces Jutta Kleinschmidt at ABT CUPRA XE in Chile
Extreme E Championship Driver Klara Andersson will replace the injured Jutta Kleinschmidt for the remainder of the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix.

Kleinschmidt has been ruled out of competing in Chile for the rest of the weekend after suffering an injury following a crash in Free Practice 2. The German was taken to hospital as a precaution and stayed in hospital overnight for further checks. Everyone at Extreme E wishes Jutta a speedy recovery.

In a statement, an ABT CUPRA XE spokesperson said: “After her accident in Free Practice 2 Jutta stayed in hospital overnight for further observation. The entire ABT CUPRA XE team is in close contact with Jutta and wishes her the very best.”

The German’s absence means 22-year-old Andersson steps into the vacant seat at ABT CUPRA XE to partner Nasser Al-Attiyah for Extreme E’s first-ever round in South America.

Getting behind the wheel this weekend marks a long-awaited series debut for Andersson. The ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team introduced the Swedish protégé to the championship during the Rookie Test which followed the Enel X Island X Prix in Season 1, while Andersson was all set to debut for XITE ENERGY Racing in NEOM at the Season 2 opener before being ruled out with COVID-19.

As well as finally getting the opportunity to debut in Extreme E, Andersson is already enjoying a strong 2022 season. She is currently competing in World RX as the first permanent female competitor in WRX history with Construction Equipment Dealer Team.

Last week, Andersson recorded her best WRX result to date by finishing third in Portugal – becoming the first-ever female driver to step on the podium in the championship's history.

The Swede is also no stranger to several names on the grid. At the halfway point of the World RX season, Andersson sits sixth in the standings just 10 points behind JBXE’s Kevin Hansen in fourth and 14 points behind Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Timmy Hansen in third.

Klara Andersson said: “Competing for ABT CUPRA XE this weekend came as an unexpected Friday night surprise to me. While I wish Jutta all the best and a speedy recovery, I am excited to be racing in Extreme E now.

“Nasser [Al-Attiyah] and the team gave me a very warm welcome and a quick course of the car, the regulations and all the procedures. Going straight into Qualifying is of course a tough thing, but I enjoy this challenge and will do my very best to make it a good one for all of us.”

Extreme E’s South American racing debut promises to be a special one. Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-24 ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team fastest in practice as Extreme E debuts in Chile
Extreme E returned to action today for the penultimate round of Season 2 as the ten teams got back behind the wheel in Chile on what could be the most exciting course in the series to-date.

The three-kilometre course of the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix has proved one of the most remote and extreme settings for the championship so far. As the drivers took on the most thrilling course yet, Extreme E made the perfect entrance at its first-ever South American event.

René Aguilar, Antofagasta Minerals’ Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, said: “We’re very proud to be hosting Extreme E’s first race in South America. I think Extreme E and Antofagasta Minerals share a common purpose, which is the fight against climate change.

"Copper is a key material for electric cars and renewable technologies and its demand is surging as a result of our global shift to these technologies. Antofagasta Minerals invited Extreme E to Chile to explain to the world how we are meeting global demand, but with industry leading sustainable innovations being the core to our strategy.

“We are really looking forward to this weekend’s racing, and we look forward to seeing how all the teams take to this very exciting course, located in our backyard.”

With Rosberg X Racing (RXR) needing 31 points to lift the championship trophy this weekend, the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix will ask the most of the other Extreme E contenders as they look to steal glory in Chile.

Quickest out of the blocks in Free Practice were ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team with a time of 9:10.167. Having shown pace in Sardinia without results, Carlos Sainz Sr. and Laia Sanz laid down the marker in the Atacama Desert as the teams prepare for Qualifying tomorrow.

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: "The race in Chile will be important for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team as an individual event but also in the bigger picture for the final stages of the championship because there are only two events to go in the calendar.

“We are traveling to a different continent and we visit South America for the very first time. I have fond memories of my time there with the World Rally Championship and the Rally Dakar and I am sure that Extreme E will also receive a warm welcome. It will be an excellent race. I am already looking forward to discovering the terrain where we will be racing and I want to see what challenges the track entails".

Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: "Both Carlos and I are really looking forward to the Copper X Prix because we were really competitive in Sardinia but we were not able to translate our potential into a good result. I am optimistic and I think that we can stand out in Chile because in the last events we have had the pace to fight for everything. I am convinced that we will keep that same level in what remains of this season. We will work flat-out to do so."

In FP2, ABT CUPRA XE's Jutta Kleinschmidt suffered a heavy landing after crashing, which ruled the team out for the rest of the session. The German was later taken to hospital as a precaution, and will need to stay in hospital overnight for further checks. Everyone at Extreme E wishes Jutta a speedy recovery.

In a statement, an ABT CUPRA XE spokesperson said: “After her accident in Free Practice 2 Jutta will need to stay in hospital overnight for further observation. The entire ABT CUPRA XE team is in close contact with Jutta and wishes her the very best.”

ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s nearest challengers were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E who, off the back of their podium in Sardinia, maintained their momentum with a time of 9:15.905 in FP2. Also setting their best time in the second session were X44 Vida Carbon Racing, who rounded out the top three with a 9:25.555.

Both of the Hansen brothers demonstrated their rallycross pedigree in Free Practice, as a blistering lap from Kevin initially put Jenson Button’s JBXE third in FP2, but a penalty denied them their spot in the top three and so finished fourth overall.

Championship leaders RXR were fifth overall in Practice, but Johan Kristoffersson ended the day with the fastest individual lap. Sending a warning to the rest of the grid, the Swede delivered a 1:48.116 lap time in FP2.

Veloce Racing recovered well after suffering misfortune in Sardinia to finish sixth overall and will be aiming to kickstart their season with a strong Qualifying performance tomorrow.

Runners up in the championship standings, No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing, showed speed but an accumulation of penalties resulted in an overall best time of 10:12.959, denying us any glimpse of their true pace.

Alongside ABT CUPRA XE, the other teams that were unable to complete a full day of Free Practice running were XITE ENERGY Racing and NEOM McLaren Extreme E due to incidents in FP1 and FP2, respectively.

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: "It's amazing, this is my first time in South America. The course is very different to what we’ve had before and I think it suits the rallycross guys but I’m really enjoying it.

"Hopefully there won't be too much contact as we all want to have good weekends without wrecking any of the cars. There are a lot of different lines where we can get past each other which is new this season and will help."

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: “It’s not easy to see the good lines here, so this practice has been to check those. This lap is much quicker for everyone so I think all the times will be very close.

"It's important to adapt as quickly as possible because you have only a couple of laps to figure things out, so for me the trickiest thing is changing my driving style to suit each track as quickly as possible."

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy, Rosberg X Racing driver, said: "Of course it would be a dream come true to take maximum points this weekend but we can already tell that it's going to be so tight and so competitive on this track.

"We need to try to be as quick as possible but also mistakes here are going to cost a lot so we need to be careful."

Free Practice combined timings:
1. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 9:10.167 (FP2)
2.Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: 9:15.905 (FP2)
3.X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 9:25.555 (FP2)
4.JBXE: 9:28.862 (FP2)
5.Rosberg X Racing: 9:33.104 (FP1)
6.Veloce Racing: 9:38.466 (FP2)
7.No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 9:40:060 (FP2)
8.XITE ENERGY Racing: 9:40.259 (FP2)
9.NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 9:54.785 (FP1)
10. ABT CUPRA XE: 9:58.072 (FP1)

Extreme E’s South American racing debut promises to be a special one. Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-23 Extreme E reveals Chile Legacy Programme
Extreme E’s drivers got their hands dirty preparing local habitat for the reintroduction of the Loa water frog in Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert.

The Loa water frog is a critically endangered aquatic frog, endemic to the Loa River in Calama, and vital to the upkeep of ecosystems in the area. The longest river in Chile, The Loa, crosses the desert for 440 kilometres and is fundamental for life in Atacama.

A decline in this already delicate system of biodiversity would result in food-web breakdown and the loss of important ecosystem services. The Loa water frogs play important ecological roles including natural pest control and contributing to the food chains. Their disappearance could cause systemic impacts, in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Extreme E’s Climate Change Scientist, Professor Carlos Duarte, explains: “Today Extreme E started working on a conservation project with the Museum of Natural and Cultural History of the Atacama Desert.

“One of the main concerns of the scientists involved in the conservation of this species is the recovery of its habitat. Extreme E’s project involves the clearance and preparation of the release site near Calama for the reintroduction of the frogs into the Chilean desert.

“Due to their permeable skin, frogs are very sensitive to pollutants so they will be a good indicator of the health of both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This will help us in understanding the impact of our work and what our next steps should be moving forward.”

Extreme E will not be alone in its Legacy Programme in Chile, as Antofagasta Minerals, the Copper X Prix’s title partner, will join the initiative through Minera Centinela, matching the contribution to be made to the Museum, with the aim of amplifying its impact as part of the triple alliance for the conservation and reintroduction of this species.

Carlos Espinoza, General Manager of Minera Centinela, added: "We believe that mining for a better future is mining that respects and protects its environment and all its species. In order to consolidate the recovery of the Loa water frog, it is essential that it returns to its natural habitat. That is why we support the management and conservation project led by the Calama Museum.”

The Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix takes places in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions in the world. A further rise in average annual temperatures in Chile will result in a further breakdown within ecosystems which are already struggling, as even the sturdiest of plants struggle to survive in an area that currently sees on average less than 2mm of rain a year.

In a symbolic act, the collaboration agreement between the Museum of Natural and Cultural History of the Atacama Desert, Extreme E and Minera Centinela was signed today (Thursday 22 September). After the signing, the Extreme E drivers together with a delegation from Minera Centinela and accompanied by the Museum team, participated in a cleaning activity in Ojos de Opache to improve the habitat where the Loa water frog will be reintroduced.

Osvaldo Rojas, Director of the Calama Natural History Museum, said: “In 2019, a desiccation alert warned us that one of the last habitats where this amphibian dwelled was drying up. This triggered a rescue operation, by which a group of scientists scouted whatever superficial waters remained and only found 74 Loa frogs - all of them in poor condition, underweight and with skin damage.

“60 of the rescued frogs were relocated to the Ojo de Opache creek, while only 14 of them became the passengers of a commercial flight that brought them from Calama to Santiago. Their destination was the Chilean National Zoo, where vets and scientists began one of the most incredible recovery feats in Chile's natural history.”

René Aguilar, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Antofagasta Minerals, said: “At Antofagasta Minerals, sustainability is at the core of our strategy and of how we understand mining should be developed. In this context, our roadmap includes actions in climate change and circular economy, as well as regarding the protection of biodiversity. For us, it is essential to actively participate in the care of the environments in which our operations are located.

“After an adaptation and recovery program, the National Zoo now has 600 specimens of the Loa Frog, a very important step towards saving this species from extinction.”

Antofagasta Minerals focuses on saving freshwater resources and helping to improve biodiversity in the region, both of which will contribute positively to the reintroduction of the Loa water frogs.

They use untreated seawater in its sulphide line and optimises the use of water resources through recirculation systems. At the Los Pelambres operation, a desalinization plant is currently being built, meaning by 2025, 90% of the water Los Pelambres uses will be water from the sea and from recirculation.

The demand for metals to support electrification needs to meet our climate goals and should not be done at the expense of biodiversity. With the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, Extreme E aims to raise awareness of more sustainable mining methods and highlight the efforts of Antofagasta Minerals in spearheading some of the technical developments conducive to this goal.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-23 Rollercoaster style course revealed for Extreme E's Chile debut
With Extreme E’s Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix on the horizon this weekend (24-25 September), the electric off-road series is revealing a thrilling course that brings the 10 teams and 20 world-class drivers to Chile for the championship’s first-ever South American event.

The three-kilometre course, set in the heart of the Atacama Desert – the driest place on the planet - is an inherently remote and extreme setting for teams, with multiple elevation changes, variations in gradient, high-speed corners, and jumps, expected to result in the fastest, most thrilling race course yet for the drivers to navigate.

James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer, said: “This course promises to be one of the best yet seen on the Extreme E calendar – we are all hugely excited about it.

“We have put a lot of emphasis on creating a layout which features plenty of fast, sweeping corners, variations in gradient to put the drivers’ technical skills to the test, alongside jumps which should ensure we see the full potential of the ODYSSEY 21 in Chile.

“Given the width of the course there should also be multiple overtaking opportunities for the drivers throughout the weekend, meaning our first visit to South America promises to be a spectacular one.”

Fraser McConnell, Extreme E’s Championship Driver, said: “It is certainly a very exciting course. The layout allows you to really push and fine-tune those small details out on track, which will deliver a faster lap time. Finding every tenth that you can is going to be pivotal, especially with a shorter layout like this – it is very driver friendly.

“It is like a rollercoaster out there. There are also plenty of blind crests, so you need to pick your spots, be committed, and have a visual line in your mind of what’s ahead, and being level on the jumps with the nose up.

“You are on the throttle 80 per cent of the lap, flicking the ODYSSEY 21 left and right, getting some big air time, too!"

From the start there is plenty of opportunity for overtaking, making the deployment of the ENOWA Hyperdrive crucial as the drivers look to take several alternate lines to get the upper hand. Having plenty of passing room throughout for the drivers is the mantra for this Chilean course. It’s a design characteristic that is always sought in Extreme E – allowing creativity for overtaking right from the start is crucial to that – and the Antofagasta layout is testament to that.

Making use of different levels of banking across the course will also be crucial. The quick change in direction through the use of the banking and gradients means there are also plenty of blind spots, so the drivers really have to be on their game during the course walk and make the most of those areas.

One thing that should create plenty of excitement is the jumps out on course… and there are plenty of them! There is always a fine line between carrying too much speed over them or not enough, so trying to find that sweet spot to make up time and not overextend the ODYSSEY 21s through overdriving is going to be crucial.

Such is the free-flowing nature of the track keeping a mistakes to a minimum is vital, especially with five bonus points on offer thanks to the Continental Traction Challenge.

The finishing line coincides with one final jump, which is hoped to provide an exciting climax to the course layout. Drivers will be dared into trying one final overtake just before the conclusion of the lap, so be sure to expect plenty of photo finishes as the layout ends with the ODYSSEY 21s getting airborne.

The Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix begins this weekend (24-25 September). Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-22 Anticipation grows ahead of Extreme E's maiden South American X Prix
This weekend’s Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix marks a step into the unknown for Extreme E, as it holds its first ever race in South America.

Antofagasta, Chile, is the setting for what promises to be a thrilling fourth round of Extreme E Season 2 and a step into the unknown for the ten teams looking to find glory in the Atacama Desert.

Championship leaders, Rosberg X Racing (RXR), have been in imperious form so far this season, having secured 75 points after winning two of the three X Prix of 2022. Claiming yet another victory this weekend (24-25 September) will ensure the remarkable feat of back-to-back Extreme E titles with one round still to go.

Nevertheless, there will be plenty of opposition for them out on track, with just two points separating second and fourth in the standings. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing (43 points), ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team (42 points) and X44 Vida Carbon Racing (41 points) will be keen to ensure the championship battle goes down to the wire in Uruguay (26-27 November).

Such is the shorter layout of the course in Chile that each driver will complete two laps each during the races – treating viewers to a four-lap fight out on the course where tactics and race craft will be more crucial than ever.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I am thrilled that our first ever race in South America is finally here.

“Racing in Chile is going to be a unique experience for our championship and we must pay tribute to those who have welcomed the series to the continent and have been enthused with what we are trying to accomplish. I look forward to seeing some exciting wheel-to-wheel action out on the course – I have been given a sneak preview of the course and I think the fans are going to love it!”

Anticipation has been building ahead of the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix. In the lead up to the series’ first South American race, Chief Championship Officer James Taylor, alongside representatives from Antofagasta Minerals and Antofagasta Regional Government, visited downtown Antofagasta with the series’ ODYSSEY 21 and formally launched the event. There they gave the locals their first taste of Extreme E, highlighting the importance of the fight against climate change and the key role of the region of Antofagasta.

As part of the event the regional governor of Antofagasta, Ricardo Díaz, proposed the city as the capital of electromobility – fitting for Extreme E’s first Chilean X Prix.

James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer, said: "We have raced in extreme parts of the world, in Saudi Arabia, Southern Italy, and now in Antofagasta, Chile. We chose this city because of the importance of copper for electric cars, as well as how the region has become a leader in materials that help fight climate change.”

Antofagasta Minerals, Extreme E’s hosts for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, and its Centinela operation are on a mission to develop mining for a better future and will use the event to showcase their innovative, sustainable and inclusive methods which are transforming this crucial industry.

Situated north of the capital, Santiago, the city of Antofagasta is closely linked with mining activity. Since the mid-19thCentury, copper mining has dominated the focus of the area, but more recently has shifted towards one of innovative and sustainable mining.

The race itself will take place within the Atacama Desert, south of the Centinela mine, which is 700 miles north of capital, Santiago. This is the driest (non-polar) region in the world.

Extreme E’s decision to race in this part of Chile was instigated by the challenging climate issues that this region is facing, in addition to shining a spotlight on the Copper industry and its importance to electric vehicles.

Agag added: “Every Extreme E race seeks to launch a message, and in Chile it is the importance of raw materials for the transition in mobility and the transition to sustainability.

“Copper is undoubtedly one of the raw materials that will play the most important role in the transition to electric cars. An electric car uses four times more copper than a normal car (a combustion car), because we hope that soon electric cars will be the normal cars. This is why copper is such an important part of the necessary mobility transition.

“It is also very important to show that mining is undergoing a transformation process that is making it more sustainable, and it is important to show how this is happening.”

With the series stepping into the unknown, GridPlay will be crucial at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix.

GridPlay puts fans at the centre of the action, giving them an opportunity to use their vote to influence the outcome of the racing. Fans can vote for their favourite drivers, and the team with the most votes gets to hand-pick their spot on the starting line for the Final. The team with the most fan votes gets the opportunity to pick its grid position for the Final first, followed by the team with the second most votes and so on.

Of the Extreme E grid, only four have raced in Chile previously. However, given the nature of the series plus a totally new location, any previous background knowledge will go out of the window for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix.

With the difference in altitude, unique terrains, more laps and a brand new course to contend with, Extreme E’s South American racing debut promises to be a special one… and we can’t wait! Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-22 Mästerskapsledare i vinnarläge
Extreme E gör den här helgen sitt första besök i Sydamerika. Rosberg X Racing med Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky är mästerskapsledare.
- Vi har en god chans att säkra mästerskapet, säger en hoppfull Kristoffersson.

Efter en lyckad VM-rallycrosshelg med Volkswagen Dealerteam BAUHAUS i Portugal började Johan Kristoffersson den långa resan till regionen Antofagasta i Chile. 48 timmar (!) senare var han på plats för att ta sig an utmaningen i den fjärde deltävlingen av elektriska off road-racingserien Extreme E.
- En sjukt lång resa, konstaterar Johan, som ändå kände sig relativt pigg efter en natts sömn.

Regerande mästarna RXR har haft bra utdelning så här långt under säsongen. Med 75 poäng toppar teamet poängställningen, 32 poäng före Chip Ganassi Racing, 33 före Acciona XE Team och med 34 till godo på X44, som det tredje jagande teamet.
- Vi ska göra allt vi kan för att prestera så bra som möjligt, men utan att riskera alltför mycket. Det är de jagande teamen bakom oss som behöver ta lite större risker, konstaterar Kristoffersson.

Helgens tävling har namnet Copper X Prix och avgörs på hög höjd i ett gruvdistrikt med ökenterräng nära staden Calama i norra Chile.
- Det är alltid svårt att veta vad man kan förvänta sig i Extreme E eftersom vi inte har sett banan, men jag är riktigt motiverad och ser fram emot helgen.

Självförtroendet är förstås på topp hos de båda förarna i RXR. Under dubbeltävlingen på Sardinien för drygt två månader sedan levererade Kristoffersson på sin sedvanligt höga nivå medan stallkompisen Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky reste sig till nya höjder.
- Vi känner ingen press på oss. Den ligger hos våra konkurrenter. Vi fokuserar på vårt eget så får vi se hur långt det räcker.

Och skulle inte mästerskapstiteln säkras den här helgen så är det inte hela världen.
- Blir det inte klart nu så har vi en ny chans i Uruguay.

Sista deltävlingen i Extreme E 2022 går alltså också i Sydamerika, sista helgen i november.

Shakedown i Chile körs på fredag kväll med start vid midnatt, svensk tid. Kvalen på lördag avgörs kl 15 och 20. På söndag är det semifinaler kl 14 medan finalsändningen startar kl 17.

22-09-22 XITE ENERGY Racing's Tamara Molinaro pursuing another podium in Chile
Last season’s Extreme E Championship Driver, Tamara Molinaro, is now a podium finisher in the series, having secured XITE ENERGY Racing’s best-ever result at the Sardinian double-header. Extreme E caught up with the Italian keen for a repeat in Chile.

Extreme E: How much are you looking forward to racing in Chile?
Tamara Molinaro: I cannot wait to be back in the ODYSSEY in Chile. I haven’t had the opportunity to drive any race car since the last race in Sardinia, so I am really looking forward to being back.

XE: How different do you imagine it to be compared to previous races this season - for instance new terrain/altitude? Will it be a bigger challenge?
TM: I think it’s great to be on a track where nobody has had previous experience. It’s levelling the field and it’s always super exciting to visit a new place.

For sure, it will be a big challenge but this is Extreme E, and challenges are part of this discipline and that’s why we love it so much!

XE: You reached the podium last time out – is that the objective once again?
TM: For sure, if you talk to any driver on the grid, they will tell you that the goal is to win and for us is no different. Obviously, it will not be easy as the level is very high in this championship, but that’s always the target.

XE: Those on social media will have noticed a new tattoo for you and Timo! Could you explain?
TM: So, me and Timo were joking about it before Sardinia. We promised each other that if we were on the podium at the end of the weekend, we would get a matching tattoo. After our second place in the first race of the week (NEOM Island X Prix I), we started thinking and after some crazy ideas we realised we had to deal with it forever, so I thought of something a bit more serious.

Thinking about the fact that we are so passionate about speed, motorsport, and anything that makes us feel alive, from there came the idea. The chemical composition of Adrenaline - what we live off!

XE: You and Timo appear to be a good combination. How has the racing partnership been so far this season?
TM: I am super happy about being paired with Timo. He is a great team-mate - always positive, calm and giving 100%. He makes me feel very relaxed and motivated.

With 27 points, XITE ENERGY Racing sit fifth in the Extreme E Season 2 Championship standings. The Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix begins this weekend (24-25 September) and you can find out how XITE ENERGY Racing and the rest of the Extreme E grid fare by watching the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-20 Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky on RXR's ambitions for Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix
With two wins from the first three X Prix of Extreme E Season 2, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) are currently favourites to win consecutive championships. Ahead of the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, we caught up with RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky to find out how their preparations have gone ahead of the series’ first race in South America.

Extreme E: How have you found Season 2 compared to the inaugural campaign of Extreme E?
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky: I believe the format and racing scene is being set more and more, allowing us to focus more on the driving side and development of the car, which leads to closer and more exciting racing!

XE: RXR were victorious last season, and you are also out in front this time around - what do you think is the secret ingredient to success in the series?
MA-K: What I have really learned this season with RXR is to make sure that you check and think about every little detail there is. We’ve learned that anything can happen in Extreme E, and that's why it's so important to prepare yourself for all possible scenarios.

The whole season focus has been, and is, on winning the championship - so the goal is to continue doing the very best we can.

XE: Confidence must be sky high after two wins in three events?
MA-K: Of course, I´m very happy with the pace and wins we’ve had so far, however every new track is a new challenge. So we'll have to take it from there and do the same job and preparation as before.

XE: What has been your highlight of the season?
MA-K: Taking the first win with RXR is something I’ll always remember, however the win in Sardinia is also very special to me, especially given the overtake on Jutta on the last lap in the Final.

XE: As a team you have also faced some adversity at times during the campaign - what do you do to bounce back?
MA-K: Always focus on the next target and next step. My mentality especially is ‘what has been has been’ so learn from it, and then get back to focusing on the next event.

XE: What has the team dynamic been like between you and your teammate Johan [Kristoffersson] - it seems very strong and positive?
MA-K: I am very grateful to have Johan, who is definitely one of the best drivers that there is on the grid, as my team-mate. He is constantly supporting me and pushing me to be a better driver. I’m also impressed with his patience during the weekends, especially with me always asking over a thousand questions!

He’s a good driver, person, and team-mate, and I'm sure that's the key behind all his championship titles.

XE: Looking ahead to Chile - what are you expecting there?
MA-K: I’m personally very excited to go to Chile as I’ve never been to South America before. It will be great to see the country and culture!

Regarding the racing, I believe it's going to be very close and tough. All of the teams have had the time to analyse Sardinia with the new updates on the car we had there and we will all come more prepared in Chile.

XE: Will your approach be different to other events given the terrain expected there or is it something familiar to you all?
MA-K: This is something we’ll have to look at during the Track Walk. So far, we don’t know what the track is going to look like, however we all knew in Greenland that the Rock Garden was a big risk moment, so we’ll see if the course in Chile has its special challenges too.

With 75 points, Nico Rosberg’s RXR hold a commanding lead over nearest rivals No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing (43 points) as the ten Extreme E teams head into the penultimate event of the season, the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix (24-25 September).

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-17 Nasser Al-Attiyah looks ahead to Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix
Despite demonstrating ABT CUPRA XE’s potential throughout Season 2, it has been a difficult debut campaign in Extreme E for Nasser Al-Attiyah. As excitement builds ahead of the series’ first X Prix in South America, Extreme E caught up with the four-time Dakar Rally winner who is keen to deliver the team’s maiden win.

Extreme E: How have you found the switch to Extreme E and has it been everything that you anticipated?
Nasser Al-Attiyah: Extreme E is extremely good fun! The competition is high as there are many fast guys and girls on the grid. At the same time, there is a nice family spirit within the entire paddock family.

XE: Would it be fair to say ABT CUPRA XE have been unlucky in the championship so far as the team has shown flashes of speed throughout?
NA-A: Good luck and bad luck are difficult things in motorsport. Our performance is good for trophies and even a victory, but to achieve this you have to bring it all together when it counts. Even the smallest mistakes throw you out of the competition, and that’s what happened to us too many times.

XE: What are the main driving characteristics required for success in Extreme E?
NA-A: Like in Rally-Raid events, you need absolute precision because every second counts. Extreme E requires a very good risk management to be quick, but not over the limit.

XE: Is it comparable to rallying in the Dakar, for instance?
NA-A: Sometimes the area and surface are of course the same as on some Dakar stages. However, in the Dakar Rally we are driving for two weeks and in Extreme E it is all about a few seconds on the timing screen. It is the same sport, but totally different categories.

XE: Speaking of which, how has it felt to renew old rivalries in the X Prix to date?
NA-A: It feels good to race along some good old friends. Other than during the Dakar Rally, in Extreme E we are getting pretty close to each other sometimes…

XE: What has been your highlight so far in the series?
NA-A: Working with the team is great, driving our car is great, coming to the first race and being quick was great. The highlight, though, will be the first time on the podium.

XE: The championship’s Legacy Programmes are unique in motorsport. How have you found the series’ and your team’s commitment to sustainability and the environment?
NA-A: The Legacy Programmes are one of the things that make Extreme E so special and different to all that I have seen before in motorsport. I like being part of that and using my passion for racing also for creating awareness of the challenges in our world.

XE: You were leading in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final until misfortune struck at the halfway point. With this in mind, how close do you feel a victory is for the team?
NA-A: We know that the team, the car, Jutta and I can do it.

XE: Looking ahead to Chile, what are you anticipating there?
NA-A: I believe the surface will be quite similar to Saudi Arabia as we will again be in the middle of the desert. What will be different is the altitude – that might be a challenge here and there. Competition will be high as always with every team being able to fight for the win.

XE: There are just two races to go in Season 2 – what would represent success for ABT CUPRA XE in them?
NA-A: Two races and two trophies – that is our clear goal.

Extreme E takes a step into the unknown for their first South American X Prix, and there is all to play for and plenty of points up for grabs as the series embarks on the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix (24-25 September) in Chile.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-15 The teams hoping for a turnaround in Chile
The teams hoping for a turnaround in ChileAs the series heads to Chile for the penultimate X Prix of Extreme E Season 2, those ranked eighth to tenth in the Championship have nothing to lose as they look to climb up the Championship standings.

NEOM McLaren XE, Veloce Racing and ABT CUPRA XE have all shown glimpses of what it takes to win in a race in Extreme E, but their pace is yet to yield results.

Sitting at the bottom of the standings with nineteen, seven and six points respectively, the current back runners will be giving it their all to get solid points in Chile.

NEOM McLaren Extreme E nearly had the debut of dreams in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Drivers, Tanner Foust and Emma Gilmour, delivered a thrilling performance on track to win the Crazy Race and secure a place in the Final first-time around.

A nasty accident for Foust in the Final denied them a shot at victory in their first ever X Prix, but their efforts set expectations high for the action to come in Sardinia.

The team started off the double-header as they hoped to go on, finishing third in Free Practice, but a DNF in Qualifying 1 denied them a spot in the Semi-Finals. All hopes of making it two Crazy Race wins from two ended with another crash for the team, this time for Gilmour just metres from the Start Line.

Following an impressive rebuild by the team, Gilmour and Foust took on Qualifying in the second part of the double-header. Despite driving a hastily repaired ODYSSEY 21, both drivers put in solid performances to secure that elusive spot in the Semi-Finals but failed to make it into the last race of the weekend.

Gilmour and Foust currently sit eighth in the Championship standings on 19 points, but with two rounds to go and fifth place just eight points ahead, there is every chance NEOM McLaren Extreme E could still gain some places.

The action-packed Sardinian double-header saw Christine GZ back in action for Veloce Racing alongside Lance Woolridge, as both drivers looked to build on the pace shown in Qualifying at the season opener in NEOM.

Veloce Racing looked set for one of the quickest Qualifying times at the Desert X Prix until a crash for GZ took the team out of contention and the Spaniard out of action for the following months as she recovered from the subsequent ankle injury.

Sardinia offered the British outfit a shot at redemption. Double the racing meant double the points, and the team managed to move off the bottom of the standings.

It was familiar territory for Veloce Racing when they suffered a difficult Qualifying session in both parts of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header. This meant that the team battled it out in both Crazy Races and were unlucky to miss out on a spot in the second Final of the week.

A fantastic display from Woolridge and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings saw both drivers racing on the edge as they fought for first place.

There was drama from the outset as Woolridge went side-by-side with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E on the run down to the first turn. Woolridge kept Munnings under pressure throughout the lap until the South African tried to squeeze his ODYSSEY 21 down the inside of his rival over a jump, and the subsequent contact tipped the Veloce car into an unfortunate half spin.

As the first part of the double-header in Sardinia neared its end, it looked as though ABT Cupra XE had secured their first Final appearance of Extreme E Season 2.

However, a time-penalty in the Switch Zone for completing the driver change before the minimum time, as well as a further penalty received for hitting a waypoint flag, ensured they dropped to third in the race and ninth overall at the NEOM Island X Prix I.

Having also fallen just short in the Crazy Race at the first event of the season, the team were determined to avoid making it three from three at the NEOM Island X Prix II.

Following a consistent two rounds of Qualifying in the second X Prix of the week, ABT CUPRA XE progressed to the Semi-Finals for the first time this year.

It was a tense duel between ABT CUPRA XE’s Jutta Kleinschmidt and NEOM McLaren XE’s Emma Gilmour, with the former defending her second place impeccably to keep the latter at bay and ensure ABT CUPRA XE’s spot in the Final.

On the preferred line ABT CUPRA XE surged to the front of the final five and just five seconds separated the front three as Al-Attiyah began to pull away from Johan Kristoffersson and Sébastien Loeb.

It was still a four-way tear up for the win as the teams entered the Switch Zone until disaster struck for ABT CUPRA XE. During the driver change, Jutta Kleinschmidt failed to properly buckle her seatbelt before setting off on her lap. This later lead to the team’s disqualification from the Final, after they finished second on the course.

With just two races to go, the teams at the bottom of the standings will need to push hard in Chile next weekend (24-25 September) to get the points they need to get ahead of the competition.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-14 Midfield teams hunting for a podium in Chile
As Extreme E prepares for its first South American X Prix, the stage is set for some exciting midfield battles in Chile. Leading the charge is X44 Vida Carbon Racing (4th - 41 points), with XITE ENERGY Racing and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E level on points (5th/6th - 27 points), and JBXE closing in (7th - 21 points) after all four teams secured a podium in Sardinia.

X44 Vida Carbon Racing remain on the coattails of the top three, just one point behind ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team in third and two points adrift of No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing in second.

X44 Vida Carbon Racing began their Season 2 campaign in ominous fashion, setting the right tone with first place in Qualifying at the Desert X Prix, but Lewis Hamilton’s outfit narrowly missed out on victory in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, with Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez securing third in the Final.

The NEOM Island X Prix I was the first race without X44 at the top of the Qualifying standings and the first event that didn’t have Loeb and Gutiérrez competing in the Final, after suffering from ill-fortune throughout the first event of the double-header. That meant last season’s Championship runners up could only manage sixth.
season.

A strong comeback in the second part of the double-header saw the team finish second in Qualifying and first in their Semi-Final Heat, setting them up nicely for the NEOM Island X Prix II Final. Their pace was good enough for second place and their best result of the season so far.

Sitting fifth on the leader board is XITE ENERGY Racing, who entered Sardinia with a new driver line-up. Former Championship Driver, Timo Scheider, followed in the footsteps of Tamara Molinaro, who made her debut for the team in NEOM having previously been a Championship Driver herself.

Despite her late call-up, Molinaro was competitive alongside Oli Bennett, her previous racing partner, throughout the Season 2 opener, helping the team secure fourth overall in Qualifying. In Semi-Final 1, Molinaro took on the might of Rosberg X Racing (RXR) and X44 Vida Carbon Racing for a place in the Final.

At the NEOM Island X Prix I, the Scheider and Molinaro partnership made an instant impact, becoming podium finishers in the series for the first time. The former colleagues now team-mates secured XITE ENERGY Racing’s best-ever result when they finished second in Sardinia, and the pair have been confirmed as the team’s drivers for the rest of the season.

Following the high of their first podium and Molinaro recovering from a shoulder injury following the previous Final, XITE ENERGY Racing ended up in the Crazy Race of the NEOM Island X Prix II where Molinaro spun off course, unsighted by the dust from a spin for Veloce Racing’s Lance Woolridge. This unfortunately meant the team were denied back-to-back Finals.

Tamara Molinaro, XITE ENERGY Racing, said: "It has been a pleasure to race for XITE Energy Racing in Extreme E Season 2 and I am extremely happy to stay in the seat for the rest of the season. To go from Championship Driver, to competing in the series to a podium finisher gives me a lot of satisfaction.

"Racing in Chile and Uruguay is really exciting and definitely a bit of a step into the unknown. However, Timo and I have already proven we can show great pace and work well together so I am hopeful that we can get more positive results this season."

Timo Scheider, XITE ENERGY Racing, said: "I am thrilled to be racing the final two races of Extreme E Season 2 with XITE ENERGY Racing. I feel extremely passionate about this Championship and cannot wait to get behind the wheel again in Chile.

"For Tamara and I to bag a podium in our first race together was amazing and I look forward to us and the team building on that momentum in South America."

Winners of that Crazy Race were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, who secured a spot in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final following a disappointing first two races of the season.

Having crashed out of their Semi-Final in the season opener in NEOM, Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen aimed to hit the ground running in the next round.

A strong performance in Qualifying and an exciting battle between Hansen and RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin Kottulinsky in the Semi-Finals of the NEOM Island X Prix I showed all the signs of a successful week for the team, but they were unable to progress to the Final.

Having delivered speed but not results, it was the turn of Munnings to deliver some thrilling wheel-to-wheel action in the second part of the double-header, as she held off Veloce Racing’s Woolridge and JBXE’s Kevin Hansen to take the Crazy Race honours.

It was a four-way scrap for the win in the Final, but ABT CUPRA XE’s disqualification due to a safety infringement secured Genesys Andretti United Extreme E a spot on the third step of the podium. This marked their first top three finish of the season, which was a huge boost after a difficult start to the campaign.

Seventh in the standings are JBXE. The team looked to make a strong start to Season 2 after their third-place finish in the standings last year, but a difficult start to the Desert X Prix put them in the Crazy Race where they lost out to McLaren XE in the closing stages.

Hansen also suffered a serious back injury which ensured a period of rehabilitation prior to the Sardinian double-header. Prior to NEOM, Hansen had reached the podium in all four of the X Prix he had competed in.

The Swede was to make a welcome full recovery, though, and returned to the Extreme E paddock alongside new team-mate Hedda Hosås, replacing Molly Taylor, looking to get the team back into the top three of a race.

A win in Semi-Final 2 of the NEOM Island X Prix I was just the start they needed, with debutant Hosås managing to stay ahead of Carlos Sainz Snr. for victory. JBXE took that pace into the Final, returning to podium ways with third place following the penalty for RXR that put them down to fifth.

Jenson Button’s outfit came up against their closest rivals in Season 1, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, in the Crazy Race of the NEOM Island X Prix II. Pushing hard in second as he chased his brother, Kevin Hansen ended up in a spin, hitting the waypoint flag as he tried to recover, and thus missed out on back-to-back Sardinian Finals.

With two new races on the Extreme E calendar to go, RXR look to be the firm favourites for back-to-back Championship titles, but it’s all to play for in the midfield with just 20 points separating the four teams.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-13 Can anyone stop Rosberg X Racing claiming back-to-back Extreme E titles?
After two wins from the first three X Prix in Extreme E Season 2, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) look well placed to secure their second Championship title in succession. Their nearest challengers, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, will be out to spoil the party at the upcoming Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix. Here’s the story of the trio’s campaigns so far.

RXR have proven to be the benchmark once again in Extreme E – accruing a dominant lead in the championship standings following two wins so far this season.

Despite a new driver line-up with Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky joining Nico Rosberg’s outfit alongside Johan Kristoffersson, there has been no change in speed out on course throughout the campaign.

Last year’s champions claimed a dramatic win at the season opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, with Kristoffersson making a last-gasp overtake on ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Laia Sanz in the Desert X Prix Final to secure victory. Such was the sheer pace of Kristoffersson in the Final, RXR also claimed crucial five additional points by winning the Continental Traction Challenge in the team’s last lap of the weekend.

RXR were also the quickest out of the blocks in the NEOM Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna. Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Kristoffersson topped Qualifying in the first event, and as a result, became the only team other than X44 Vida Carbon Racing to be the fastest qualifier at an Extreme E X Prix thus far.

That performance looked set to be their springboard to victory in the NEOM Island X Prix I. However, a collision with ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Snr. in the Final led to a time-penalty, which meant despite finishing first on course, RXR dropped to third in the classification.

Following ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s right to review last month, the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) determined that RXR should receive a further penalty – consequently, the team classified fifth in NEOM Island X Prix I.

In spite of the team’s penalty following the first round of the Sardinian double-header, RXR’s reasserted their performance in the second – setting the pace once more in NEOM Island X Prix II to secure back-to-back top qualifier spots.

In a highly-anticipated NEOM Island X Prix II Final, RXR held second place at the halfway stage following a solid start by Kristoffersson. In the final lap of the Final, Åhlin-Kottulinsky turned on the style with a bold decisive pass on ABT CUPRA XE’s Jutta Kleinschmidt to seal a crucial victory and their second of the season.

RXR also claimed ten additional points for winning the Continental Traction Challenge at both NEOM Island X Prix events.

RXR’s nearest challengers in the standings are No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, 32 points adrift with 43 points so far.

After a maiden campaign beset with bad lack, Sara Price and Kyle LeDuc returned for Season 2 with renewed vigour. A solid start to the season was achieved with a fourth place finish at the Desert X Prix earlier this year, which has proven to be a platform for the American outfit.

Hopes were high ahead of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header as Price and LeDuc qualified for the Final, with the team securing their spot via the Crazy Race after ABT CUPRA XE received a time-penalty.

Following the collision between Kristoffersson and Sainz Snr., No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing ran second and were poised for their best result in the series so far. A podium in Sardinia was desired more than ever after the team were denied victory at last year’s Enel X Island X Prix on the very last lap.

No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Price trailed RXR in the Final on track to finish second amid jubilant celebrations. Their joy was made greater still following the announcement that RXR’s time-penalty promoted the American outfit to top spot, giving Chip Ganassi Racing their maiden Extreme E win.

Price and LeDuc were unable to match these exploits in the second part of the Sardinian double-header, though. Fifth place overall in Qualifying meant the team would take their place alongside RXR and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team in Semi-Final 1, however contact and subsequent damage at the start ensured they would not qualify for their third Final of the season. Nevertheless, they will be gunning for more victories at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in Chile.

Completing the top three in the standings are ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team.

Spanish duo Sainz Snr. and Sanz secured their best-ever Extreme E result in the season opener in NEOM and were very close to taking their maiden win until Kristoffersson’s superb late overtake on Sanz.

ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team started strongly in the NEOM Island X Prix double-header, qualifying for the Final in the first event, but were ruled out of contention almost immediately following contact with RXR.

This ensured the team finished fifth in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final, although were later promoted to fourth following RXR’s penalty. Sainz Snr. was taken to hospital for checks, but was considered fit to return to the course for the second event. After carrying out a huge rebuild following damage incurred following the first event, Sainz Snr. and Sanz bounced back superbly in the second part of the double-header by winning Qualifying 2 Heat 2, securing fourth overall in Qualifying.

After sealing a spot in the Final via Semi Final 1, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team were once again unable to show their true pace in the last race in Sardinia as Sainz Snr. stopped on track with a mechanical problem in the early stages.

With two new races on the Extreme E calendar to go, RXR look to be the firm favourites for back-to-back championship glory. However, a step in to the unknown in Chile may prove to be their nearest challengers’ best bet at reeling them in as Season 2 prepares for an exciting conclusion.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-08 Extreme E's floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, arrives in Chile ahead of Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix
Extreme E’s floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, has arrived in Chile as the Championship prepares for its first South American outing – the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix on 24-25 September.

Following the NEOM Island X Prix in Sardinia, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, the St. Helena has travelled west for Extreme E’s racing debut in South America, travelling through the Panama Canal to reach its final destination in Chile.

Upon arrival in Chile, the crew will spend the first few days unloading all of the freight on board as preparations and anticipation builds for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix later this month.

Extreme E’s global odyssey is made possible by the St. Helena. She is used to transport the Championship’s freight and infrastructure, including ODYSSEY 21 vehicles, to the nearest port to each of its race locations, minimising Extreme E’s emissions profile as well as facilitating scientific research through an on-board laboratory.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “The arrival of the St. Helena into Chile marks a major milestone in our preparations for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix – the first Extreme E event to be held in South America.

“The Atacama Desert will play an extreme and fascinating host venue for our series, whilst the subject of copper mining and its sustainable solutions is a vital matter facing the electric vehicle industry.

We look forward to working with Antofagasta Minerals to use our platform to tell this important story in an informative and insightful manner, and ultimately deliver more gripping race action."

The Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix is the fourth round of Extreme E Season 2.

The Championship is led by last year’s winners Rosberg X Racing, who have won two out of the series’ three X Prix so far this year.

After the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, the St. Helena will remain in South America for the Extreme E Season 2 finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on November 26-27 2022.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-07 Why Extreme E is racing in Chile's Atacama Desert
As Extreme E heads to the Atacama Desert in Chile (24-25 September) for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, the penultimate round of Season 2, we take a look at the challenging climate and environmental issues that this South American region faces.

The race itself will take place within the Atacama Desert, south of the Centinela mine, which is 700 miles north of capital, Santiago. This is the driest (non-polar) region in the world.

Extreme E’s decision to race in this part of Chile was instigated by the challenging climate issues that this region is facing, and also to shine a spotlight on the Copper industry, and its importance to electric vehicles.

Similar to many other places, the average annual temperatures here are expected to rise due to the effects of climate change – in particular the northern areas of the country which are expected to see a greater increase over the coming years. Despite variable levels of precipitation elsewhere, Chile’s Atacama Desert remains one of the driest regions on Earth.

But why is it so dry here?
Extreme E’s climate change scientist, Professor Carlos Duarte explains: “The Atacama Desert, extending over 1000 km between latitudes 19°S and 30°S, is virtually sterile. This vast area is blocked from moisture on both sides because it is bounded by two mountain chains, the Coastal Cordillera to the west and the Andean Cordillera to the east. This creates a major two-sided rain shadow that largely water travelling horizontally in the wind from either Pacific or the Atlantic Oceans. This renders it as the driest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of less than 2mm. In extensive areas of the Atacama, even the sturdiest plants cannot grow.”

The resulting lack of biodiversity can lead to a breakdown within a functioning ecosystem, namely: pollination, air purification, renewable material production, pest control and decomposition. A good example of this is the now almost extinct Loa frog, a species dependent on water and vital within the food chain as it is a natural pest controller.

In addition, and forming part of Extreme E’s focus in Chile, the race event is also focusing on the mining of copper. As electric vehicles rely heavily on copper not only for production but also for battery charging, Extreme E aims to highlight the development of sustainable alternatives. Chilean mining organisation and host partner, Antofagasta Minerals, is on a mission to develop mining for a better future and will use the event to showcase their innovative and inclusive methods which are positively transforming this crucial industry.

All of Antofagasta’s mining operations are situated in areas including the already dry Atacama Desert, making the sustainable management of water in the mining industry essential. The Group is a pioneer in the use of raw sea water and is now building a desalination plant at its Los Pelambres operation. It anticipates that raw or desalinated seawater and recycled water will account for 90% of the Group’s mining operations’ consumption by 2025.

Professor Carlos Duarte explains further: “Sustainable development involves multiple dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. However, the primary concern of the environmental sustainability of the mining industry is to avoid and reduce environmental impact at different stages of the mining life cycle, where the mining industry needs to anticipate possible negative effects that its operations may generate. Achieving sustainable mining requires strong leadership. Without improved sustainability, the growing demand for metals could lead to a steep increase in the impacts of mining on the environment.”

Additionally, and no less important, Extreme E supports and champions the extensive community projects that take place in the region thanks largely to work of Antofagasta Minerals. In line with its own gender equality pillar, the company has an above average (within the industry) female employment race of 17.8%. It has a Community Apprenticeships programme which has recruited many women into the business.

These Apprenticeship programmes aim to increase the number of STEM female students as well as women in more technical positions, such as mine equipment operators and maintenance workers.

Alongside, Antofagasta Minerals also runs multiple successful Community Projects. During 2019 through to 2021, over 30 of these projects were implemented in Sierra Gorda and Michilla – Including an emergency plan for the town, clean energy, dental surgeries, improvement of community infrastructure, water efficiency, photovoltaic (solar) initiatives for housing.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-05 Extreme E launches Racing for All initiative
Extreme E is pleased to announce the launch of its new Racing for All initiative, informed by the findings of The Hamilton Commission, which will create opportunities for a new generation of mechanical and engineering talent to join the world’s most radical off-road electric racing series.

Through The Hamilton Commission’s report - Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport – which was published last year, and programmes such as the FIA’s Girls on Track programme, Extreme E is aware of the substantial barriers of opportunity and bias that exist throughout the motorsport talent pipeline, from primary school age to those already in the industry. Identifying an opportunity to have real impact, the series has been working with some of those behind these initiatives, including Extreme E team owner Sir Lewis Hamilton, to develop an action-based programme that will have a tangible effect on addressing some of those barriers.

Extreme E teams are limited to just five mechanics or engineers each to help reduce overall attendance numbers across the Championship, but the Racing for All initiative provides an additional position for a sixth member to join each team to gain hands-on experience. This position is open to those with less than one year’s professional motorsport experience, to enable them to learn exactly what it takes to be part of a professional race team, providing a first step on the career ladder in a very competitive industry.

As a sport for purpose series which seeks to accelerate cultural and behavioural change, Racing for All supports the founding ethos of Extreme E, which is inspire positive action. The programme aims to reduce barriers and attract those who might not otherwise be able to have this opportunity, with particularly those who are female, minority ethnic, or from a lower socio-economic background, encouraged to apply. Extreme E is working with consultants from EqualEngineers in their goal to educate its teams on inclusive recruitment processes which ensure all applicants are welcome and considered.

Lewis Hamilton, Seven-Time Formula 1TM World Champion and Team Owner of Extreme E Team X44, said: “We know from the findings of The Hamilton Commission that our industry is a tough place to break into, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds, which is why it’s so important that the Racing for All programme will be creating genuine opportunities for the next generation.

“When I first discussed the idea of creating a programme with Alejandro and the Extreme E team, we all agreed that it had to be something which led to real change, and I believe Racing for All does just that. I’m so excited to see this program adopted across the paddock, and I can’t wait to see what the first group of Racing for All candidates goes on to achieve.”

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to launch the Racing for All initiative. We are fully supportive of the findings of The Hamilton Commission and are working with our teams to provide a clear path for the brilliant engineers and mechanics of the future, who may not so readily have the opportunities to succeed.

“Our goal is for Racing for All to instil an inclusive mindset and a wider recruitment pipeline which enables the next generation of race mechanics and engineers to reach the highest levels of motorsport, regardless of factors such as race, gender or social economic status, and reduce the barriers which exist for certain communities.”

Extreme E has been working with its teams, who, with support from the series, will ultimately select and manage their own candidates and integrate them into their team set ups. The Racing for All team member opportunity is open now, with the majority of the paddock indicating that they are actively starting their hiring processes ahead of Season 3.

In July 2020, Sir Lewis Hamilton launched The Hamilton Commission, alongside the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), to research and understand why underrepresentation persists within the UK motorsport industry and look for ways to address this lack of representation.The final report provided ten recommendations that the Commission believe will help to improve the representation of Black people in UK motorsport, which was based around three key strands of action – Support and Empowerment, Accountability and Measurement, and Inspiration and Engagement.

The Commission has called on all in leadership roles across motorsport to take personal responsibility for driving measurable progress on diversity and inclusion, to provide equity of access and experience for all underrepresented groups, and as an enabler of organisational success.

Dr Mark McBride-Wright CEng, Founder and CEO of EqualEngineers, said: “Extreme E presents a fantastic opportunity for the engineering sector to help encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who will lead future changes in technological innovation, and also themselves become our future leaders.

“Extreme E is looking to break the boundaries of traditional motorsports, and that is something which we fully support. We welcome the action-focused mindset and we look forward to supporting them and their teams as the championship develops.”

As a sport designed with purpose at its heart, Extreme E seeks to inspire and empower all individuals, from all backgrounds, to be a part of motorsport, providing equal opportunity between genders and across cultures. This includes encouraging diversity in the teams and drivers, aiming to remove inequality and barriers to access that diverse communities face in motorsport.

Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula 1TM World Champion Team Owner of Rosberg X Racing, said: “Extreme E’s commitment to environmental and social matters was the main draw for us to join the series and I am excited to see another progressive initiative come to fruition, aiming at removing barriers to motorsport. It is a sport that lives from different experiences, backgrounds, views and skills, so we all benefit from welcoming more diverse talent into our team.“

Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1TM World Champion and Team Owner of Extreme E Team JBXE, said: “With all my years in motorsport, I've seen first-hand just how vital the push for equality in motorsport and engineering is so it is encouraging to see Extreme E making this issue such a priority. Everyone, no matter what their gender, race, or background, should be able to get involved, and Racing for All will be huge step towards making this the norm.”

Extreme E has already seized the initiative in integrating the next generation of young talent into its paddock, with a focus on STEM subjects and engineering. During the recent NEOM Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia, Extreme E worked with McLaren Racing to recruit four female Student Ambassadors to its Championship team.

Leena Gade, Senior Principal Race Engineer at NEOM McLaren XE Team, added: “I am delighted that Extreme E is doing their bit to help widen opportunities to people from underrepresented backgrounds in motorsport. Diversity is so important to bring together different ideas and perspectives to help us innovate and be better at what we do.

“Racing for All will give these young people vital experience and exposure, setting them up for their futures. Everyone at McLaren Racing cannot wait to see the impact this has on the series and the wider industry.’

Applicants who would like to apply to take part in the Racing for All programme should visit: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/racing-for-all and fill in their details.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-09-01 What is it like to race in Chile?
Extreme E will compete in South America for the first time at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in Chile later this month (24-25 September). The event will mark a step into the unknown for the series, however four of the Extreme E grid have raced in the country before in Laia Sanz, Sebastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz Snr. and Nasser Al-Attiyah. We got their thoughts on what the Championship should expect in its maiden South American X Prix.

Extreme E: We’ve heard you’ve raced in Chile before - for those who haven’t, or are new to the series, what should we expect?
Sebastien Loeb: Chile is an incredible country with beautiful landscapes and welcoming people, so I am looking forward to visiting again. When I raced there it was much further south than we will be racing with Extreme E, so this feels new for me too.

Carlos Sainz Snr.: Chile is a great country to race, to go and rally. We had the experience of the Dakar Rally, which was a really good event. The Atacama Desert is a really nice place. There is a lot of enthusiasm from the people in Chile and I am happy to be back there.

Laia Sanz: There are two kinds of terrains there: the dunes, which are huge and so nice, but from my understanding, we are not going to be racing in the dunes. It’s usually a very dusty place and we will have to manage that. I don’t know the track exactly, so it will be new for everybody. I am really excited to go there.

Nasser Al-Attiyah: I have a lot of good memories from my first Dakar victory there back in 2011. This round will be very interesting for everybody. The Championship is getting closer, and we want to prove what we are capable to do with our team. We have shown a strong performance recently and want to bring home a trophy now.

XE: Will it be comparable to anything else we have seen in Extreme E so far?
CS: It depends, really. It depends on the place where we race, the type of terrain and layout of the circuit because we have already been to some really demanding locations. I’m confident that the track will be demanding. It’s probably going to be sandy. We will only really find out for sure once we get there.

NA: I believe it will be quite similar to Saudi Arabia as we will again be in the middle of the desert. What will be different is the altitude – that might be a challenge for everyone.

SL: Each Extreme E race is unique as we travel around the world, driving on different terrains with varying conditions each time. There’s always a different challenge when we visit a new destination, with lots of natural obstacles to navigate, but that is one of the things we like as drivers about this Championship – you are always learning!

LS: For sure it will be something different because the desert in Chile is the driest place in the world. It’s exciting because I like to race in all kinds of conditions. We will see. Also, although I have raced in Chile in the past, I don’t know the place where the Copper X Prix will take place.

XE: What do you think makes Extreme E heading to South America for the first time to race so special?
LS: I am really happy to come back to South America. I’ve done the Dakar many times and I love the people and the place. I am sure it will be special. We speak the same language and it’s really nice to go there. It’s been a long time since my last visit and I can’t wait!

CS: First of all, South America is a really good place and a really good market. The countries are developing really quickly. It is a place that deserves to host a couple of Extreme E races and I think that the Atacama Desert in Chile is a perfect area where a race of Extreme E can be organized. I am not surprised that the series is aiming towards South America.

NA: It’s great that Extreme E is finally coming to South America and will showcase electrified motorsport in this area of the world. The country is beautiful and nature as well as renewable energy play an important role to the people living there. We will do our best to make the debut in Chile a big success.

SL: I always find it exciting to race the car in new locations, you learn so much more and gain more experience with each new destination, but particularly somewhere like South America where it is a completely different part of the world. I think most of the teams will have to learn to adjust to things like travel time and altitude that they haven’t had to plan for before, but it’s also an opportunity to learn about a new culture and a really unique part of the world.

XE: As you have raced in Chile before, do you think this gives you any kind of an advantage at all?
SL: I hope this is the case but no, I don’t think so. When I raced in Chile, it was the other side of the country so the terrain was completely different, we raced through forests for example, and of course we were in a car that is not at all like the ODYSSEY 21. I think all the teams will have the same advantage which is what makes it so interesting.

CS: To be honest I don’t think we will get any advantage. Today, we all have the same opportunities to practice and I don’t think it will be any different from the previous races. I think it will be the same for everybody.

NA: Yes, we have raced there before and that gives us some experience. But I don’t think that will mean a big advantage when you look at all the great young drivers on the Extreme E grid. But at least, if you have some fond memories of a place, it gives you a good feeling right from the start.

LS: Maybe if the track was in the dunes yes, because we would have had more experience than the others. But in the end, it will be new for everybody, so I don’t think that we will have an advantage. We will all be in the same conditions. After what happened in Sardinia, Carlos and I can’t wait to get there and have a good result.

With 75 points, Nico Rosberg’s RXR hold a commanding lead over nearest rivals No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing who sit second on 43 points, closely followed by ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team (42 points) and X44 (41 points) in third and fourth, respectively. Here are the Extreme E championship standings in full.

Nevertheless, as the series takes a step into the unknown, there is all to play for and plenty of points up for grabs as Extreme E takes a step into the unknown for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix (24-25 September).

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-24 One month to go until Extreme E's Chilean debut in Antofagasta
Extreme E, the electric off-road racing series, is counting down to its Chilean debut, with the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix taking place in a months time (24-25 September) in Antofagasta.

The Championship is already familiar with South America thanks to its extensive Legacy Programme in the Amazon, however the visit to Chile will mark the sport for purpose series’ first race on the continent.

Situated north of the capital, Santiago, the city of Antofagasta is closely linked with mining activity. Since the mid-19thCentury, copper mining has dominated the focus of the area, but more recently has shifted towards one of innovative and sustainable mining.

Antofagasta Minerals and its Centinela operation, Extreme E’s hosts for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, are on a mission to develop mining for a better future and will use the event to showcase their innovative, sustainable and inclusive methods which are transforming this crucial industry.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Taking Extreme E to Chile will be an exciting moment for all of us.

“As a global Championship, it is important to be going to all continents to highlight the scale and variety of climate issues that people around the world are facing, so I’m delighted we are finally getting to visit South America this season.”

As a copper producer, Antofagasta Minerals can contribute by sustainably and responsibly supplying a metal that is essential for low-carbon technologies such as the generation of renewable electricity and electromobility. It is also essential in decontaminating our cities and contributing to meet decarbonisation goals around the world.

Iván Arriagada, CEO of Antofagasta Minerals, said: “We are pleased to sponsor the Copper X Prix in Chile given our own goals which include reducing emissions, using water sustainably, promoting a cleaner and better future, and finding alternative fuels that won’t contaminate. As the world’s largest copper producer, Chile is poised to contribute to combating climate change globally.

“In addition, we share with the championship a diversity and inclusion outlook, as we as a company are hiring more women, and almost 18 per cent of our labourforce is female, well above the national average for the local mining industry.”

Having reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 580,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by the end of 2020, Antofagasta has set a new shorter-term target of a 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2025 compared to 2020. Additionally, all four of Antofagasta Minerals’ mining operations have used 100 per cent renewable energy since April 2022.

According to the group’s own calculations, in 2021 two-thirds of its GHG emissions from diesel combustion were attributable to mine haulage trucks. In response, Antofagasta is leading in Chile with a pilot scheme to advance the use of hydrogen in large mining equipment, and the use of green hydrogen similarly lies at the heart of Extreme E’s operation.

All of Antofagasta’s mining operations are situated in areas potentially impacted by climate change, including the Atacama desert, making the sustainable management of water in the mining industry essential. The Group is a pioneer in the use of raw sea water in the Chilean mining industry and is now building a desalination plant at its Los Pelambres operation. It anticipates that raw or desalinated seawater and recycled water will account for 90% of the Group’s mining operations’ consumption by 2025.

Agag added: “Antofagasta Minerals’ long-term plans regarding the mining industry, both locally and internationally, align perfectly with the ethos of Extreme E. They are attempting things in the name of sustainability that have never been done in the sector before and these innovations come at a time when the world needs new solutions.”

With the confirmation of Antofagasta, Chile, Extreme E's global voyage continues to highlight the impact of climate change and human interference in some of the most remarkable, remote locations in the world. Alongside, they promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the fight to help preserve the environment and protect the planet. Details of the series’ local legacy programme is to be revealed soon.

The Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix is the fourth round of Extreme E Season 2. The championship is led by last year’s winners Rosberg X Racing, who have won two out of the series’ three X Prix this year.

With 75 points, Nico Rosberg’s RXR hold a commanding lead over nearest rivals No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing who sit second on 43 points, closely followed by ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team (42 points) and X44 (41 points) in third and fourth, respectively.

Nevertheless, there is all to play for and plenty of points up for grabs as Extreme E takes a step into the unknown in Antofagasta.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-04 FOX look back on their Extreme E debut
he NEOM Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, marked the first Extreme E race for FOX, the Championship’s Official Suspension Partner. We caught up with Bryan Harrold, FOX Motorsports Program Manager, to look back on their maiden event in the series.

Extreme E: It was FOX’s first event in Extreme E. How did you find it?
Bryan Harrold: There’s always a bit of nervousness headed into any new project, especially one with some of the top names in motorsport involved, an entirely new platform, and different format of racing for us. We had a lot of confidence in what we do along with our race-proven products and technologies, but we knew all eyes would be on the new dampers and this was our first impression on a completely new racing audience for us.

The pressure was high going in, but initial test feedback from the teams was positive. Once we started seeing the cars run and received feedback from both drivers and teams, the feeling of adrenaline came along with a sense of validation.

Overall, we’re thrilled with our first rounds of racing and the improvement in performance we were able to achieve with minimal testing and feedback. We’re already looking forward to the next round of racing and unlocking even more performance.

XE: FOX’s arrival coincided with the series’ first ever double-header event. How much of a challenge was that for FOX?
BH: Luckily, we had the opportunity to visit the Sardinia race last season, so we had a little bit of a head start in terms of knowing what to expect for this event. I’d say that the double-header and schedule change was more of an advantage for us than a challenge for a couple reasons.

The schedule change gave us a little more time to develop and produce the dampers from our original plan. From a timeline perspective, we only had a couple weeks to go from initial rapid prototyping to a proof-of-concept test. From there, we went from an all-new, completely custom designed package for the ODYSSEY 21 in the middle of worldwide supply chain issues, to a proper tuning test session in France, to full production and delivery of all 120 dampers across the globe to all the teams in a matter of a few short months.

Our original plan was to ship the new dampers to Sardinia on the original May dates and would have to fit them all onsite, have a limited test session, and then go straight to racing. The schedule change allowed for each team to take possession of their cars for the new upgrades and test them on their own schedules.

With Sardinia being a double-header, it provided more seat time for the drivers and more racing action, which meant we got more real-world data from watching the cars supplemented by actual driver feedback. With the limited test time we had during development, actual feedback and observation in a real racing scenario was invaluable. It also allowed us to spend more time working directly with the teams to provide tuning input and get the cars performing better.

Combined, it was clearly apparent over the course of racing throughout the week how much of an advantage this was. More seat time, familiarity with the course, confidence in the vehicle’s handling, and setups tailored to each driver allowed them to push the cars much harder and the result was a lot of great racing!

XE: What were the challenges to overcome in Sardinia?
BH: Gaining the drivers’ confidence in the dampers and teams’ trust in our support. Luckily, we started off on the right foot after positive initial impressions during testing ahead of Sardinia. There was still some uncertainty and apprehension early-on in the week in Sardinia, I think, mostly based on their previous experiences with the original suspension and FOX being a new supplier that some weren’t familiar with.

As we started making the rounds in the paddock, providing tuning suggestions, answering technical questions, I believe we gained a fair amount of trust and respect relatively quickly.

Our goal is to provide all the teams with a neutral level of support, helping each get the best performance out of their suspension – tailored to their drivers’ preferences – while also being able to perform repairs onsite if needed to keep the show going.

XE: What was the feedback like from the drivers?
BH: A handful of drivers were already familiar with FOX and our products were receptive and excited for us to get involved from the start. We received positive feedback from them and several of the Team Managers immediately following initial tests prior to Sardinia.

As the week progressed in Sardinia, we received more positive feedback from the entire paddock and staff on how much better the cars were handling that you could visibly see, but the most important feedback came with setup and adjustment questions from the teams. That allowed us to give suggestions on how to achieve certain handling characteristics drivers were looking for.

The most validating feedback comes from an excited driver fresh off a run with a huge smile on their face, thrilled we were able to give them exactly what they were looking for. Even if adjustments ever head in the wrong direction, taking their feedback from each outing, we can better steer them toward what they are looking for along with a better understanding of how their dampers work, which is a win in our book – especially when it’s from accomplished racers from other top levels of motorsport.

XE: There must have been plenty of learnings from your first event. What were the main takeaways?

BH: We came into Sardinia with very limited test time and data, so the biggest takeaways came from real-world feedback from the drivers and teams. Learning how the teams set up the cars and what handling characteristics the drivers look for are important for our own understanding in how we tune or make improvements on future iterations of the dampers.

We’re most familiar with desert endurance racing in North America – which is completely different than Extreme E in terms of terrain, vehicle platforms, and driver preferences – so any feedback we receive helps us develop and progress. The same goes for actual data that teams are willing to share, which we can digest and use to guide tuning suggestions and future designs.

XE: Are you looking forward to the two South American events to come in Chile and Uruguay?

BH: Absolutely! We haven’t done a lot of racing in South America, so we’re excited to support both events. Any opportunity to support racing, test our products, and experience new places and cultures is a dream. It’s especially exciting to do all that in locations as off the beaten path as Extreme E typically races in, away from touristy cities in areas you might not ever visit otherwise. We also love the challenge of dialling in suspension for different terrains and finding the best setup for each unique course, so we’re looking forward to that.

XE: What will FOX be doing with regards to Extreme E over the next couple of months?

BH: Now that we have a proper Extreme E event under our belts, we have a better understanding of what to expect and what we need to support on future rounds. We’re currently working on some improvements for our garage and restocking parts used for repairs in Sardinia.

Other than that, we’ll be looking at data we captured as well as what any of the teams share for tuning suggestions at remaining races and future damper development. There’s no downtime for the Motorsports group at FOX; we support several racing series and are currently working on a few promising new technologies and components through our Racing Applications Development (RAD) program that may just find their way onto the ODYSSEY’s in the not-so-distant future.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-25 ACM announces appeal decision on NEOM Island X Prix I
Extreme E’s Sporting Governing Body, the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), has announced the decision of the stewards following ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s right to review after NEOM Island X Prix I. The decision sees a change in penalties, Championship points and therefore, final standing classifications in both NEOM Island X Prix I and overall Championships.

In the NEOM Island X Prix I Final that took place on 7 July 2022 in Sardinia, the race was red flagged following an accident for ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team after Rosberg X Racing’s (RXR) Johan Kristoffersson and Carlos Sainz Snr. collided.

As the course narrowed following the initial start, Sainz Snr. and Kristoffersson made contact, causing Sainz Snr. to roll over. This brought about the red flag at the end of the first lap and ultimately, a 30-second penalty for RXR.

The ACM have determined that RXR will now be classified fifth in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final. This decision was made in order to ensure consistency with precedent ruling on similar cases.

The new race and points standings for the NEOM Island X Prix I are as follows:
RXR classified fifth in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final
ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team move up to fourth
RXR awarded 10 Championship points (previously 15)
ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team awarded 12 Championship points (previously 10)
JBXE moves up to third and awarded 15 Championship points (previously 12)

The full, final classification and penalty details can be viewed at: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/mediacentre/notice-board

NEOM Island X Prix I Race Results
1. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing
2. XITE ENERGY Racing
3. JBXE
4. ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team
5. Rosberg X Racing

For the updated overall Championship Standings, please click here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/results/series-standings

Extreme E’s final two X Prix of Season 2 will see the Championship race in South America for the first time. The series heads to Antofagasta, Chile, for the Copper X Prix on September 24-25, before the season finale in Punte del Este, Uruguay, for the Energy X Prix on November 26-27 to round off 2022.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-15 More to come from NEOM McLaren Extreme E
As racing got underway in Sardinia, NEOM McLaren Extreme E looked to build on a performance that took them to the Final on debut in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Led by drivers Tanner Foust and Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E thrilled on track as the team won the Crazy Race on its first attempt, but a nasty accident for Foust in the Final denied them a shot at victory in their first ever X Prix.

A similarly promising start saw NEOM McLaren Extreme E turning heads as they came third overall in Shakedown at the start of the week in Sardinia. However, come the weekend, the team had crashed at the NEOM Island X Prix I and finished third in Semi-Final 2 of the second part of the double-header, co-organised by Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna.

NEOM McLaren Extreme E’s hopes of making it two Crazy Race wins from two ended in a big crash for Emma Gilmour just metres from the start line. Following Tanner Foust’s crash in the Desert X Prix Final, that’s two rolls in two races as the team take on their maiden Extreme E campaign.

Gilmour and Foust currently sit seventh in the Championship standings on 19 points, but with two rounds to go and second place only on 43 points, there is every chance NEOM McLaren Extreme E could climb up the Championship standings.

The team went into the first Qualifying of the week with heads held high, until a technical issue for Foust in Q1 resulted in a DNF. The five-car Heats in Q2 offered a shot at redemption, which NEOM McLaren Extreme E seized, coming second in their Heat behind the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.

Their DNF in Q1 ensured that the team would take on ABT CUPRA XE, Veloce Racing, and eventual X Prix winners No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing in the Crazy Race, where their event ended with Gilmour’s crash in the early stages.

Following an impressive rebuild by the team, Gilmour and Foust took on Qualifying in the second part of the double-header. Despite driving a hastily repaired ODYSSEY 21, both drivers put in solid performances to secure fourth place in Qualifying 1.

The second Qualifying session saw an exciting battle between Foust and ABT Cupra XE’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, as the American managed to squeeze in front of the Qatari driver to take third as the team’s headed into the narrow part of the course.

Gilmour and Jutta Kleinschmidt took over the fight in second and third, respectively after the driver change, and the New Zealander brought the car home in second for NEOM McLaren Extreme E in Q2 Heat 2.

Kleinschmidt and Gilmour came head-to-head again in Semi-Final 2 in a tense duel that saw the former defending her second place impeccably to keep the latter at bay.

The order was maintained as the trio entered the Switch Zone, with ABT CUPRA XE managing to extend their gap after the driver switch to ensure a third place for NEOM McLaren Extreme E and the end of the double-header for the team.

Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: “We’re really happy with our bounce back for Round 3. Tanner and I pushed to repay the efforts of the team’s hard work rebuilding the car to get us to qualifying yesterday. It was great to qualify in P3, it’s a really competitive field and we showed that we’ve got the pace to be here on our first visit as a team.

“So we just have to focus forward now. It was really disappointing not to get through to the Final, I knew I had the pace to be able to hand over to Tanner in a good position, but I just couldn’t cleanly get past. I was able to get the car back in one piece and hand it to Tanner, but unfortunately it was too big of a gap for him to chase down. It’s positive for us heading to Chile because we’ve shown how hard we can fight when other teams have an advantage at a track they’ve already raced on, and we’re right there with them. Bring on Chile.”

Tanner Foust, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: “What a rollercoaster of a weekend. The double header adds a solid amount of track time, which was great for learning the track, but very difficult on the team. The crew really were the heroes of the event, doing a 100-hour job in amazing time.

“Round 3 was a big improvement on Round 2 with a P3 in qualifying in a group that had a lot more experience on this track and in the series. But some unfortunate mishaps in the Semi-Final put us on our heels and passing in the dust was just not possible. Our weekend ended at the Semi-Final, but the crew can be proud of the fact we even made it into Round 3. We have a clean machine and a lot of lessons learnt heading into Round 4.”

Extreme E looks ahead for the final two rounds where the Championship will race in South America for the first time. The Championship will arrive in Antofagasta, Chile, for the Copper X Prix on September 24-25, before the Season 2 finale in Punte del Este, Uruguay, for the Energy X Prix on November 26-27.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-10 Onwards and upwards for Veloce Racing after a challenging double-header
Following an extended break after the first X Prix of Extreme E Season 2, the on-track action resumed with two rounds in one week at the NEOM Island X Prix, co-organised by Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna.

The action-packed Sardinian double-header saw Christine GZ back in action for her Veloce Racing alongside Lance Woolridge, with both drivers looking to build on the promise shown in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Veloce Racing looked set for one of the quickest Qualifying times at the Desert X Prix in February. However, with the finish line fast approaching, GZ carried too much speed into one of the final corners and the car flipped into a dramatic barrel roll.

The result was a fractured ankle for GZ and a spot in the Crazy Race for the team, where Hedda Hosås made her Extreme E debut in GZ’s stead, but the team just missed out on the Final.

Sardinia offered the British outfit a chance at redemption. Double the racing meant double the points, and the British team managed to move off the bottom of the standings. ABT CUPRA XE sit in Veloce’s wake, but the team will need to push hard if they are to catch JBXE, who currently sit 11 points ahead.

Veloce Racing was playing catch-up from the outset in Sardinia when Woolridge missed Free Practice due to illness, which was then followed by broken suspension in Qualifying 1, but the team managed to bounce back in the second round of Qualifying.

A confident run in the five-car Q2 Heat saw GZ make a blistering start, where she got the better of the JBXE car off-the-line in her first race back from injury.

As the lead female in the race, GZ handed over to Woolridge in third position and the South African took second place from McLaren XE immediately. Veloce received a post-race penalty for speeding in the Switch Zone, but their participation in the Crazy Race was already confirmed having finished second behind ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team in the Heat.

Veloce Racing bowed out of the NEOM Island X Prix I in spirited fashion following a nail-biting Crazy Race.

Running in third position on the first lap, Woolridge was faced with a reversing Sara Price, as the No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing car pulled back on to the track.

Woolridge took impressive evasive action to avoid contact, but the brakes of his ODYSSEY 21 were damaged when he was forced through the track-side signage in the heart-stopping incident. Veloce Racing eventually finished second in the four-car race.

The first-ever Extreme E double-header concluded with Veloce Racing missing out on a place in the Island X Prix II Final in another winner-takes-all Crazy Race.

There was drama from the outset as Woolridge went side-by-side with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E on the run down to the first turn. Both cars made contact as Woolridge slotted into second during the early running, but all was still to play for as the race progressed.

Woolridge kept Catie Munnings under pressure throughout his lap and was left with little alternative but to make a lunge for the lead as they neared the Switch Zone. The South African tried to squeeze the car down the inside of his rival over a jump, but further contact tipped the Veloce car into an unfortunate half spin.

GZ took over the car in second place and made a valiant effort against Kevin Hansen in the JBXE car, but finished the race in third-place after a hard fought week for the team.

Christine GZ, Veloce Racing, said: “It just wasn’t our week in Sardinia. Of course, I have had a challenging few months recovering from my accident in Saudi earlier in the year, and the pace just hasn’t quite been there for us as a team this week. We showed flashes of speed and we really felt that we had a chance to make the final. We gave it everything, but it just wasn’t to be this time.”

Lance Woolridge, Veloce Racing, said: “The car has been much improved as the week has developed and we were fighting for victory in the Crazy Race, which could have put us into the final. I gave it my best shot and had to try to get past the Andretti car, but contact unfortunately sent us out of contention. That’s probably been the story of our week, as we have not had the fortune with us at the right moments, but we will come back stronger in Chile in September.”

The 2022 Extreme E campaign now moves on to Chile on 24-25 September, before concluding with the season finale in Uruguay on 26-27 November.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-09 Timo Scheider reflects on his competitive Extreme E debut
From Championship Driver to XITE ENERGY Racing driver, Timo Scheider was thrown in the deep end as he took on his first race at Extreme E’s first double-header, co-organised by Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna.

The German was called up to join Tamara Molinaro, who drove for the Championship alongside Scheider last season, behind the wheel for the XITE ENERGY Racing team in Sardinia.

Despite the difficult circumstances, it was a scenario that the 43-year-old took in his stride as he secured second on his maiden X Prix start in a dream debut.

Extreme E: What did you make of your Extreme E debut?
Timo Scheider: I think the entire paddock, the team managers, and drivers made something of this. They reacted nicely to my success and of course, it felt good to get that kind of feedback and spread that kind of energy in terms of performance.

It’s always something special when you’re on site for one and a half years, and you finally get the chance to prove yourself in terms of performance. In the end, we all know racing is down to performance and results.

To just jump in with XITE and Tamara without knowing each other as teammates and without knowing the team meant no advantages for us. We started from scratch, and we were guessing a bit in terms of set up and directions.

The team’s all-new driver line-up made an instant impact at the NEOM Island X Prix I to finish second in Sardinia after on-track winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) received a 30-second time penalty which dropped them to third.

XE: A podium first time out is hugely impressive. How did you manage that?
TS: In the end, I think I was just lucky to jump in and feel comfortable and to set good pace straight away. I had confidence even though we had no idea about the set up, but it was more about finding ourselves as teammates and getting Tamara comfortable.

I couldn’t just focus on my own feelings which has been something new for all of us. That was the target, and in the end, it was about making no mistakes and avoiding problems and penalties and stuff like that.

It was pretty impressive to be honest because we didn’t expect anything coming into the weekend without testing and without knowing the new suspension – but that was a positive shock I would say!

XE: Yourself and Tamara looked like a great partnership, how did you gel so quickly?
TS: Well, we know each other like teammates but of course when it comes down to driving everyone has their own feelings and their own preferences. I have my thoughts on the car, but I understood quickly that getting Tamara comfortable in the car was just as important. We’ve known each for quite some time now and it was super lucky for us to team up and perform well together.

XE: You've been working with Extreme E and helping to develop the circuits throughout your time in the Championship. What were you advising the team in terms of development during the week?
TS: This time all the teams knew the track from last year. I had no idea about the last sector as that had changed. Honestly, yes, I was driving the track last year for a few laps in the ODYSSEY, but after this the other teams have been racing and testing, and I haven’t had anything.

Just knowing a track layout doesn’t mean you are facing any advantage. So actually, compared to the rest of the field in pure driving and knowledge we are way behind the others.

Whatever it was, the team was super motivated and that was really impressive. To go there and see every mechanic and engineer fighting so hard, that was something amazing to see.

Scheider and Molinaro failed to do one better in the second part of the Sardinian double-header, coming away from the Crazy Race with a DNF after a run of misfortunes in the NEOM Island X Prix II.

XITE ENERGY Racing finished Qualifying in ninth place. The team could have been higher up the order, but with Tamara Molinaro recovering from a dislocated shoulder after the previous Final, she lost crucial seconds in Q1 with a half-spin and a penalty for Scheider in Q2 saw the team finish fourth in the Heat.

It all came down to the Crazy Race, which saw XITE ENERGY Racing chasing down the pack until Molinaro charged off course, unsighted by the dust from Woolridge's spin and putting the team out of contention for another podium.

XE: You were not able to score a podium in the second event - was that much more challenging?
TS: It was not much more challenging in the second event. Of course, after the first result you build up some expectations and from pure speed, we would have been easily able to finish in the top five or even the top three.

You have to get everything together though and we got unlucky with Q1 when Tamara had her half-spin. We lost a lot of time and ended up P9 which means you’re in a bad starting spot for the Crazy Race.

I also got a 30 second penalty for contact with Timmy [Hansen] which from my point of view was not a penalty at all. The result saw Timmy gaining a position via contact, and we have seen that many times. It’s how racing is, and I think that’s what spectators want to see, but of course we need to be sensible.

The good thing is that we had the pace. If anything, we picked up more pace and closed the gap to the front runners which was nice to see. Of course, there are bits and pieces that I need to improve on, and this is the case for Tamara and the team as well.

XE: What are your expectations for Chile?
TS: It’s a new track for everyone, nobody knows anything about it. We will for sure aim again for the Final and once you’re there, anything is possible. It would be nice to prove another time of the high level of performance we can achieve.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-09 Best battles in Sardinia
The Sardinian double-header promised us double the action and double the excitement. It delivered, showcasing some of the best wheel-to-wheel duels in Extreme E to date.

The narrow and intricate course on the Italian island encouraged some thrilling battles as the 20 world-class drivers pushed each other to the limit. We’ve picked out just three of our favourite duels from the action-packed double-header.

Åhlin-Kottulinsky vs Hansen
The first entry features two of the Championship’s Swedish drivers. RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Timmy Hansen came head-to-head in the first Semi Final of the NEOM Island X Prix I in a battle with razor thin margins for the entire lap.

The Swedes both took the left-hand lane off the start, with Åhlin-Kottulinsky just ahead as the course converged. Entering the narrow track, the RXR driver went airborne as she forced her ODYSSEY 21 through some of the undergrowth in a bid to stay ahead of Hansen. Meanwhile XITE ENERGY Racing’s Tamara Molinaro, who took an alternate line from the start, managed to slot into second between the tussling Swedes.

Hansen’s experience came to the fore as he took a wide line to charge past the Italian and regain second place. The pace from his daring outside move was nearly enough to get him into first as Hansen attempted to cut through on the inside in the fast-approaching sharp left-hander, but Åhlin-Kottulinsky managed to shut the door.

The two continued to battle for the duration of the lap, with Hansen all over the back of the RXR car. Åhlin-Kottulinsky defended hard, at one point taking a big jump but she managed to wrestle her ODYSSEY back under control.

Ever opportunistic, Hansen then tried his favourite manoeuvre again, taking a wide line into a sharp left-hand turn and making it stick the second time around as he passed Åhlin-Kottulinsky on the inside to take the lead in the final stages of the lap.

Åhlin-Kottulinsky tried a similar to edge back in front of Hansen, demonstrating the kind of pace that eventually secured her the fourth fastest Continental Traction Challenge time. The Swede failed to replicate Hansen’s success though, and entered the Switch Zone in second place, leaving teammate Johan Kristoffersson to chase down and pass Catie Munnings to take the win.

Kristoffersson vs Loeb vs Hansen
Next on the list comes a memorable three-way battle, as the first Heat of Qualifying 2 in the NEOM Island X Prix II saw Kristoffersson face off against X44’s Sébastien Loeb and JBXE’s Kevin Hansen.

Again, the drivers threw down their gauntlets in the preferred left-hand lane as they launched off the start line.

Kristoffersson stormed ahead, with Loeb in second and Hansen in a close third as the three pushed their ODYSSEYs to the max in a bid to take the lead. For RXR, the stakes were high as they raced to secure the top spot in overall Qualifying ahead of nearest Championship challengers No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing.

Loeb refused to let Kristoffersson pull away, matching the Swede for pace despite the difficulties that come with driving in the wake of another car. The Frenchman entered the first water splash practically level with Kristoffersson but despite the pressure from behind, the Swede managed to stay just in front as they entered the Switch Zone.

While the two WRC legends butted heads, Hansen kept the pair in his sights, setting up yet another exciting lap for their female counterparts as they handed over the wheel.

Munnings vs Woolridge
Needless to say, there was no shortage of breath-taking racing between the male and female drivers during the NEOM Island X Prix double-header. The second Crazy Race of the week saw Veloce Racing’s Lance Woolridge take on Catie Munnings and demonstrated that you don’t need overtaking for a thrilling spectacle.

Woolridge was the only driver in the Crazy Race, and this article, to take the right lane off the start line. This saw the South African flying across the track straight for Munnings as both ODYSSEYs entered the bottleneck.

The drivers made contact as the track narrowed, with Munnings holding strong to force Woolridge into the undergrowth where the Veloce driver did well to keep his car under control.

Woolridge recovered excellently to resume his attack on Munnings, but the Brit worked hard to defend her position, shutting the door on the Veloce car as it tried to get through.

Great commitment from Munnings saw her carry the pace through the corners and maintain the lead for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. In a last-ditch effort Woolridge tried to get round Munnings on a jump in the final stages of the first lap. Their cars came into contact as they landed, and this sent Woolridge off into a spin and out of contention.

The drive from Catie ensured a spot in the Final for her team which they converted into a third-place finish and their first podium of Extreme E Season 2.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-05 How Genesys Andretti United Extreme E returned to the podium
Despite showing flashes of speed in Extreme E Season 2, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E had yet to secure a result which mirrored their performances until the second part of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header. In the second event in Sardinia, Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings finished third to secure their first podium of the campaign. Here’s how they did it.

Extreme E: Sardinia saw the team score its first top-three finish of the season. Did you feel it was long overdue?

Catie Munnings: Racing is funny – you have good years and bad years, and it is horrible when you get yourselves into a rhythm of bad luck. We had some disappointment in Saudi Arabia, and we didn’t make the first Final in Sardinia either. It is frustrating when you can qualify so strongly and then not get the result from that.

Timmy Hansen: We’ve had good pace and strong package, but it hasn’t really come together so far this season. It was nice to end the double header like this though, with a podium.

XE: You got to the NEOM Island X Prix II Final via the Crazy Race, where we saw impressive performances from both of you to claim the win. How pivotal was that for confidence?

TH: Catie did a fantastic job in the Crazy Race to get us here – first of all by getting in front aggressively and taking the lead, and then by defending heavily from Lance [Woolridge] to keep first position. We did carry some damage throughout, especially after all the battling, so it wasn’t all straightforward.

I then had to bring the car home in one piece, but I knew Kevin [Hansen] was behind me and pushing massively. I tried to balance being safe and keep the lead, but after his mistake I could nurse the car home. The big job, though, was done by Catie to get us into such a strong position.

XE: Timmy you were behind the wheel for the much-anticipated start of the Final. How was that?

TH: All I could think of at that start of the Final was ensuring that I was totally committed - and that’s what I did. We had to line up on a bit of an angle at the start line and I initially got a really good launch, but Nasser [Al-Attiyah] had better grip than me and managed to just edge in front. I made a near perfect launch though, and we were completely side-by-side going into the first turn.

I initially thought going into the first corner ‘I’ve got this… I’ve got this!’, but then I had a bit of contact and had to slam on the brakes, which dropped me back a little bit. I couldn’t believe it as I dropped back to third and ultimately to fourth when we met the cars who had taken the alternate line. From there on it was a little bit scary – I had actually damaged my wipers in the early phase of the lap and I couldn’t get water onto my screen, so really until the water splash I had so much mud and dust on the screen – it was properly scary!

The only way I could stay on track was by staying close enough to Sebastien [Loeb] in order to see the rear of his car and follow it. I just stuck with him for my life!

When we got to the water splash, it cleared my screen a bit, but it was tricky with the dust. By the time I had gotten to the switch zone, I felt I had put everything on the line given the conditions. I had to gamble.

I knew Catie didn’t have an easy job from there but she did great to bring the car home.

CM: It was nice to convert our pace into a podium. It was trickier in the second event, too, because there was far less wind – not to mention everything Timmy described on his run!

It was unfortunate for ABT CUPRA XE to have the penalty, but that’s how sport goes sometimes. They were unlucky and we benefited to pick up the podium. We have worked hard as a team and we have shown great pace, so we’ll take it!

XE: Just two rounds to go in Season 2 and both will be in South America, with Chile up first. What are your immediate thoughts going into those two X Prix?

CM: Timmy and I will be aiming for even more in the final two races of the year, but it’s great that our luck has changed a bit and I hope it can put us on a better path.

I am really excited by Chile and Uruguay. I have never been to South America so it is a completely new challenge.

We’ll be aiming for the podium again… I think we like it there!

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-08-02 Integrating the next generation into the Extreme E paddock
As motorsport’s first gender equal racing series, Extreme E is committed to driving opportunities for women in motorsport, and is actively seeking out opportunities to develop career pathways. During the recent NEOM Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia, Extreme E welcomed four female Student Ambassadors to its Championship team.

Extreme E’s Student Ambassador roles are part of a motorsport entry programme designed to provide female motorsport enthusiasts with the chance to gain hands on, live championship experiences which directly support the fields they are studying, with the end goal being to increase future female employment opportunities within motorsport and engineering.

This programme was initiated in collaboration with McLaren Racing where their Talent Management team provided guidance on job descriptions and assisted in advertising the roles to their database of students and universities.

The Student Ambassadors will also be with Extreme E for the remainder of the season. They will be part of the Extreme E team during race weeks, as well as working with the Science Committee, Legacy Programmes and focusing on the sustainability elements of each race.

We caught up with two of Extreme E’s Student Ambassadors, Amanda Kangai, a second-year engineer student at the University of Cambridge, and Ioana Ispas, a second-year aerospace student at Queen Mary University, after the NEOM Island X Prix to find out more about how their first experience went.

Extreme E: How was your first experience of being on site at an Extreme E X Prix?

Amanda: It was an amazing experience! It was great to see all the teams at work and being able to be in the paddock to speak to them. Everyone was really welcoming and friendly. The weather can be tough, but it's Extreme E!

Ioana: Being onsite was amazing. It was incredibly busy at times, but I enjoyed being part of the work that goes into making these events happen. The heat definitely made working outside a challenge, but we were all able to adapt to the conditions pretty well.

XE: Straight into action then! What was your role during the Sardinia double-header?

Amanda: I was the Student Ambassador responsible for giving the paddock tours. I gave two official tours per day, as well as helping open the Explorer Lounge and the Explorer Terrace.

Ioana: As the St. Helena Ambassador, I was occupied with providing ship tours both solo and with the captain onboard in the evenings. During the day, I’m worked mainly onsite helping out with guests and even sometimes communicating with the different race teams, which was amazing.

XE: How has this experience been for you and what do you think you’ve learnt from spending time with the Extreme E team?

Amanda: As I oversaw the tours, there are many facts that I have learnt about the paddock. In addition to the statistics, watching and talking to the engineers, mechanics, drivers and team principals was great. They are really patient and open to give advice to activate my future in motorsport.

Ioana: I have learned a huge amount of new things from this experience, such as the benefits of using green energy sources like hydrogen fuel cells, but also the amount of challenges there are to overcome when being part of such an impactful event. I especially loved learning about the structure of the ODYSSEY 21s, from the chassis to the suspension. It’s been an eye-opening experience and I’m excited to be part of the next two X Prix as well!

XE: Looking back, what stood out for you during the NEOM Island X Prix? What do you feel was your biggest achievement and what have you been impressed by from the Extreme E team?

Amanda: What stood out to me was the amount of interesting people that I met! There were so many people with very interesting stories - I could talk to them for a long time about their life and work experiences. It was really insightful. Everyone had different backgrounds and the range of people that I met was great.

My biggest achievement was connecting with so many people. It can be hard to put yourself out there, but I got comfortable in talking about myself, and asking people about themselves. I'm also proud that I tried so much unfamiliar food! I never had lobster, octopus and shrimps before. And I can't forget jumping off of the St Helena!

I've been impressed by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Everyone made me feel comfortable. Even though I was with hospitality, the media and production teams were very inviting, and so that was nice and reassuring.

Ioana: Something that stood out to me was the sheer extremity of the conditions at the NEOM Island X Prix and how the drivers and engineers were able to work through it with no significant problems. I think my own biggest achievement was being able to adapt to these conditions myself and communicate with guests effectively throughout the week. I was impressed by the resilience of the Extreme E team and the way that they were available to help at any time, even if the venue was busy. The team was also friendly and good to talk to, and they would give out feedback whenever necessary, which is something that I was able to learn and improve a lot from.

XE: What are you looking forward to for the next X Prix and how do you think you would be able to prepare more?

Amanda: I'm looking forward to giving more paddock tours! I'm interested in the slight variations in the tours between races. I'm also looking forward to working with the other Student Ambassadors, the Extreme E team, and seeing familiar and different engineers, team principals and mechanics.
I would be able to prepare more as I know the standard elements of the paddock tour and the command centre. I know the things that I should say, and what people want to hear. With the Sardinia experience, I would be able to jump right in!

Ioana: For the next X Prix, I’m really looking forward to seeing the location and how the cars will fare in an even more extreme environment. I think that the experiences I have had during the first X Prix will really help me prepare for Chile, as I now know the routine much better than I did before the start in Sardinia.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-28 Sara Price on becoming Chip Ganassi Racing's first female race winner
Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti and Alex Zanardi are just some of the star-studded names who have been victorious driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. In Sardinia, Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price added their names to the illustrious list.

For Price it was even more noteworthy, becoming Ganassi’s first-ever female race winner. We caught up with the American to reflect on her maiden Extreme E win and where her Sardinian success ranks amongst her career highlights.

After finally breaking No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s duck in the NEOM Island X Prix double-header, Sara Price answers the most important question: how did Chip Ganassi react to the team’s first win in Extreme E?

“I talked to Chip [Ganassi] right away,” laughed Price. “My conversations with Chip are always great, but to tell him we finally did it was one I have been looking forward to for a long time!

“I want to make him proud because I’m proud to be a part of this team, but most of all I’m hungry to be on that podium in the top spot, and he knows how much it means to me!

“I would have to say winning in Extreme E, and also making history for Chip Ganassi Racing, probably tops my list of career highlights.”

For Price and team-mate LeDuc it was a victory that had been a long time coming. Bad luck and reliability issues haunted them throughout Season 1, particularly in last year’s event in Sardinia when they were denied a first win on the last lap in the Final.

After a steady opening round in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, where the team finished fourth overall, victory in the first event in Sardinia was met with relief. And for Price, who became Chip Ganassi’s first-ever female race winner, it was a momentous moment.

Price said: “It was about time! It felt like getting a win was inevitable, it was just a matter of when and where the pieces would fall into place.

“It feels incredible to get our first Extreme E win, but to be Chip Ganassi Racing's first female driver to do so, I’m just honoured to be a part of the team, break barriers, and make Chip proud.

“It’s a sense of relief to get the monkey off our back and focus on what we all know we can do. We love racing, we love offroad, and we eat, breath, and live it, so this momentum just reaffirms we’re doing the right things.”

No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing claimed their inaugural Extreme E win despite finishing second on the course in the NEOM Island X Prix I.

A collision between the on-course winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team earlier in the Final meant that despite taking the checkered flag, Nico Rosberg’s outfit were still at the mercy of a post-X Prix penalty which would drop them down the order and, ultimately, hand victory to Price and LeDuc.

After spraying champagne as runners-up and leaving the venue in high spirits, No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing were given a further boost later that evening when RXR’s penalty dropped them to third, ensuring a first win for the American team.

But just when did Price and LeDuc sense victory might be in the offing?

“We heard some rumblings around the podium that there could be a ruling,” said Price.

“I wanted to just enjoy the moment, given it was our first podium at the time. When we later found out, it was emotional and an incredible feeling. Would I have liked to win without a team getting penalties? For sure, but in racing, anything can happen, and we set ourselves up to be there.

“Our GMC HUMMER EV team has a big network of supporters out there so it was good to get the win for them as well since they’ve cheered us on from the beginning.”

Despite demonstrating pace from the outset in Sardinia, technical issues meant the team would have to qualify for the Final via the Crazy Race. For a team that has encountered its fair share of bad luck in Extreme E, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing had to tap into their stores of resilience once more.

Price said: “We definitely had our work cut out for us after last year’s round of bad luck and starting as the underdog. We knew we had to win the Crazy Race to advance to the Final, which was a challenge. We started in a non-ideal grid position, but were able to have a mistake-free run and quickly focus our efforts on the Final race. Dare I say we picked up a little good luck!

“Coming out on top overall was the breath of fresh air that we desperately needed. It was quite emotional for me because I’ve put everything I had into doing well in this series and it finally happened. I’m so proud of our team and all the hard work we’ve put into the programme.”

Despite winning the first round in Sardinia, the team could only manage seventh in the second event. Nevertheless, Price and LeDuc are runaway leaders RXR’s nearest championship challengers, albeit with a 37-point deficit.

Could No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing rein in RXR’s Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky with two rounds to go?

Price said: “RXR has a pretty good points lead currently, and we sit in 2nd with two other teams close, so it will be a battle until the very end. We just have to do what we do best and that’s to let our instincts as seasoned offroad racers take over.

“In Extreme E anything can happen and we will be ready!”

Extreme E’s final two X Prix of Season 2 will see the Championship race in South America for the first time. The series heads to Antofagasta, Chile, for the Copper X Prix on September 24-25, before the season finale in Punte del Este, Uruguay, for the Energy X Prix on November 26-27 to round off 2022.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-25 Extreme E drives positive change in Sardinia
Sport for purpose series, Extreme E, has just completed an action-packed, first-ever double-header, the NEOM Island X Prix I and II, on the stunning island of Sardinia.

The event, co-organised by the Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna, offered far more than just a thrilling motorsport spectacle. Away from the track, its drivers, scientists and partners all took centre stage when it came to supporting Sardinia’s sustainability initiatives.

Legacy Programmes
Alongside the on-course action, Extreme E’s drivers had the chance to get involved in several Legacy Programmes, including that of partner Vodafone Business which announced the next phase of its collaboration with Extreme E to support local environmental projects.

During 2021, devastating fires in Sardinia destroyed 20,000 hectares of land, displaced over 1,000 people and killed around 30 million bees. The calamity resulted in incalculable damage to thousands of livelihoods, as well as to nature, including damaging water quality in the ocean. Extreme E continues to help restore the historic olive groves lost to the wildfires.

Wildfires such as these across the world are responsible for 20% of total global CO2 emissions and cost $5bn to fight. Together, Extreme E and Vodafone Business have begun a fire prevention campaign within the area of Montiferru.

As part of this project, Vodafone Business is deploying long-life Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) sensors to quickly detect any fire and promptly send an alert to the authorities – an innovation that supports Vodafone Business’ sustainability efforts, including agriculture, forestation and decarbonisation of energy grids.

The low-cost IoT gas sensors operate without the need for cellular coverage and will be installed in trees to detect the smouldering phase, before the fire takes hold, which will preserve forest footprint by shortening reaction times in the ‘golden hour’. Using a Mesh Gateway to connect to a cloud-based alert centre means this is a much faster-acting solution to the problem of wildfire detection than using cameras or satellites.

Newly appointed Championship Driver Fraser McConnell was on hand to test the technology out for himself.

Fraser McConnell, Extreme E Championship Driver, said: “Before I arrived, I did not realise just how much more there is to Extreme E outside of the racing. There is a lot of focus on building awareness of issues that people may not know about, or those that do know but are not sure how to help. I found it cool to finally be a part of it.

“I really enjoyed the Legacy Day with Vodafone Business. Everyone involved was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the topic. It was so new for me – I was constantly asking questions and they probably got sick of me doing so!

“Everyone had a wealth of knowledge – especially Peter [Professor Wadhams, Extreme E’s Scientific Committee] and Vodafone Business regarding implementing their technology. It felt like everything was really coming together to make something applicable to helping.”

Meanwhile, other teams from the Extreme E grid took to immersing themselves in the surrounding waters of the Mediterranean. Snorkelling in Laguna di Norato area, they were able to learn first-hand all about Posidonia oceanica, seagrass, and how Extreme E is helping to analyse and replenish seagrass beds in Sardinia.

Seagrass is thought to be one of the most rapidly declining ecosystems in the world, and Extreme E’s goal is to plant one million new plants of Posidonia oceanica by 2030.

Studies from the last ten years have shown that despite only occupying 0.04 per cent of the ocean floor, seagrass stores 10 per cent of the oceans carbon and can capture 30 per cent more from the atmosphere than its tropical rainforest equivalent. The drivers were able to see how it is being restored and conserved by local organisation, Mediterranean Sea and Coast Foundation (MEDSEA), with the support of Extreme E.

Professor Lucy Woodall, Extreme E’s ocean expert and member of the championship’s Scientific Committee, said:“In Sardinia the main shallow-water ecosystem is seagrass and, in general, seagrass is thought to be one of the most rapidly declining ecosystems in the world.

“These immense meadows of seagrass are valuable nurseries for young fish as well as valuable for blue carbon, where we would describe them as ‘ocean carbon storage habitats’. Consequently, preserving seagrass ecosystems is a vital step in combating the climate crisis. It was great to see so many of the Extreme E grid, as well as partners of the series, get involved to understand the importance of seagrass as well as snorkel down to the seagrass meadows to see how vibrant they are.”

Girls on Track
Alongside environmental issues, Extreme E’s visit to Sardinia continued to highlight the importance of equality in motorsport. Before the highly anticipated double-header, Extreme E invited local schoolgirls on-site introducing them to life behind the scenes of the ground-breaking championship.

The girls were given the thrilling opportunity to sit inside the cockpit of the colossal ODYSSEY 21 and witnessed the women in action in the Extreme E paddock. Several of the series’ female drivers, including Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ and XITE ENERGY Racing’s Tamara Molinaro, introduced the girls to the life of a racing driver.

To finish off an already unforgettable day, the awestruck girls were also given a front row seat to view the ODYSSEY 21s in action, piloted by some of the best female drivers in the world.

Christine GZ, Veloce Racing, said: “It’s been great to see the girls on track and it’s great for them to see how things work on the inside. Most of them were already racing, others not yet, and some were saying maybe one day we can too, to which I said if you work hard, you’ll get there.

“I told them that I started off as a mechanic which they found quite cool, and it was cool for me to get to talk to them in this way.

“The best part is the fact that they can see that there are female drivers in every team. The gender equality in this championship is great and to see that at this level it can happen with all the amazing drivers that are here was really encouraging for them.”

Tipping Point
A week of double the action saw more Tipping Point talks than ever before at Extreme E’s latest X Prix. These thought-provoking talks are now a firm fixture in the schedule, and in Sardinia covered topics ranging from the importance of technology and innovation in the fight against climate change to the positive impacts of blue and green carbon.

The talks opened with a dedicated focus on technology and innovation. Here, media and guests heard from Vodafone Business, EY and Enel X, all of whom play essential roles in Extreme E’s sustainability efforts.

Another talk, hosted by Professor Peter Wadhams of the Extreme E Scientific Committee, saw fellow committee member Professor Lucy Woodall and MEDSEA’s Alessio Satta discuss the importance of green carbon and possible solutions in the fight against wildfires.

Discussion points from another Tipping Point talk focussed on blue carbon, as Professor Lucy Woodall and Alessio Satta were joined by Francesca Frau from MEDSEA to elaborate on the leading role that oceans play in the delicate balance of our world’s climate.

Professor Peter Wadhams concluded: “From a racing perspective the double-header in Sardinia was definitely a flagship event for Extreme E, but I found that off-track the series was able to raise awareness of so many environmental issues which are currently impacting the climate crisis.

“There is still so much more to be done to highlight the significance of blue and green carbon and the current issues regarding them. Nevertheless, it was great to see ideas and solutions discussed by so many as we become more in tune with the significance of what’s happening to our planet.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-20 Kevin Hansen on his return to racing in Sardinia
The NEOM Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia marked the return to racing of one of the Championship’s leading lights – Kevin Hansen. We caught up with the JBXE driver as he got back behind the wheel of his ODYSSEY 21 for the first time since injuring his back at the season opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Extreme E: It was great to see you back in the ODYSSEY 21– how did you find it?
Kevin Hansen: It was great to be back, especially with the new upgrades. The car was much more comfortable and fun to drive, and not so rough over the bumps which really helped my back. We spent a lot of time adjusting the seat before the race to make sure my safety was stepped up for this, and I was pleased with the feeling I had!

XE: Were there any nerves before getting behind the wheel?
KH: There was a little, but that was more down to not having been in a race situation for a few months. That, however, went away as soon as I hit the track!

The first time I strapped myself into the car on shakedown I got a little worried as I was initially feeling some pain, but that too went away the second time I began driving.

XE: Did the car feel different to drive, especially given the upgrades over the past few weeks?
KH: It was a huge difference! The car has been improved hugely, especially for the sort of terrain we experienced in Sardinia. Even just to drive it on a flat surface felt like a great improvement. It was behaving more like a rally car, too, which I think helped all of us on the grid and delivered even better racing.

XE: Is it correct that you hadn’t driven the car since your accident in NEOM?
KH: It was about 16 weeks between the races and most of that time I spent carrying out my rehabilitation. The first eight weeks was tough, but I was able to take huge steps forward. The last eight weeks has been about getting to a better place than I was before the Desert X Prix, which I have succeeded in doing.

I was able to drive again through testing [Hansen Motorsport’s] Rallycross car, and crucially I was able to push over the jumps. Nevertheless, I had no testing in the ODYSSEY 21 before Sardinia, so my first time back in the car was during Shakedown for the double-header!

XE: You were straight on the pace in Sardinia – is that down to the rehab work you have put in?
KH: I believed when I hit rock bottom and broke my back that there is no one else other than myself that can get me back to the top. As a result, I have had a huge increase in motivation and really worked incredibly hard on myself.

I think not only did my vertebrae heal to become stronger, but so did my mind, and I have never felt so at home in myself like I did in Sardinia. I would definitely say that the pace I had straight out of the blocks is down to the hard work I’ve put in to get back behind the wheel.

XE: You had another new team-mate for Sardinia in Hedda Hosås. What was it like working with her and what advice did you give her on her debut?
KH: It’s my third team-mate in Extreme E – so I’m getting used to it!

It was fun to work with Hedda – obviously we can speak our native languages and that helped us move forward faster. I thought she took it really steadily and built her speed step-by-step – so at the end of the week compared to the beginning of the week, it was like two different drivers. Hedda still has a long way to go, but she’s a very hard worker and I believe she will keep improving with more time in the car.

XE: You were so close to a podium in the first event, and then just missed out on the Final in the second. What were your thoughts on the week?
KH: I was disappointed not to score even more points for the team because I could feel the speed I had. However, that’s the charm of the series. It doesn’t matter what one of the drivers does, it’s down to the both of us to pull it off and we were so close both times!

Nevertheless, if someone told me before the week we would contest for podiums, finishing fourth overall in the first event and just shy of the final in the second event, we’d take that… even if we always want to win!

XE: Did you enjoy the double-header in Sardinia?
KH: I really enjoyed the double-header. I also think it is a great way to increase the amount of races in the championship without increasing our CO2 footprint massively. It’s basically adding another day to the travel for a single race weekend.

XE: Now you’ve managed to get back out on track, what are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
KH: I would love to win some races in South America and from that who knows, maybe claim my first world title...

Extreme E’s final two X Prix of Season 2 will see the Championship race in South America for the first time. The series heads to Antofagasta, Chile, for the Copper X Prix on September 24-25, before the season finale in Punte del Este, Uruguay, for the Energy X Prix on November 26-27 to round off 2022.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-18 Extreme E joins forces with the Forza franchise for the series' first Official Gaming Partnership
Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric off-road racing championship, is delighted to announce that Xbox Game Studios’ Turn 10 Studios, creators of the Forza racing franchise, is the series’ Official Gaming Partner.

As Extreme E’s Official Gaming Partner, the Forza franchise has the official license to the Extreme E ODYSSEY 21 e-SUV and access to the team liveries competing in Extreme E Season 2. Extreme E will showcase Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox consoles at all events, offering game play to race teams, drivers and VIP guests while on-site at races.

Beginning on July 19, Forza Horizon 5 players will be able to get behind the wheel of Extreme E’s ODYSSEY 21 for Series 10 of Horizon Mexico, experiencing four weeks of unmissable racing action on the Festival Playlist.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “This partnership between Extreme E and the Forza franchise has brought the Championship to a new platform and audience. It has been great to work together to bring the Extreme E ODYSSSEY 21 e-SUV to Forza Horizon 5 players who are enthusiastic about electric vehicles. We are excited for more people to see what electric vehicles are capable of and showcase the series in a new light.

“Turn 10 and the rest of the team behind the Forza games have worked hard to make this game as authentic and accessible as possible. Being a part of the largest and most comprehensive Horizon game so far is incredible for our Championship, and gives Forza’s audience an opportunity to get behind the wheel of our ODYSSEY 21s and experience the capability of our series first hand. We are excited to collaborate with such a forward-thinking group and look forward to seeing the uplifting impact on both of our communities.”

Players can check back regularly to complete new events and challenges to unlock unique variants of the ODYSSEY 21 which represent each of the ten teams currently competing in the 2022 Extreme E championship and gear up for the off-road trails ahead with Extreme E race suits. Not only that, but players can also look out for new Extreme E themed collectibles, billboards and race dressing as part of Forza Horizon 5’s Evolving World.

Another unique aspect of this update is how each season of the Festival Playlist in Series 10 is inspired by the real-world Extreme E race calendar with new challenges and Seasonal Championships taking drivers to different locations in Mexico every week where they can push the ODYSSEY 21 to its limit in Dirt and Cross Country races.

In the Summer “Island X Prix” season, players will be racing along the east coast by Playa Azul; Autumn brings the “Energy X Prix” to the city of Guanajuato; Winter accelerates the action to the “Copper X Prix” Canyon; and finally, the competition heats up for the Spring finale as competitors race through the “Desert X Prix” Baja in Dunas Blancas.

Launched on 9 November 2021, the latest chapter in the Forza Horizon series, Forza Horizon 5, is the largest and most comprehensive Horizon game to date.

Players have been getting behind the wheel and experiencing some of the most diverse landscapes ever seen in a Forza Horizon title, including a living desert, a tropical jungle, and a towering snow-capped volcano, all in an authentic and vibrant depiction of Mexico.

Racing through unique, remote landscapes – sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Extreme E travels to locations around the world which have been severely impacted by climate change. At each location, a host of world-class teams compete off-road in electric races with the aim of using sport to highlight some of the biggest environmental issues facing the planet.

Tanner Foust, Neom McLaren Extreme E, said: “It’s great to hear that two forward thinking and innovative groups like Extreme E and Forza are partnering to bring the experience of driving the ODYSSEY to more people around the world. I’ve been an Ambassador and Partner with Forza for more than a decade and am constantly amazed by the driving experiences you can have in the games.

“The capability and speed of the ODYSSEY 21 will be something the Forza fans will absolutely love!”

Paavan Avadhanula, Turn 10 Studios Director of Partnerships, said: “We are very pleased to be the Official Gaming Partner of Extreme E, the leader in off-road electric racing, and have been collaborating to bring unique content to Forza Horizon 5.

“We are always looking for, and excited to bring authentic and compelling new partnerships and experiences to our Forza community, and look forward to seeing how our players engage with these electric vehicles, race suits and championships."

Drive the Extreme E ODYSSEY 21 e-SUV in Forza Horizon 5 from July 19 and don’t forget to check back on the Festival Playlist every week in Series 10 where you can unlock unique team variants. Get ready to suit up for Extreme E by completing new events in the Festival Playlist and visit the Forzathon Shop every week to unlock the Extreme E race suits.

Forza Horizon 5 can be experienced on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10, Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and phones and tablets via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For more information, please visit the Forza website.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-18 Fraser McConnell: "It was an honour to be involved"
After Timo Scheider was signed up to race for XITE ENERGY Racing in the NEOM Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia, a vacancy opened for a Championship Driver. Enter Fraser McConnell. We caught up with the Jamaican after an impressive first week behind-the-scenes with Extreme E.

Extreme E: Hi Fraser! How would you sum up your first week as part of the Extreme E paddock?
Fraser McConnell: Well it was only Monday before the race week began that I got a call from James Taylor (Chief Championship Officer) and I was thrilled to be a part of the series. On the Wednesday I was on a plane and by Thursday prior to the double-header I was at the course in Sardinia, going through some preparatory work with the team.

I got to do some testing with Continental and Spark, to help configure the tyre pressures and battery so that they would be at the right settings come race week. I got to do that for two days and then headed off to a Legacy Programme visit with Vodafone Business, where we checked out some early fire detection systems as well as planting some trees with MEDSEA.

Throughout race week I was supporting the sporting team, as well as getting the opportunity test out next year’s Continental tyres, which was really cool.

XE: Straight into the thick of the action, then! What was the Continental test like… are we allowed to know?
FM: It was awesome – and they were happy with my feedback. I liked how I was able to feel the difference. I told them what I liked and what I felt they could improve on, and as a driver what I would prefer, and it was a very productive day.

The Spark guys were awesome, too, and I spent plenty of time with them learning about the car. I have never driven a car like this – it was great.

XE: What did you know about the series before and what did you make of the ODYSSEY 21 when you got your first laps under your belt?
FM: Before I got here, I did know about the series and that it is a lot more than just racing. There is a lot of focus on building awareness of issues that people may not know about, or those that do know but are not sure how to help. I found it cool to finally be a part of it.

As for the racing – the closest thing I have done to Extreme E is rallying, but rallying is usually on very groomed roads, albeit extremely fast, but flat out within the forest in almost perfect conditions. This was a new challenge for me in terms of sacrificing speed but gaining reliability. You can’t go flat out in every part of the track – you have to be more considered as a driver. You have to know where to brake when going over a bump without losing so much time, for instance. It was something totally new to me and I loved it.

XE: Has this week given you a different perspective as a driver? Are there many learnings you can take from it?
FM:For sure! Both the Continental tyre and FOX suspension allow you to go over the bumps like they are not even there. For me that was a foreign concept – I’ve previously always seen a bump and slowed down because I would destroy the car if I went over it too quickly! This car invites you to go over them as fast as you can – within reason obviously. I’ve got to be adept at memorising tracks and being able to adapt quickly to the conditions in front of me – that’s important. I have had to do that in Rallycross and learn all the different details of a course in a very short time before racing. That’s crucial in Extreme E. It helped me with the testing particularly.

XE:You saw plenty of action on the course as a Championship Driver. What has stood out for you and what have you been impressed by?
FM: I was really impressed by the durability of the car. When I first drove it, I was slowing down for all of the bumps and the engineers were saying “just go – the car can take it!”

For me that was extremely impressive, as well as the way the organisers have built the track to use the terrain and have a natural layout for the course, rather than one that is forced or with any changes. It works really well and as we saw it was extremely competitive. Extreme E is a great environment to be in – the whole paddock is friendly, and I have had a chance to get to know quite a few people. There are some iconic names in the sport here, so to be involved is an honour.

XE: You mentioned earlier that you got involved with the Legacy activities – how was that for you?
FM:I really enjoyed it – everyone involved was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the topic. It was so new for me – I was constantly asking questions and they probably got sick of me doing so! Everyone had a wealth of knowledge – especially Peter [Professor Wadhams, Extreme E’s Scientific Committee] and MEDSEA explaining their humanitarian efforts and Vodafone Business regarding implementing their technology. It felt like everything was really coming together to make something applicable to helping.

XE: Well then Fraser, what’s next for you after a brilliant first week in Extreme E?
FM: I will be competing in the full Nitro Rallycross season and as for Extreme E… I will just wait for the call.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-10 Rosberg X Racing reign supreme in Sardinia for second win of Season 2
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) took the win at the NEOM Island X Prix II with a late overtake to secure their second victory of Extreme E Season 2. X44 finished second and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E third after ABT CUPRA XE were disqualified following a safety infringement.

10 July 2022, Sardinia: With Nico Rosberg in the NEOM Island X Prix II paddock to watch his team’s progress, a superb pass by Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky on ABT CUPRA XE’s Jutta Kleinschmidt sealed the win.

Åhlin-Kottulinsky, and team-mate Johan Kristoffersson, who headed the standings prior to the Sardinian double-header, now have a lead of 37 points ahead of their nearest challengers No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing, with X44 now up to third.

RXR also scored maximum points from Round Three, with the quickest combined time in the Continental Traction Challenge adding five to their tally, bringing their total overall to 80 points.

Nico Rosberg, Founder and CEO of Rosberg X Racing, commented: “It is such a pleasure for me to work with this team. It reminds me of my F1 days. It’s been a great team effort with everyone giving their best and being at the height of their game. Both drivers have been performing at an incredibly high level.

“Johan was the star of Race 1 in NEOM. Mikaela was the star of this weekend with her speed and incredible pass for the win through the water during the last lap. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: “I am very happy. It was a phenomenal weekend for us, starting with a good qualifying and we were also very fast in the super sector. The car felt amazing all week and we have got to thank the team for that. They worked very hard, and it paid off.

“My run was smooth, but Nasser was incredibly fast, so I just tried to stay as close as possible to him to give Mikaela the best possible basis for her run, and she made good use of it with a fantastic move. It’s a team achievement that we can all be proud of.”

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, said: “It’s been my strongest Extreme E weekend so far. We worked so hard, Johan and I analysed everything to try and improve even more. The final was an absolute blast for me, waiting for right opportunity to overtake Jutta. After this week, and everything that happened during the first race, I just feel like this is the ending that we deserved, and I am very happy for the team.”

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, added: “I think it’s been a great success. I think we’ve seen really the Championship coming together, very few technical problems for the cars, and I think we’ve seen the best racing so far.

“I hope that this is not that only double-header as it is a great format. It gives the chance for teams that don’t do well to recover the race after. I think everybody was very positive about it – it makes a longer time of enjoying racing and I think there will be more of them to come.”

The scene was set for a thrilling climax to the Sardinia double-header as Nasser Al-Attiyah lined up in the favoured number 2 spot between Timmy Hansen and Sébastien Loeb. On the other end of the start line Johan Kristofferson was joined by Carlos Sainz Snr. following their dramatic collision in last round’s Final, which saw RXR receive a 30-second penalty that pushed the team from first to third.

As the teams set off, Sainz Snr. experimented by taking his ODYSSEY 21 down the furthest possible lane on the right, away from Kristofferson in the RXR car. The Spaniard’s gamble did not pay off, as the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team came out at the back of the pack as the cars merged into the single lane.

Meanwhile ABT CUPRA XE on the preferred line surged to the front of the group, with RXR close behind in second and X44 rounding out the top three.

Timmy Hansen slotted into fourth for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E as Loeb and Kristoffersson chased down Al-Attiyah further up the course.

Five seconds separated the front three as Al-Attiyah began to pull away from Kristoffersson, while a problem for Sainz Snr. Saw the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE car drop off the back of the pack and eventually come to a stop out on track.

It was still a four-way tear up for the win as the teams entered the Switch Zone until disaster struck for ABT CUPRA XE. During the driver change Jutta Kleinschmidt failed to properly buckle her seatbelt before setting off on her lap. This would later lead to the team’s disqualification from the Final, after they finished second on the course.

They lost the lead thanks to an incredible overtake from RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky in the closing stages of the race, who forcefully took the position to take the team’s second win of 2022.

ABT CUPRA XE’s disqualification also promoted X44 into second and secured Genesys Andretti United Extreme E a spot on the third step of the podium, their first top three finish of the season, which was a huge boost for both teams after a difficult start to the Sardinian double-header.

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “In the end the feeling was quite good from the start of Q1 of the second race. The balance of the car was much better compared to the first event, so finally we could push and in the end we finished second in Round Three.

“It’s a good result, but we are still losing points to the leader, quite a lot actually given the super sector ones that they scored. We need to react as RXR is really strong . Both of the drivers are really fast and they make no mistakes, so we’ll need to be stronger next time.”

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “I am so happy to get on the podium following the Crazy Race. Bear in mind that you get a worse choice on the grid for the Final, and here it really does make a difference where you end up, - so that was a great feeling.

“This is a well-deserved result for the team. We had good pace this weekend and to be rewarded with a podium is special. I’m really looking forward to Chile as I think we’ve turned a corner, removed the bad luck we have been experience as a team from the first couple of races and hopefully we’ll be on the top step next time.”

Next up in the race calendar is the Copper X Prix in Chile on 24-25 September 2022, and the rest of the grid will be working hard to knock RXR off their perch at the top of the standings.

Results
1. Rosberg X Racing 9:12:668
2. X44 +8:227
3. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +12.884
4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team DNF
5. ABT CUPRA XE Disqualified

Championship Standings
1. Rosberg X Racing: 80 points
2. NO.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 43 points
3. X44: 41 points
4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 40 points
5. XITE ENERGY Racing: 27 points
6. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: 27 points
7. NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 19 points
8. JBXE: 18 points
9. Veloce Racing: 7 points
10. ABT CUPRA XE: 6 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-10 Stor dominans i Extreme E
Total dominans från början till slut! Rosberg X Racing med Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky tog en säker seger i Extreme E på Sardinien.
- Det här var en fenomenal helg för oss, säger Kristoffersson.

I torsdagens tävling var RXR först över mållinjen, men bestraffades med 30 sekunders tillägg vilket innebar en tredjeplats. Under helgen var det upplagt för ny dramatik när andra deltävlingen på Sardinien, den tredje i mästerskapet, avgjordes.

Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky visade att formen var bevarad. Snabbast i kvalet, precis som i första tävlingen.

I semifinalen inledde Mikaela och skaffade ett tio sekunders försprång att förvalta för Johan.
- Mikaela är den stora stjärnan den här helgen, berömmer Kristoffersson sin värmländska kollega.

I finalen blev det omvänd ordning, när samtliga fem ekipage valde den manlige föraren först. Från fjärde startspåret tog Kristoffersson den alternativa sträckning han valde i torsdagens final. När vägarna möttes blev det mindre dramatiskt än senast. Johan smet in bakom Nasser Al-Attiyah i ABT Cupra XE och följde sedan med på andra plats fram till växlingen, med ett avstånd på drygt fyra sekunder till ledarbilen.
- Nasser var otroligt snabb, så jag försökte bara hålla mig så nära honom som möjligt, för att ge Mikaela bästa förutsättningarna inför hennes varv.

Förhoppningarna var goda med tanke på hur Åhlin-Kottulinsky hade presterat tidigare under veckan. Snabbt var RXR-bilen uppe i bakvagnen på Jutta Kleinschmidt i ledningen och genom det stora vattenhindret nöp Mikaela innern och smet förbi. Med hjälp av några sekunders hyperdrive ökade hon snabbt försprånget och seglade iväg till en komfortabel seger i Island X Prix II.
- Det var absolut bästa stället att ta sig förbi. Hon gjorde det bästa av situationen, med ett suveränt drag, kommenterar Johan.

Även teamkompisen själv var mer än nöjd med insatsen.
- Johan och jag har analyserat precis allt för att förbättra oss. Efter den här veckan, och allt som hände under första racet, känner jag att det här var en avslutning vi var värda.

Bakom RXR slutade X44, med Sébastien Loeb och Cristina Gutiérrez, tvåa medan ABT Cupra XE diskvalificerades på grund av ett problem med säkerhetsbältet för Kleinschmidt.

Både Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky berömde teamets jobb.
- Bilen kändes helt fantastisk hela veckan och vi måste tacka teamet för det. De jobbade hårt och det betalade sig.

Även i supersektor-delen, Continental Traction Challenge, var Rosberg X Racing-ekipaget helt överlägset och plockade därmed ytterligare poäng.

Efter två segrar på tre deltävlingar leder man nu mästerskapet i stor stil med sina 80 poäng, 37 före Chip Ganassi Racing.

Teamägaren Nico Rosberg var lyrisk över RXR-insatsen:
- Det är ett sånt nöje för mig att jobba med det här teamet. Det påminner mig om mina F1-dagar. En fantastiskt laginsats där alla ger sitt bästa och presterar på topp!

Nästa tävling körs i Chile i slutet av september.

22-07-10 Genesys Andretti United Extreme E win the Crazy Race to take remaining Final spot
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E won a thrilling Crazy Race to take the fifth spot in the NEOM Island X Prix Final II.

10 July 2022, Sardinia: Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen have shown speed throughout the double-header in Sardinia without results but produced a superb performance to first hold off Veloce Racing’s Lance Woolridge and then JBXE’s Kevin Hansen to claim the win.

Munnings got an excellent start to lead ahead of JBXE’s Hedda Hosås and XITE ENERGY Racing’s Tamara Molinaro, with Woolridge taking the alternate line for Veloce Racing.

As the track merged into the single lane there was contact between Munnings and Woolridge. The Genesys Andretti Extreme E driver held firm to retain the lead, with Woolridge momentarily going off track, before regrouping to take the fight to Munnings throughout the first lap.

Munnings made her ODYSSEY 21 as wide as possible as Veloce Racing closed the gap, but Woolridge was unable to get past.

The duo took alternate lines as they fought to secure the lead, with Munnings keeping the South African at bay as Hosås began to close on the leaders.

A spin for Woolridge gave Munnings breathing room in the final corners of the lap, but the Veloce Racing ODYSSEY 21 recovered, staying ahead of JBXE while XITE Energy Racing’s Molinaro spun as she avoided Woolridge, putting her team out of the race.

After the driver change, JBXE’s Kevin Hansen stormed out of the Switch Zone in pursuit of his brother in the Genesys Andretti United Extreme E car, quickly passing Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ as he ate into Timmy Hansen’s lead.

Pushing hard in second, Hansen ended up in a spin, making contact with the waypoint flag as he tried to recover. The Swede didn’t lose his position on track, though, and the team retained second-place despite the subsequent penalty.

Despite nursing some damage from the earlier collision between his team-mate Munnings and Veloce Racing’s Woolridge, Hansen got his ODYSSEY 21 across the line in first, securing Genesys Andretti United Extreme E a spot in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna.

Results
1. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E 9:21:335
2. JBXE +20.538 (penalised)
3. Veloce Racing +48.232 (penalised)
4. XITE ENERGY Racing DNF

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-10 X44 and ABT CUPRA XE progress from Semi-Final 2 in NEOM Island X Prix II
X44 secured victory in Semi-Final 2 to seal their spot in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final, with ABT CUPRA XE joining them after an impressive drive to hold off NEOM McLaren Extreme E.

X44’s Cristina Gutierrez got a storming start to snatch the lead for Lewis Hamilton’s outfit which they never surrendered, pulling away from their rivals ABT CUPRA XE and NEOM McLaren Extreme E as they squabbled for a Final spot in Sardinia.

It was a tense duel between ABT CUPRA XE’s Jutta Kleinschmidt and NEOM McLaren XE’s Emma Gilmour, with the former defending her second place impeccably to keep the latter at bay.

The order was maintained as the trio entered the Switch Zone, with ABT CUPRA XE managing to extend their gap to NEOM McLaren XE after the driver switch.

Despite nursing a technical issue, X44’s Sebastien Loeb retained the lead while being chased ferociously by the charging ABT CUPRA XE of Nasser Al-Attiyah.

Despite closing the gap to the leader, and pulling away from NEOM McLaren XE’s Tanner Foust in third, the Qatari couldn’t get close enough to attempt an overtake for first and had to settle for second, ensuring ABT CUPRA XE join X44 in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna.

Results
1. X44 9:18:618
2. ABT CUPRA XE +4.008
3. NEOM McLaren XE +19.453

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-10 RXR and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secure NEOM Island X Prix II Final spots
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) produced another smooth run to claim the win in Semi-Final 1 and secure their spot in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team finished in second, after contact between Sara Price and Laia Sanz put No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing out of the race.

10 July 2022, Sardinia: An aggressive start from RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky put her in front of Sanz, as Price took the alternate line to the right of her competitors.

As the teams merged, No.99 GMC Hummer EV slotted behind RXR in first and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE in second.

Sanz went wide a few corners later, opening the window for Price to charge up the inside, making contact as she went.

The two came together once again, sending Price off track and the subsequent damage to her ODYSSEY 21 put No.99 GMC Hummer EV out of the race and out of contention for a second podium in this double-header.

Johan Kristoffersson took over a comfortable lead from Åhlin-Kottulinsky and got the RXR car over the line in first, with Carlos Sainz Snr. bringing his ODYSSEY 21 home in second means both teams head to the Final.

Results
1. Rosberg X Racing 9:19:987
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +8.956
3. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing DNF

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-09 Rosberg X Racing dominate Qualifying ahead of NEOM Island X Prix II
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) maintained their ominous form to finish as top qualifier once again in the second part of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header.

After dominating Q1, leading the pack by more than 10 seconds, Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky achieved their second perfect Qualifying run of the week as they came first in Q1 and Q2, heading into Semi-Final 1.

The other five-car Heat saw ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team take the maximum score from Q2. It was marked by a fantastic recovery performance from Carlos Sainz Snr., after returning to the course days after the Spaniard was on the receiving end of a huge crash in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final.

Sainz Snr. and team-mate Laia Sanz’s win gave them ten points meaning, combined with their eighth-place finish in Q1, they finished fourth in the standings and also head into Semi-Final 1.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, said: “I think this was the best qualifying session for me since I started in Extreme E, so this day was epic. Johan and I prepared intensely yesterday, and the team worked very hard on the car after our impact in the first event, so I am glad that it all worked out in our favour.”

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, added: “I am very happy with our performance. It was quite slippery on the track, so I took it steady until Sebastien [Loeb] used his hyperdrive at Waypoint 20. We only had a small gap on him, but I was very confident when I handed over to Mikaela. She is a phenomenal driver and I am truly impressed with her performance. Tomorrow will be great.”

The first Heat saw the male drivers from all five teams take to the start line, setting the scene for dramatic battles as Loeb and Kristoffersson lined up alongside each other, with the Hansen brothers also ready to get their elbows out for victory.

The pack split in two at the start, with RXR, X44 and JBXE taking the left line while XITE ENERGY Racing’s Timo Scheider took on Timmy Hansen in the Genesys Andretti United Extreme E car on the alternate route.

With both Scheider and Hansen quick off the line it wasn’t long before there was contact between them, as Scheider clipped Hansen’s rear right wheel resulting in a spin for the Swede.

The damage to Hansen’s ODYSSEY 21 caused by the racing incident put Genesys Andretti United Extreme E out of the Heat and into ninth place in Qualifying overall, putting them into the Crazy Race.

The first lap did not disappoint, as Kristoffersson surged into the lead with the help of his ENOWA Hyperdrive. The Swede was unable to shake off the X44 car though, as Loeb was all over the back of the leading RXR throughout the 7km lap with Hansen close behind for JBXE.

Cristina Gutiérrez picked up the chase for X44, right on Åhlin-Kottulinsky’s tail as the two left the Switch Zone. Once the pit limiters were off, Åhlin-Kottulinsky pulled away leaving Gutierrez to cross the line in second place.

X44 received a 15-second penalty for leaving the Switch Zone too soon, but they still had enough of a margin to retain second place, meaning they finished overall Qualifying in second and will compete in Semi-Final 2.

Further down the field, XITE ENERGY Racing’s Tamara Molinaro continued to demonstrate impressive pace as she passed JBXE’s Hedda Hosas to take third in the Heat. This puts XITE eighth overall, while JBXE end Qualifying seventh in the standings, meaning both teams will compete in the Crazy Race.

The start of the second Heat followed a similar pattern to Heat 1, as three teams took the left line, led by No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyle LeDuc.

Some aggressive driving from Sainz Snr., though, saw ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team storm to the front ahead of LeDuc. Behind them NEOM McLaren Extreme E’s Tanner Foust somehow managed to squeeze in front of ABT Cupra XE’s Nasser Al-Attiyah as the team’s headed into the narrow part of the course, closely followed by Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ in fifth.

The leading duo pulled away from the pack, but in his aggressive pursuit of Sainz Snr., Leduc dropped his ODYSSEY 21 over a jump and drifted off course. LeDuc rejoined the race in fourth place, behind the battling Foust and Al-Attiyah.

Emma Gilmour and Jutta Kleinschmidt took over the fight in second and third, respectively after the driver change, but it was not enough to trouble ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Sanz who maintained a comfortable lead, securing first place in Heat 2.

The order on track was unchanged after the driver switch, but penalties incurred for No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing after missing a waypoint flag and for exiting the Switch Zone too soon, meant they dropped to fifth in the Heat and into Semi-Final 1.

NEOM McLaren Extreme E and ABT CUPRA XE will both compete in Semi-Final 2, while Veloce Racing complete the line-up for tomorrow’s Crazy Race.

With the Finals day of the NEOM Island X Prix II, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, find out where you can watch the action here.

Q2 Results:
Heat 1:
1. Rosberg X Racing 9:12:199
2. X44 +23.225 (penalised)
3. XITE ENERGY Racing +23.277
4. JBXE +31.238
5. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E DNF

Heat 2:
1. ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team 9:22:515
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +4.719
3. ABT CUPRA XE +13.182
4. Veloce Racing +29.363
5. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing +50.261 (penalised)

Having completed both rounds of Qualifying, Intermediate Classification points were awarded as follows:
1. Rosberg X Racing – 20 points
2. X44 – 16 points
3. NEOM McLaren Extreme E – 15 points
4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team – 13 points
5. NO.99 Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing – 11 points
6. ABT CUPRA XE – 11 points
7. JBXE – 8 points
8. XITE Energy Racing – 8 points
9. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – 6 points
10. Veloce Racing – 5 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-09 Rosberg X Racing top Qualifying 1 in Sardinia once again
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) were quickest in Q1 at the NEOM Island X Prix II, with their nearest Championship challengers No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing close behind in second. X44 rounded out the top three.

Sardinia: Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy and Johan Kristoffersson came out on top in the opening session with a time of 9:00:503, over 13 seconds quicker than their effort in last round’s Q1 as the teams pushed their ODYSSEY 21s to the limit.

While RXR enjoyed a comfortable 10-second buffer to the rest of the field, it was a closely fought session behind them with less than five seconds separating the top five teams.

Winners of the first race in the double-header, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, No.99 GMC Hummer EV finished in second place as they chase another podium finish in Sardinia.

Third in the Q1 standings were X44 as they returned to fighting form, coming out ahead of NEOM McLaren Extreme E and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E in fourth and fifth, respectively.

In sixth place were ABT CUPRA XE, with a particularly impressive lap from Nasser Al-Attiyah who was quickest through Sector 1 in Q1, and finished less than 0.5 seconds off the best lap of the session from Kristoffersson.

Coming in seventh were JBXE and behind them in eighth were Laia Sanz and Carlos Sainz Snr. For ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, the latter returning from his big crash in last round’s Final is a huge boost.

XITE ENERGY Racing finished Qualifying 1 in ninth place. The team could have been higher up the order, but Tamara Molinaro lost crucial seconds with a half-spin as she pushed hard with the ENOWA Hyperdrive.

Rounding out the standings were Veloce Racing as the team recovered from a DNF in Q1 earlier this week to put forward a trouble-free two laps.

Results
1. Rosberg X Racing 9:00:503
2. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing +10.741
3. X44 +11.374
4. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +15.126
5. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +15.203
6. ABT CUPRA XE +16.919
7. JBXE +21.634
8. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +21.701
9. XITE ENERGY Racing +22.917
10. Veloce Racing +34.065

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-09 ABT CUPRA XE looking for a comeback in race two of Sardinia double-header
As the checkered flag fell upon the conclusion of the Crazy Race, it looked as though ABT Cupra XE had secured their first Final appearance of Extreme E Season 2.

However, a time-penalty in the Switch Zone for completing the driver change before the minimum time, as well as a further penalty received for hitting a waypoint flag, ensured they dropped to third in the race and ninth overall.

Nevertheless, there were flashes of pace from the team throughout the NEOM Island X Prix I, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, with Nasser Al-Attiyah and Jutta Kleinschmidt behind the wheel.

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT Cupra XE, said: “We had a really good day in the Crazy Race. We won, but then we had a small issue in the race when we dropped one flag, which was a penalty. It was game over for us, but we were happy with the performance and I promise for next race we will be much better!”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT Cupra XE, added: “The first Sardinian round is gone. We were in the Crazy Race, we were fast and we finished first, but unfortunately we got a penalty and that put us back in second place. Only the first place goes to the Final and that wasn’t us, but we have another race in front of us and we know that we can do it, so we are looking forward to it.”

ABT Cupra XE will be given an instant opportunity to bounce back, as the second part of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header begins this weekend (9-10 July). Find out where you can watch the action here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/596_Where-to-watch-NEOM-Island-X-Prix

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-09 X44 suffer setbacks in NEOM Island X Prix I
Having started their Extreme E Season 2 campaign with third place at the Desert X Prix, X44 were looking to pick up where they left off in NEOM as the ten teams returned to on track action in Sardinia.

The NEOM Island X Prix I, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, was the first race without X44 at the top of the Qualifying standings and the first event that didn’t have Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez competing in the Final, as they suffered plenty of ill-fortune throughout the first event of the double-header.

Lewis Hamilton’s outfit got off to a tricky start in Q1, which saw Loeb nurse their ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone where the Frenchman helped to change a tyre. This was not a first for Loeb and the team, who also changed a tyre mid-run at the Arctic X Prix in Greenland.

Q2 was more familiar territory as a masterclass from Loeb saw the team surge from fourth to second in the five-car Heat, putting them third in Qualifying overall.

Switch Zone troubles hit the team in Semi-Final 2 though. X44 entered in second but left the driver switch in third after struggling to set off. Gutiérrez was then unable to close the subsequent gap and the team fell short of a place in the Final.

Now sitting fifth in the Championship standings with 23 points, X44 will be hoping for better luck in the second part of the double-header to get back to winning ways.

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “It was not a great day for us. It was a very tricky race against good teams and then we had difficulty in the Switch Zone which made it even more tough. We are developing and moving our set up, and we are hopeful that for the next race, we will be able to compete well, but for now we are disappointed.”

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44, added: “Right now we don’t feel very happy with our result, it is the first time we have not made the Final so of course it is not an easy thing to accept. The team is working really hard on the car to make sure we are able to do a good job in Round 3 at the weekend, so we will have to see.”

The second part of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header begins this weekend (9-10 July). Find out where you can watch the action here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/596_Where-to-watch-NEOM-Island-X-Prix

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-08 NEOM McLaren Extreme E needing some luck after two rolls in two X Prix
NEOM McLaren Extreme E’s hopes of making it two Crazy Race wins from two ended in a big crash for Emma Gilmour just metres from the start line. Following Tanner Foust’s crash in the Desert X Prix Final, that’s two rolls in two races as the team take on their maiden Extreme E campaign.

Having struggled in Qualifying at the Desert X Prix, NEOM McLaren Extreme E looked to have achieved the level of consistency they were lacking at their first event, coming third in both practice sessions in the NEOM Island X Prix I, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna.

The team went into Qualifying with heads held high, until a technical issue for Foust in Qualifying 1 resulted in a DNF. The five-car Heats in Q2 offered a shot at redemption, which NEOM McLaren Extreme E seized, coming second in their Heat behind the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.

Their DNF in Q1 ensured that the team would take on ABT CUPRA XE, Veloce Racing, and eventual X Prix winners No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing in the Crazy Race, where their event ended with Gilmour’s crash in the early stages.

Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: “It’s been a tough first round here in Sardinia. We had really good pace in practice and we were looking to build on that, but an unfortunate DNF in Q1 put us on the back foot. In Q2, we had an unfortunate incident where someone ahead left us in the dust and made it so much more challenging to get through into the Semi-Finals.

“The Crazy Race is always a tough ask and probably even more so on this track. Four or five cars have got to go down into two shoots on the course and I sadly bore the brunt of it at the start. Thankfully, I am ok, just a bit stiff and sore. As a team, we are a really strong unit and we will come back fighting.”

Tanner Foust, NEOM McLaren Extreme E, said: “I was really looking forward to Rounds 2 and 3 in Sardinia as I had never visited before. It’s very hot and dusty, but a very cool place to race. The surface is fun, rough and challenging. It’s a challenge on many levels for all the teams and so far, this weekend we have certainly had our share of challenges.

“We now have some work to do between events to get the car ready for Round 3, but the team is charged and I have no doubt we are going to hit the ground running into the second event of the double header.”

The second part of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header begins this weekend (9-10 July). Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-08 Molinaro and Scheider shine in first Extreme E outing
Last season’s Extreme E Championship Drivers Timo Scheider and Tamara Molinaro are now podium finishers in the series, after securing XITE ENERGY Racing’s best-ever result.

The team’s all-new driver line-up made an instant impact at the NEOM Island X Prix I, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, to finish second in Sardinia after on-track winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) received a 30-second time penalty which dropped them to third.

For Molinaro, it was made even more special as the Italian stood on the podium on home soil, while it was a dream debut for Scheider to secure second on his maiden X Prix start.

Timo Scheider, XITE ENERGY Racing, said: “We definitely caused a surprise on our very first outing!

“I am just so happy for the team. The guys have been working day and night for the last couple of days just to keep the car in good shape and we succeeded. It feels so good to end up on the podium on the first go – I just love it!”

“After the red flag, I told Tamara to have fun out there. Even though we knew that Kevin [Hansen] was coming, she was just super cool. It is a great result for us and the team."
XITE ENERGY Racing reached the Final after finishing second to RXR in Semi-Final 1.

The team were third heading into the Switch Zone, but on the final lap managed to get ahead of Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings to claim a Final spot.

After the collision between RXR’s Kristofferson and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Snr. brought out the red flag in the Final, it was left to Molinaro to fend off JBXE to claim a podium finish. That they did, and after the time-penalty was delivered to RXR, they managed to finish in the top-two.

Could they go one better in the second part of Extreme E’s Sardinian double-header?

Tamara Molinaro, XITE ENERGY Racing, added: “There was a lot of work to do at the start of the week, but it is such a good feeling to repay the team with not only their first Final, but also their first podium. They’ve been working so hard to get the car ready in the last few days so I’m so happy for them!

“There’s still a lot of room for improvement for me and Timo, although we have gelled really quickly. It’s just the beginning and we have just started to put everything together and learn more about the car.

“There’s no tactics for the race at the weekend. It’s literally getting more used to the car and getting faster and faster and getting to know how we can improve. We are just enjoying it – especially for me here at home – and I hope this will not be our last podium.”

The second part of the NEOM Island X Prix double-header begins this weekend (9-10 July). Find out where you can watch the action here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-07 Maiden victory for No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing as RXR receives penalty
No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing took a maiden victory in Extreme E as Rosberg X Racing were penalised for Johan Kristoffersson’s collision with Carlos Sainz Snr. that took the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team out of the race.
*includes latest statement from Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, 21:30 (CEST)

Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price inherited their first win in a stop-start NEOM Island X Prix I Final, that also saw XITE ENERGY Racing claim a first top-three finish. A red flag was brought out following a big accident for ACCIONA | SAINZ as RXR’s Kristoffersson collided with Sainz Snr. in the early stages.

It was the Spaniard who managed to edge in front of the pack from the start as the teams’ racing lines merged, but as the course narrowed Sainz Snr. collided with Kristoffersson and was sent into a barrel roll. This brought about the red flag at the end of the first lap and, ultimately, a 30-second penalty for the Championship leaders.

Sainz Snr. managed to walk away from the accident, while Kristoffersson continued in the race despite substantial damage to his ODYSSEY 21.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Carlos Sainz Snr. from the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team was involved in a collision with Rosberg X Racing in the opening moments of Extreme E's NEOM Island X Prix I Final, in Sardinia this afternoon. He received a full check up in hospital as a precaution but was cleared and released this evening.

“The safety of our drivers is our greatest concern. Myself, along with the whole Extreme E family wish Carlos well and we hope to see him back in action this weekend for the next X Prix.”

Amongst the chaos, LeDuc found himself in second place on track for No.99 GMC Hummer EV, ahead of XITE Energy Racing’s Timo Scheider and the trailing Hedda Hosås in the JBXE car as the teams entered the Switch Zone.

In similar fashion to the Desert X Prix Final in NEOM, the race restarted for a one-lap shootout, with the four teams released at intervals that matched how they had entered the Switch Zone.

No.99 GMC Hummer EV’s Price began her chase of RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky in pursuit of that elusive maiden victory for her team.

Despite missing bodywork from the front of her ODYSSEY 21, Åhlin-Kottulinsky extended the lead given to her by teammate Kristoffersson to cross the line on track in first, but following a stewards investigation RXR were demoted to third, confirming No.99 GMC Hummer EV’s first Extreme E win and XITE Energy Racing’s best series result to date.

Even with the penalty, Nico Rosberg's outfit still lead the Championship standings with 50 points having once again secured the extra five points for going quickest in the Continental Traction Challenge. No.99 GMC Hummer EV are now their nearest challengers with 37 points.

Kyle LeDuc, No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, said: "If you look at the numbers, we went from first in practice, to last in qualifying and back to first as the race winners. It was a rollercoaster ride, and I don’t know how to put it into words, but we all did our job today. We have a great GMC HUMMER EV team where everyone works so hard. We’re ready to take this success and apply it to the next race this weekend.”

Sara Price, No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, said: "We did what we had to do to get through the Crazy Race today. We were consistent and pushed through the Final race to get our first win. It was such a team effort all around; I’m so proud of everyone. We made some serious progress this week and I’m ready to take on round three this weekend.”

Results
1. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing
2. XITE ENERGY Racing +11.853
3. Rosberg X Racing +19.637
4. JBXE +23.434
5. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team DNF

Championship Standings
1. Rosberg X Racing: 50 points
2. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 37 points
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 28 points
4. XITE ENERGY Racing: 26 points
5. X44: 23 points
6. JBXE: 14 points
7. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: 12 points
8. NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 11 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 6 points
10. Veloce Racing: 5 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-07 Andra raka segern i Extreme E
Andra raka segern och maximal poängutdelning. Rosberg X Racing med Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky är riktigt heta i inledningen av Extreme E-säsongen.
- Så glad att vi kunde ta ännu en seger. Det var ett hårt jobb, sammanfattar Kristoffersson.

Den helvärmländska föraruppsättningen imponerade redan under onsdagen i hettan på Sardinien. För första gången säkrade Rosberg X Racing förstaplatsen i kvalet, där konkurrenterna i X44 tidigare hade en obruten segersvit. Kristoffersson gjorde jobbet i början och lämnade åt Åhlin-Kottulinsky att förvalta ledningen.

Inför torsdagens semifinal bytte teamet förarordning. Mikaela fick ta kampen mot Andretti Uniteds Timmy Hansen på första rundan och hon gjorde en mycket stark styrning, höll ledningen länge och var bara en dryg sekund efter in mot växlingen till Johan. På andra varvet fick Catie Munnings problem med bilen och Kristoffersson kunde därmed enkelt ta sig förbi och defilera hem segern för en plats i finalen.

Publikomröstningen grid play ledde till att Rosberg X Racing fick välja startspår som team nummer tre och plockade då startspår fyra. Kristoffersson var först vid ratten och hade planen klar: ut i ett av alternativspåren. Det betydde drama när vägarna möttes igen, för dit kom Johan samtidigt som Carlos Sainz i Acciona Sainz XE Racing.
- Jag tog en annan sträckning än vi har gjort tidigare under tävlingen. Jag fick en riktigt bra start och när vi möttes gick vi för det båda två, sida vid sida.

Kristoffersson klarade närkampen med en förlorad frontdel, men för rallylegendaren Sainz blev det en rejäl lufttur och färdigkört.
- Vi har fått rapport om att Carlos är okej och det är viktigast av allt, konstaterar Johan efteråt.

Kristoffersson körde vidare i ledning och höll undan med 4,5 sekunders marginal till Kyle Leduc i Chip Ganassi Racing. Åhlin-Kottulinsky förvaltade och utökade dessutom ledningen till cirka tio sekunders segermarginal för det värmländska ekipaget.

- Att Mikaela dessutom förbättrade sin super sector-tid gjorde att vi tog full poäng även den här tävlingen, summerar Johan.

Precis som vid premiärtävlingen i Saudiarabien blev det alltså maximala 30 poäng till Rosberg X Racing, vilket betyder att man leder mästerskapet med 60 poäng, hela 30 före tvåan Chip Ganassi!
- Stort tack till teamet. De har gjort ett fantastiskt jobb både före och under racet.

Och efter ännu en svettig dag i 40-gradig hetta konstaterade Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky helt rimligt:
- Jag tror alla behöver en kall dusch nu!

Vilodag under fredagen, men på lördag-söndag är det dags för andra racet på Sardinien, det tredje i mästerskapet. För första gången i Extreme E körs en dubbeltävling på samma plats.

22-07-07 No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing win the Crazy Race to complete the grid for the Final
JNo.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing won a dramatic Crazy Race to take the fifth spot in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final after a ten second penalty denied ABT CUPRA XE the victory.

ABT CUPRA XE stormed off the line to take the lead, chased down by Sara Price for No.99 GMC Hummer EV as Emma Gilmour crashed the NEOM McLaren Extreme E car, putting the team out of contention.

Nasser Al-Attiyah extended the lead for ABT CUPRA as the three remaining teams fought for the last spot in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final.

Veloce Racing’s Lance Woolridge surged into second place when Price spun her ODYSSEY 21, edging past the American as she reversed back onto the track.

Woolridge then went the wrong way on course, handing over an even more comfortable lead to Al-Attiyah, who entered the Switch Zone nearly 20 seconds ahead of the chasing pack.

Kyle LeDuc tussled with Christine GZ on the second lap as he desperately tried to get past the Veloce Racing car to begin hunting down Jutta Kleinschmidt up front.

The American soon secured second place, and managed to bring the gap to Kleinschmidt down to under 10 seconds come the end of the race. This meant that when the time penalty came for ABT CUPRA, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV jumped into first by 0.128 seconds to join the Final.

Results
No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing 10:22:991
ABT CUPRA XE +0.128
Veloce Racing +19.226
NEOM McLaren Extreme E DNF

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-07 JBXE and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secure their spots in the NEOM Island X I Prix Final
JBXE secured the win in Semi-Final 2 to confirm their spot in the NEOM Island X Prix I Final, with ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team coming in second to deny X44 a chance of fighting for a podium.

X44 and ACCIONA | SAINZ were close off the line, as Laia Sanz brought the fight to Sébastien Loeb. The Frenchman then dropped to third as Kevin Hansen shut the door on the X44 car to take second place for JBXE.

Hansen’s impressive charge continued as he soon passed Sanz to take the lead in Semi-Final 2, leaving the Spaniard to fend off Loeb until he managed to find space on the inside to secure second.

JBXE entered the Switch Zone comfortably ahead of Loeb, where the X44 team suffered an issue that saw them exit the driver switch at the back of the pack.

Hedda Hosås embarked on the second lap with a 20 second lead as Carlos Sainz Snr. set off to hunt the Norwegian down. The pressure was on for the debutant, who kept a cool head to cross the finish line 5 seconds ahead of Sainz Snr. as both teams progress to the Final to join Rosberg X Racing and XITE ENERGY Racing.

Results
JBXE 9:39:054
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +4.948
X44 +21.174

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-07 Rosberg X Racing and XITE ENERGY Racing make it through to the Final after a tight Semi-Final 1
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) fought hard to claim victory in Semi-Final 1 and progress to the NEOM Island X Prix 1 Final, with XITE Energy Racing joining them as Genesys Andretti United Extreme E missed out having led the race at the halfway point.

In an exciting first race on Finals Day, RXR switched up their strategy for Semi-Final 1, sending Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky out to take on the first lap against Timmy Hansen for Genesys Andretti United Extreme E and XITE ENERGY Racing’s Tamara Molinaro.

Hansen charged off the line, but Åhlin-Kottulinsky managed to shut the door on the Genesys Andretti car. The two tussled in the opening corners, testing alternate lines and coming into contact multiple times as they fought for the lead.

A defensive masterclass from Åhlin-Kottulinsky lasted until the final corners, when Hansen took a wide line to cut through on the inside of RXR and get ahead in one of the best duels of Extreme E so far.

XITE ENERGY Racing’s Molinaro was only 8 seconds behind the battle up ahead as the teams entered the Switch Zone.

Johan Kristoffersson took over the wheel for RXR’s second lap and soon overtook Genesys Andretti’s Catie Munnings as her ODYSSEY 21 appeared to be losing pace.

The Brit soon dropped to the back of the pack as Timo Scheider made up ground to take second place and a spot in the Final in his first ever X Prix.

Results
Rosberg X Racing 9:23:321
Xite Energy Racing +18.752
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +53.005

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-06 Rosberg X Racing finish on top in NEOM Island X Prix I Qualifying
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) brought an end to X44’s Qualifying streak as they finished top of the pack heading into Finals day in Sardinia.

After finishing first in Qualifying 1, Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky dominated their Heat in Qualifying 2 to head the overall Qualifying standings ahead of Finals day.

In the other five-car Heat, the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team took the maximum 10 points from Q2. This, combined with their second-place finish in Q1, put them just one point behind RXR and into Semi-Final 2.

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, commented: “It was a fantastic qualifying session. I felt very comfortable. The track suits me, even though the conditions are a bit tricky. Tomorrow will be an interesting day as the track will certainly change again. We will spend some time with analysis tonight and then we should be ready for a great race."

It was tight off the line between RXR, X44 and XITE ENERGY Racing in Heat 1, with Kristoffersson leading from Cristina Gutiérrez before the X44 driver lost control and dropped to the back of the pack.

Kyle LeDuc soon overtook XITE’s Timo Scheider to take third for No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing behind Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings.

While it looked like the American had the pace to challenge at the front of the pack, his efforts were thwarted as his car came to a halt, meaning his team finished last in Qualifying overall and will take part in the Crazy Race tomorrow.

Munnings initially kept Scheider at bay, before the German debutant charged up the inside to overtake, stealing second from Munnings in the final corners, albeit 16 seconds behind the dominant RXR.

On the second lap the teams bunched together as they went through a yellow sector, passing the stationary No.99 GMC Hummer EV at a safe pace. Demonstrating his experience, Sébastien Loeb took a wider line than Timmy Hansen in front and managed to get past the Swede as they exited the yellow sector to snatch third.

A great run from Loeb brought the team from last to second as the Frenchman then overtook XITE ENERGY Racing’s Tamara Molinaro in the final corners to finish third overall in Qualifying. This was enough to secure X44 a spot in Semi-Final 2 and keep their chances of victory in the X Prix alive.

Third and fourth for XITE ENERGY Racing and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, respectively, puts the teams into Semi-Final 1 with 12 points each where they’ll face RXR.

ACCIONA | SAINZ took a comfortable victory in Qualifying 2 Heat 2. Setting off from Spot 2 like RXR, Carlos Sainz Snr. surged to the front on what appears to be the favoured racing line.

Veloce Racing also started well as Christine GZ stormed into second place from the far-right of the starting line, until Tanner Foust passed on the outside to take second place for NEOM McLaren Extreme E.

The top three entered the Switch Zone in this order, as JBXE’s debutant Hedda Hosås kept the more experienced ABT CUPRA XE driver Jutta Kleinschmidt behind her in fifth.

Following the driver change, an opportunist move from Veloce Racing’s Lance Woolridge put the team into second place as they held off NEOM McLaren XE’s Emma Gilmour, and the charging JBXE of Kevin Hansen.

Despite an impressive comeback in Qualifying 2 to cross the line in second, a ten second penalty for Woolridge for speeding in the Switch Zone put Veloce Racing down to fourth in the Heat.

JBXE’s subsequent promotion into third place was enough to secure them sixth overall in the Qualifying standings, placing them in Semi-Final 2. This means Veloce Racing will compete against ABT CUPRA XE, NEOM McLaren Extreme E and No.99 GMC Hummer EV in the Crazy Race tomorrow.

Q2 Results:
Heat 1:
1. Rosberg X Racing 9:58:521
2. X44 +9.021
3. XITE ENERGY Racing +13.659
4. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +15.498
5. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing DNF

Heat 2:
1. ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team 9:32:591
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +10.233
3. JBXE +10.461
4. Veloce Racing +16.181
5. ABT CUPRA XE +17.002

Having completed both rounds of Qualifying, Intermediate Classification points were awarded as follows:
1. Rosberg X Racing – 20 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team – 19 points
3. X44 – 12 points
4. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – 12 points
5. XITE ENERGY Racing – 12 points
6. JBXE – 11 points
7. ABT CUPRA XE – 9 points
8. NEOM McLaren Extreme E – 8 points
9. Veloce Racing – 4 points
10. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing – 0 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-06 Rosberg X Racing set the bar high in Qualifying 1
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) dominated an opening session which showcased the tough nature of the NEOM Island X Prix course as the teams returned to on track action.

Nico Rosberg’s outfit finished fastest in Q1, with Johan Kristoffersson and fellow Swede Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy setting the benchmark for the rest of the grid with a time of 9:13:966.

Much like Free Practice, Q1 was a tightly contested session for the top half of the grid, with less than 7 seconds separating second and fifth place over the two-lap run.

The ACCIONA | SAINZ Extreme E Team came in second, closely followed by Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, with both teams showing no signs of rust as they return to Extreme E after the break.

In fourth were ABT Cupra XE, who made a strong recovery from a tricky Free Practice. XITE Energy Racing rounded out the Top 5 as former Championship Drivers Tamara Molinaro and Timo Scheider stepped up to the challenges of racing in the series.

Finishing in sixth place were JBXE and finding themselves unusually low down the order, X44 came in seventh after the crew changed a tyre in the Switch Zone with the help of driver Sébastien Loeb.

NEOM McLaren Extreme E fell victim to a technical issue out on course and the team were unable to demonstrate the strong pace that secured them third place in both practice sessions.

Veloce Racing and NO.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing saw their bad luck continue as both teams also suffered from DNFs, with Lance Woolridge stopped out on track and Kyle LeDuc unable to set off from the Switch Zone.

Having completed Qualifying 1, Intermediate Classification points were awarded as follows:

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-06 Hedda Hosås looks ahead to JBXE debut
It has been quite a journey for Hedda Hosås in Extreme E so far. We caught up with the young Norwegian ahead of her debut for Jenson Button's JBXE.

Extreme E: How do you feel to be competing this week in Sardinia?
Hedda Hosås: I am really excited to be back and taking part in the double-header this week. I’m looking forward to getting in the car and seeing what we can achieve as a team and hopefully pick up some good results.

XE: How did the chance to drive for JBXE happen?
Hosås: It was through my role at Veloce Racing, as the team’s reserve driver. They have allowed me to take part in Sardinia and it’s a great feeling. It is a great opportunity for me to get back out there and it is a chance to learn even more on track in Extreme E. I got a taste for it in NEOM at the first round and now I can’t wait to get back out there. JBXE have also shown a lot of faith in me and I am looking forward to racing this week.

XE: How have you settled into your new team?
Hosås: Everyone has been great and really welcoming. I think Kevin [Hansen] and I make a really good combination so I am excited to see how we do out on the track.

XE: You started out in the series by being nominated for the rookie test, before becoming a Championship driver, then a reserve driver for Veloce Racing prior to competing for them earlier this season. You are now at JBXE – it has been quite a journey for you in Extreme E! How does that feel?
Hosås: It was a special feeling to take part in my first Extreme E race in NEOM. It was challenging as I hadn’t had as much time in the car as the others, but it was nice to get behind the wheel. It has definitely been an interesting journey with Extreme E so far, but I’ll keep doing my best and see what happens.

XE: What were your main thoughts on getting behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21?
Hosås: As I was stepping in for Christine [GZ] in NEOM it was perhaps not the best opportunity to show my true speed in the car. There was also quite a lot of pressure, too, as I was having to learn very quickly. I can’t wait to get out there in Sardinia and really push the car.

XE: What do you feel are the main challenges in Sardinia for the double-header and what are your overall expectations?
Hosås: The course is quite rough so it will be a difficult terrain. That makes it challenging for us, but I am really looking forward to it and will do my best. The plan for us over the course of the week is to get faster and faster, and hopefully that will lead to a positive performance and good results.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-05 Het uppgörelse väntar på Sardinien
Från regnskurar i Höljes till stekheta Sardinien. Det är snabba kast för Johan Kristoffersson när det är dags för andra och tredje deltävlingen i Extreme E. Inför den här veckan leder Kristofferssons team, Rosberg X Racing, mästerskapet.

Efter ett fyra månader långt uppehåll är det dags för andra tävlingshelgen i andra säsongen av elbilsmästerskapet Extreme E. Första tävlingen gick i Saudiarabien, under namnet Desert X Racing, där Kristoffersson levererade ett mästerverk till bilkörning för att säkra segern åt sig och teamkamraten Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.

Nu handlar det om Island X Prix på Sardinien och för första gången körs två tävlingar på samma ställe, onsdag-torsdag respektive lördag-söndag.
- Det blir många varv, dubbelt så mycket körning, så det blir viktigt att lyckas behålla bilens prestanda, säger Johan.

Under det långa uppehållet har teamet haft ett testtillfälle i södra Frankrike för att förbereda sig inför den krävande banan som väntar på den italienska ön. Hårt underlag, stenigt och en hel del damm kommer att möta förarna.
- Men banan har behandlats för att dämpa dammet, så förhoppningsvis får vi se mycket action, säger Kristoffersson som vann förra årets tävling på Sardinien, då i par med Molly Taylor.

Den gången skördade den tuffa banan en del offer längs vägen. Rosberg X Racing vann på att ta bilen i mål helt enkelt.
- Det gäller alltid att väga hastighet mot risk, säger taktikern Johan Kristoffersson.

Tävlingarna inleds med shakedown under tisdagskvällen. På onsdag är det kval för första deltävlingen och på torsdag körs finalracen. Del två i dubbeltävlingen börjar sedan på lördag med kval för att sedan avslutas med finaldagen på söndag.

I mästerskapstabellen toppar Kristoffersson/Åhlin-Kottulinsky med 30 poäng före Laia Sanz och Carlos Sainz i Acciona Sainz XE Team på 18 poäng.
- Vi är exalterade att återvända till race action efter det här långa uppehållet som vi har använt till hemläxa och testande. Våra motståndare har också utnyttjat tiden på bästa sätt, så det ska bli spännande att se var alla står. Vårt mål är att försvara ledningen och jag tror att vi har bra förutsättningar för att göra det, säger teamchefen i Rosberg X Racing, Kimmo Liimatainen.

22-07-05 No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing quickest out the blocks in Sardinia
Extreme E Season 2’s ‘The Race For the Planet’ returned to the course today as the ten teams got back behind the wheel for their first taste of an X Prix since February

Extreme E Season 2’s ‘The Race For the Planet’ returned to the course today as the ten teams got back behind the wheel for their first taste of an X Prix since February.

The seven-kilometre course in Sardinia proved the trickiest of the five events in the Championship’s inaugural season last year, offering up a much more compact terrain than the 20 world-class drivers were used to.

The teams returned to take on the NEOM Island X Prix double-header, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, with much more in their arsenal. New upgrades to the ODYSSEY 21 include a suspension package from FOX and an improved chassis, both of which will allow the drivers to push harder than ever.

With double the points available this week, Sardinia could prove a crucial turning point in Season 2 and the Extreme E grid were primed to hit the ground running in the NEOM Island X Prix I.

Having warmed up in a Shakedown, No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing set the pace in Free Practice. Riding the momentum gained from winning Semi-Final 2 at the Desert X Prix, the American team have been topping the time sheet in both sessions.

Their closest challengers were Rosberg X Racing (RXR), NEOM McLaren XE, and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E.

Finishing fourth in FP1, RXR showed signs of the same pace that secured them the victory at the season opener in FP2, finishing in second place. It proved to be an ominous afternoon for their rivals, as RXR’s Johan Kristoffersson also set the fastest lap of the day.

Third in both practice sessions were NEOM McLaren Extreme E, with Tanner Foust and Emma Gilmour achieving a consistent start at only the team’s second ever Extreme E event.

Close behind were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E. Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen were straight on the pace in the first session, with the latter setting the fastest time in FP1. The duo maintained a high level of performance to finish fourth in FP2.

Sara Price, No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing: “Last year we didn’t have that great of a start, so it’s great that we are off to a good one. Consistency is key for us this year.

“I am very confident in the team, I think we have a good setup and we’ve learned a lot in the time we’ve been in Extreme E, so we’re in a good position.

“I think the course has been worked in a little bit more since last year. It's going to be a lot faster, not as rough, and maybe not as technical at times. This is terrain that we are used to coming from South California and racing in Baja, so it’s where we feel at home.”

Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing: “I feel refreshed and in great shape and the team made some great progress during our test in France, so we are all set for an exciting week of racing.

“It’s very exciting to come back to Sardinia. The track looks really fast and it’s smoother than last year. Most of the part at the beginning/the start is very similar but the corners are graded a little bit differently. I think also the last part is a little bit more exciting than last year so I hope that there will be some good racing and some overtake opportunities as well.

“It’s still going to be warm – we are not used to this heat in Scandinavia so it’s going to be bit different!”

Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E: “The track is looking really nice and looking fast so I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to drive.

“We are feeling confident after we had a really good test together and we know so much more now about the race weekend. Turning up in Saudi Arabia was a huge learning curve for a lot of us all working together so it was really encouraging to see us competitive straight out the box."

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: “I really like the new section of the course – it’s going to be very fast and flowing.

“With the two races back-to-back, it’s especially important to keep the rhythm. Usually it gets to the end of the weekend and we want to keep going, so now we have the opportunity to go again with this double-header. I think it will give people an opportunity if they have disappointment in the first event. Obviously, though, everybody’s ultimately looking for two strong results.”

With things already so close in the early stages, there’s everything to play for as the teams head into what promises to be a competitive Qualifying tomorrow.

Find out where you can watch the action here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/596_Where-to-watch-NEOM-Island-X-Prix
To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-05 Carlos Sainz Snr. on preparations for NEOM Island X Prix double-header
Team came away from the season opener in Saudi Arabia with their best result in Extreme E to date.

A strong weekend saw Carlos Sainz Snr. and teammate Laia Sanz secure the second step on the podium, having led for most of the Desert X Prix Final.

To further build on their performance, the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team took part in two days of testing in Spain towards the end of June. This test also provided a good opportunity to work on the new FOX suspension, which is now a standard component of the series and brand-new from the Sardinia double-header onwards.

After coming so close to a maiden victory in NEOM, Sainz Snr. looks back on what he and the team have learned as they prepare to take on the NEOM Island X Prix I and II, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, this week.

Extreme E: How prepared are you feeling coming back to Extreme E after the four-month break?

Sainz Snr: “We are really looking forward to going to Sardinia and to start competing again after this summer break. There are a lot of new things in the car, the whole suspension in fact.

“We have done quite a good test and now we are looking forward to the event. We know the terrain a little bit from last year. The track was rough and difficult, so hopefully we can have a good run, unlike last year, when we had many problems.”

XE: Looking back on NEOM, how did you feel the season opener went for you and your team?

Sainz Snr.: “We were really pleased with the first round. We nearly won in Saudi Arabia and in the end, came in second place. Laia and I felt more comfortable and confident than last year going into the season and after the recent test we have done, we are really looking forward to this double header. Hopefully, we can stay on the podium.

“We are really excited about the second place we achieved, and we will try to improve or at least match that result, so it will be important to be more consistent than last year”

XE: You’ve mentioned that the team have been testing, how did that go?

Sainz Snr.: “We have done a couple of days of testing in the last two weeks and apart from that, of course, I have also been following a bit Formula One and the development of my programme with Audi for the next Dakar.

“The summertime is a very pleasant time of the year for us, so hopefully we can have a nice summer. Apart from that, nothing special, just trying to stay in good shape”.

XE: What new challenges are you expecting from Extreme E’s first double-header event?

Sainz Snr.:“I am sure that this double-header will be a good challenge. We need to understand how the second event is going to be. I don’t know if there will be some changes because it would be interesting to have something new for the second event. But we are well prepared and looking forward to it. It is a very important part of the season”.

XE: How do you remember the Island X Prix last year?

Sainz Snr.: “Last year’s event in Sardinia was extremely difficult. We found ourselves in a terrain that was bumpy and very tough on the cars. We saw many complications and difficulties. We are happy where we are. We have some new parts in the car and I am confident that everything will be smoother than last season”.

XE: As you return to Sardinia, what is your objective this time around?

Sainz Snr.: “I think our objective is obviously going to be to try and fight for the win as we did in the last race. Going into the first event, we will concentrate and try to have a clean event, do our job and finish the race well, and then we will have time to concentrate on the second event. We are heading into a very important part of the championship and hopefully, we can come out of Sardinia with a good amount of points”.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-04 Count Us In and GridPlay return for Extreme E Season 2
Following its success in 2021, the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge is back for Season 2 with fans once again urged to take action on climate change through their passion for the sport.

The unison between Extreme E and the global initiative Count Us In , first announced in 2020, encourages fans to use the collective power of their individual action on climate, inspiring them to take one or more impactful actions from a set recommended by the campaign. The goal of these actions is to show that committing to small lifestyle changes, like eating more plant-based foods, walking and cycling more, and reducing energy consumption at home, has a huge positive impact when multiplied on a global level.

Each action, represented as a step on the action platform, is attributed to the fans’ favourite Extreme E team. The race to achieve the most steps by the end of the season began in NEOM, Saudi Arabia at the Desert X Prix, and the winner then receives the Extreme E Sustainability Award. Count Us In uses a range of data sources to add up the carbon savings of people’s actions. The wider implications of which can therefore urge governments, cities and businesses to accelerate progress and increase their ambition on climate action.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E said: “Our first season working with Count Us In was a huge success – and it was fantastic to see just how much fan engagement there was which further underlines the power of our sport. We are fortunate to have a phenomenal platform and it’s important we use it in the right way and that is, not only to entertain, but also to educate. And initiatives like Count Us In allow us to magnify our message and facilitate quantifiable change that really makes a difference.

“We are really looking forward to building on this momentum for Season 2 and with the help of our incredible line up of teams, drivers and dedicated fan base, we aim to go even further in taking action on climate change. At Extreme E, we will continue to push the boundaries and shine a spotlight on the issues we face, along with the need to act now to help protect our futures.”

In 2021, the X44 team became the first winners of the prestigious Sustainability Award award after topping the standings in the series' inaugural Count Us In Challenge. Led by Sir Lewis Hamilton, X44 clinched the award with a total of 792 steps pledged with Jenson Button’s JBXE team coming in close second with a total of 749 steps. Nico Rosberg’s team, Rosberg X Racing, finished third with a total of 422 steps. In total, the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge inspired 1,231 fans to take 3,207 steps which saved an impressive 1,242,223 KG C02.

On being presented with the 2021 award, X44’s Sébastien Loeb said: “I was very happy that X44 won the Extreme E Sustainability Award for 2021. I joined the team hoping to discover more about the environment while doing what I love. I have learned so much from the series and the different places we visited – in fact I even bought my first electric car last year!"

Nigel Topping, UK High Level Champion for Climate Action, COP26, said: “I'm delighted to see the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge grow from strength to strength. To avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need everyone’s involvement – from businesses and governments to citizens and communities, we all have a critical part to play. People all over the world taking impactful actions, like talking to friends or using their voting power, and taking on some simple lifestyle changes, is a fundamental part of demonstrating to companies and governments that our whole society is in the Race to Zero emissions."

In 2022, McLaren Racing – NEOM McLaren Extreme E – also joins the line-up of existing Extreme E teams in the quest for this year’s coveted award. The team, who announced its entry into Extreme E last year, join the championship as part of its move to minimise negative impact and achieve net-zero carbon footprint by 2030.
A key feature of Extreme E Season 1, GridPlay also returns for the Championship’s second season. Gridplay puts fans at the centre of the action, giving them an opportunity to use their vote to influence the outcome of the racing.

Fans can vote for their favourtie drivers, and the team with the most votes gets to hand-pick their spot on the starting line for the Final. The team with the most fan votes gets the opportunity to pick its grid position for the final first, followed by the team with the second most votes and so on.

Votes can be cast twice a day for a favoured driver to gain that all-important grid advantage. The votes received by both drivers in each team are then added together to reveal the total team score. The teams who have qualified for the Final then take their percentage of votes, and those teams that lost out on a spot in the Final can ‘gift’ their votes to a team of their choosing.

The team with the least votes goes first in gifting its votes, so the final team to gift votes is most likely to have the deciding vote and a big impact on the outcome of the X Prix.

NEOM Island X Prix double-header:
R02 voting will close Wednesday 6th July 5pm GMT.
R03 voting will close Saturday 9th July 5pm GMT.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-07-04 The teams striving for a comeback in Sardinia
As Extreme E heads to Italy for the NEOM Island X Prix, co-organised by the Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna, those ranked eighth to tenth in the Championship will be aiming to come back swinging.

ABT Cupra XE, JBXE, and Veloce Racing all showed signs at the Desert X Prix that they have the pace to compete near the front of what looks set to be a tightly fought Season 2.

Sitting at the bottom of the standings with four, two and one point respectively, the current back runners will be giving it their all to get to the front of the grid.

ABT Cupra got off to a shaky start in NEOM. With Dakar Rally legend, but Extreme E rookie, Nasser Al-Attiyah making his debut, the team were vulnerable to mistakes as the Qatari driver got used to his new environment.

Al-Attiyah made a strong first impression, showing impressive pace as he completed his first lap of Qualifying. But his run didn’t end as planned, when the four-time Dakar winner missed the final gate, putting ABT Cupra down to eighth in Q1.

Q2 followed a similar pattern. As the front three pulled away, the ABT Cupra XE car passed Sainz Snr. on the inside, but Al-Attiyah's pace caused him to miss the flag and, in recovering, he collided with the Spaniard. Sainz Snr. brought the damaged ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone before retiring from the Heat at the hands of his old Dakar rival.

After the Stewards reviewed the collision, ABT Cupra were classified last of the four runners in Heat 1, with the team relegated to ninth overall, leaving them to compete in the Crazy Race.

ABT Cupra XE then battled it out with McLaren XE, JBXE, and Veloce Racing for the last available spot in the Desert X Prix Final. Jutta Kleinschmidt used her experience to keep the front two runners, Kevin Hansen and Emma Gilmour, in her sights as she made her way to the Switch Zone.

Al-Attiyah then took over the ABT Cupra and began to chase down McLaren XE’s Tanner Foust who in turn was making ground on JBXE’s Molly Talyor. Al-Attiyah soon passed Taylor with ease in the final corners, but Foust had already charged past to secure McLaren XE’s place in the Final.

NEOM was somewhat of a rollercoaster for JBXE. Jenson Button’s outfit, which now includes inaugural Extreme E champion Molly Taylor, entered the Desert X Prix with heads held high with their new addition and third place finish in the series last season.

Hansen and Taylor looked to ride that momentum as they headed into Qualifying. The pair seemed to be working together well, each contributing a confident run to put JBXE third in the five-car race that was Qualifying 2 Heat 2.

This wasn’t enough to secure the team a spot in the Semi-Finals however as they were held back in Q1 by damage and could only finish the round in ninth.

JBXE made winning the Crazy Race their calling card in Extreme E Season 1, and they looked to be on a mission to retain that title. Hansen stormed into the lead, maintaining a comfortable buffer between himself and the chasing pack as he entered the Switch Zone. Teammate Taylor could only hold onto the lead until the final corners, when McLaren XE’s Foust and Cupra’s Al-Attiyah put JBXE down into third and ninth in the Championship standings.

What initially appeared to be a tired Kevin Hansen turned out to be an injury for the Swede, as he lay on the ground by the Switch Zone with a cracked vertebrae 8.

Hansen is back behind the wheel of a racing car again, and both he and the JBXE team will be desperate for a maiden Extreme E victory in Sardinia.

Veloce Racing experienced the highs and lows of top-level motorsport during the Extreme E season opener in Saudi Arabia in February, showing huge promise in the Desert X Prix.

Veloce Racing’s dynamic duo showed impressive pace in Qualifying. Lance Woolridge produced a spectacular opening lap as he embarked on his first full Extreme E campaign for the British team. However, with just a few corners remaining and seemingly storming to a P1 finish, Veloce debutant Christine GZ carried too much speed into a late left-hander, which ended in a dramatic barrel roll.

GZ was taken to hospital where it was confirmed she had fractured her foot, and an intensive course of rehab was to follow. Following months of hard work and clearance from the medical team, GZ has been passed fit to race in Sardinia.

Veloce Racing failed to repair the car in time for the five-car Heats of Q2, leaving them to tussle with the bottom four of Qualifying in the Crazy Race. Determined to get to the front of the pack, Woolridge was undermined by a huge bounce that left him vulnerable to a spectacular overtake from McLaren XE’s Emma Gilmour.

The unfortunate bounce had caused further damage than first impressions gave away, and Veloce’s ODYSSEY 21 was soon crawling home in last place.

While a run of bad luck left Veloce on the back foot after the season opener, the team have been working hard at testing to build on the speed they showed in NEOM and escape that bottom spot in the standings.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

'22-07-01 Extreme E returns for summer showdown in Sardinia
Extreme E returns to Sardinia for the series’ first-ever double-header event, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna (6-7 and 9-10 July).

The event is to be known as the NEOM Island X Prix, as a celebration of the Championship’s new green hydrogen partnership with ENOWA, the energy, water and hydrogren subsidiary of NEOM.
All 10 teams return to the grid in Sardinia – with debut drivers including Timo Scheider and Hedda Hosås.
New to the series, the team’s Continental Traction Challenge time will now be the combination of both the male and female drivers’ fastest time through the allocated sector over the course of each X Prix.
Another new racing innovation is the ENOWA Hyperdrive which gives drivers extra power for a certain period of time during their laps
The Sardinian course proved to be the most brutal test for the ODYSSEY 21 in Season 1. New upgrades, including bespoke developments from new Suspension Partner, FOX, will be put to the test.

July 1, 2022: London: The countdown is on to the first-ever double header Extreme E event, as the Championship returns to the Italian island of Sardinia for a summer showdown of back-to-back racing next week (6-7 and 9-10 July).

The newly-titled NEOM Island X Prix, co-organised by the Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna, is just days away, the scene is set for double the on-track action and double the impact in the fight to tackle climate change. NEOM’s title sponsorship of the Island X Prix follows this week’s announcement that Extreme E has entered a multi-year relationship with ENOWA, NEOM’s energy, water and hydrogen subsidiary, to introduce green hydrogen power to their global sustainable racing series.

Extreme E continues to showcase innovative sustainable solutions whether it be demonstrating the full potential of e-SUVs or delivering legacy programmes at race locations.

The event will be returning to the Season 1 location of the Army Training area at Capo Teulada in Sulcis-Iglesiente. The Teulada route is ideal, providing a challenging backdrop for the course which will measure around seven kilometres.

Due to the hot summer conditions in July, the terrain will be much drier than last year’s Enel X Island X Prix with the drivers having to navigate a harder, more compact surface riddled with rocks, bushes, and dry riverbeds cracked from the heat.

The purpose-driven message of the series will focus on blue and green carbon restoration in Sardinia. Continuing to work alongside the MEDSEA Foundation (Mediterranean Sea and Coast Foundation) to support two significant projects.

For Round Two, the first project explores Green Carbon. The sport for purpose Championship will be returning to Sennariolo to visit the communities impacted by the devastating wildfires in 2021.

As for Round Three, the second project supports the conservation of Posidonia oceanica (seagrass), mitigating the detrimental effects of Blue Carbon in Mediterranean waters.

Extreme E has been working closely with Automobile Club d’Italia - the national sports federation co-organising and coordinating the event - the Region of Sardinia, and its Tourism Department plus the Ministry of Defense and the Italian Army to deliver what promises to be a week of double the racing and double the excitement.

Sporting Format
Extreme E retains its sporting format as seen in NEOM, Saudi Arabia:

Qualifying
Following on from the Desert X Prix, Qualifying 1 will be conducted in a single-car format over two laps, with each driver completing a lap of the course. Intermediate Classification points will be awarded to determine positioning in Qualifying 2, ranging from 10 points for first place to one point for last.

The second round of Qualifying will consist of two heats, each of five cars. Teams finishing Qualifying 1 in 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th places will go into Heat 1 and Teams finishing 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th will go into Heat 2. Intermediate Classification points for the second round of Qualifying will be awarded as follows:
1st in Heat 10 points
2nd in Heat 8 points
3rd in Heat 6 points
4th in Heat 4 points
5th in Heat 2 points

A team’s overall classification points will decide the order for which cars progress to Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2, and the Crazy Race on Day Two, but the points do not contribute towards the Championship standings.
1st – Semi-Final 1
2nd – Semi-Final 2
3rd – Semi-Final 2
4th – Semi-Final 1
5th – Semi-Final 1
6th – Semi-Final 2
7th – Crazy Race
8th – Crazy Race
9th – Crazy Race
10th – Crazy Race

Race-day
Semi-Final 1 – Three-car race with top two cars going through to the Final
Semi-Final 2 – Three-car race with top two cars going through to the Final
Crazy Race – Four-car race with first place going through to the Final
Final – Five-car Final with the top three going to the podium

Championship points
1st: 25 points (winner of the Final)
2nd: 18 points (2nd place in the Final)
3rd: 15 points (3rd place in the Final)
4th: 12 points (4th place in the Final)
5th: 10 points (5th place in the Final)
6th: 8 points (3rd place from Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2)*
7th: 6 points (3rd place from Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2)*
8th: 4 points (2nd place in the Crazy Race)
9th: 2 points (3rd place in the Crazy Race)
10th: 1 point (4th place in the Crazy Race)

Continental Traction Challenge
The team that sets the fastest time through the allocated sector will win the Continental Traction Challenge and earn five Championship points. New to the NEOM Island X Prix, from now on the team’s Traction Challenge time will be the combination of both the male and female drivers’ fastest time through the allocated sector over the course of the event.

If any teams are tied in the Qualifying standings their positioning will be determined by their time in the Continental Traction Challenge - the team with the quicker run through the allocated sector receiving the higher overall position in Qualifying.

The team finishing third in Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2 that sets the faster Continental Traction Challenge time shall be deemed to be the 6th place finisher.

ENOWA Hyperdrive
The newly-titled ‘ENOWA Hyperdrive’ boost launches in Sardinia. The ENOWA Hyperdrive boost will be available to each driver on each lap of the race. Activated when the driver presses a button on their steering wheel, they will enjoy an increase in power for a fixed amount of time.

Enno Straten, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Continental Tires EMEA, said: “We are really excited for the upcoming Island X Prix double-header and are looking forward to once again proving the outstanding performance of our tires under the toughest and most challenging conditions.

“Although we have already raced in Sardinia, this time around it will be in a different season and will offer different challenges. We look forward to demonstrating that Continental is up to the test, as well as the thrilling racing throughout the week as Extreme E returns to action.”

Teams and Drivers
The same ten teams return to the grid to battle it out for NEOM Island X Prix victory and there are going to be some familiar faces in unfamiliar seats.

Championship drivers Timo Scheider and Tamara Molinaro will represent XITE Energy Racing in Sardinia. Scheider replaces Oliver Bennett, who is unable to race due to his commitments to Nitro Rallycross, while Molinaro retains her seat after an impressive performance for the team at the season opener.
Another driver who made their debut in NEOM was Hedda Hosås. Hosås, Veloce Racing’s reserve driver, will contest the NEOM Island X Prix double-header for Jenson Button’s JBXE alongside Kevin Hansen who has recovered from injury.

The Norwegian has close links to Extreme E, having recently been the reserve driver for Veloce Racing. Hosås was nominated by the team to take part in last season’s Rookie Test which followed the Enel X Island X Prix and raced in this year’s Desert X Prix following Christine GZ’s injury in Qualifying.

Replacing Scheider and Molinaro as Championship drivers will be Fraser McConnell and Klara Andersson. Andersson returns to Extreme E after Covid-19 cruelly denied her a drive for XITE Energy Racing in NEOM, while McConnell makes his debut having already become the most successful Jamaican driver in Rallycross history.

The 10 teams and 20 drivers for the NEOM Island X Prix are as follows:
ABT CUPRA XE – Nasser Al-Attiyah / Jutta Kleinschmidt
ACCIONA |?Sainz?XE Team – Carlos?Sainz?Snr. / Laia Sanz
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – Timmy Hansen / Catie Munnings
No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing– Kyle?LeDuc?/ Sara Price
NEOM McLaren Extreme E – Tanner Foust / Emma Gilmour
JBXE – Kevin Hansen / Hedda Hosås
Rosberg X Racing – Johan?Kristoffersson?/ Mikaela?Åhlin-Kottulinsky
Veloce Racing –?Lance Woolridge / Christine GZ
X44 – Sébastien Loeb / Cristina Gutiérrez
XITE Energy Racing – Timo Scheider / Tamara Molinaro

The maiden Island X Prix last October proved to be a thriller. Season 1 Extreme E champions, RXR, executed a measured drive to claim the win after Chip Ganassi Racing and X44 were denied victory after suffering technical issues which ruled them out of contention, in what proved to be one of the most gruelling tests for the teams across Extreme E’s inaugural campaign.

The upgrades made to the ODYSSEY 21s during the break between X Prix, including a new race-ready suspension package courtesy of FOX, Extreme E’s new Official Suspension Partner, will undoubtedly be put to the test in Sardinia.

After four long months, Extreme E is set for on-track action once more with back-to-back X Prix in Sardinia.

The race is on again.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-28 Veloce Racing wins Hill Climb head-to-head as Extreme E returned to Goodwood Festival of Speed
Extreme E returned to Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend, delivering a spectacular head-to-head shootout for those in attendance.

In a unique event, Veloce Racing and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E battled it out in a head-to-head time-trial, racing against the clock as they took on the infamous Hill Climb.

It was Veloce Racing who came out on top – winning with a combined fastest time across the weekend’s running.

In Saturday’s head-to-head, Veloce Racing led the way with Max Fewtrell, in his first experience behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21, pipping Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings by just under three seconds. Fewtrell set a time of 1m1.79secs compared to Munnings’ 1min4.87secs.

On Sunday it was Genesys Andretti United Extreme E who were fastest courtesy of Timmy Hansen ahead of Veloce Racing’s Sunday runner Jamie Chadwick.

Hansen set the fastest time of the weekend (59.95secs) with Chadwick just behind (1min0.79secs). Despite this, Veloce Racing still claimed top honours and the overall win at the Festival of Speed.

You can see both Veloce Racing and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E back in action next week at the upcoming Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia (6-7 and 9-10 July).

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-28 St. Helena arrives in Sardinia ahead of double-header
Extreme E’s floating centrepiece has today moored in Porto Pino, Sardinia. Her arrival signals the latest step in preparations for the Island X Prix double-header showdown, co-organised by the Automobile Club Italia and Regione Sardegna, which will see two races back-to-back in one week (6-7 July and 9-10 July).

This outing marks the European leg of the all-electric series’ five-race voyage, and the second time the Championship has visited the Italian island following the Island X Prix in October 2021.

The St. Helena departed from the season opener NEOM, Saudi Arabia, which saw Rosberg X Racing take the win, at the start of March.

The floating paddock proceeded Northbound through the Suez Canal, bound for Cagliari anchorage. One there the ship stayed at anchor just outside Cagliari until cleared to unload the freight on board as preparations and anticipation builds for the Island X Prix.

Among the freight to be removed were the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 race cars, hydrogen fuel cell to charge the cars emission free, two Zenobe second-life batteries to power the paddock, plus everything else required to set up a race site in the remote location of the Army Training area at Capo Teulada in Sulcis-Iglesiente, situated in the south-west of the island.

The end of April brought about the Formula E race weekend in Monaco. From the Friday to the Sunday Extreme E sat alongside the action, the first ever cargo ship of this design to be so close to the racing in Monaco.

After such an exciting weekend in the company of its sister series, the Extreme E flagship went to anchor in the French and Italian Rivieras before returning to Monaco at the end of May for Formula One in the best seat in the house.

Following a three-week anchor period in Imperia Italy, the St. Helena returned to Nice for refuelling and provisions before heading back to Sardinia ready for Extreme E’s first ever double-header event.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “It’s fantastic to see the St. Helena in port and ready for our first ever double-header event. Sardinia is going to provide an epic backdrop for both double the racing and double the important legacy opportunities focused around both green and blue carbon stores.

“I’m particularly excited that the St. Helena’s arrival into Sardinia incorporated a trip to Monaco, where our flagship featured alongside Formula One and Formula E. We now look ahead to our own event which promises fantastic racing and innovation of its own.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-26 Genesys Andretti United Extreme E set to bounce back in Sardinia
After a successful two-day test in Wales last week, Extreme E caught up with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E ahead of the Island X Prix double-header.

The duo of Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen turned nearly 150kms, collectively, while testing out the team's upgraded ODYSSEY 21 at the Sweet Lamb Rally Complex.

Munnings and Hansen will be eager to bounce back after a challenging start to Season 2 in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

The team showed signs of the same pace that secured them three podiums in Season 1, finishing second overall in Qualifying just one point behind leaders X44.

Genesys Andretti United Extreme E then progressed to Semi-Final 2, where they took on Chip Ganassi Racing and ACCIONA | Sainz XE for a place in the Desert X Prix Final. A huge roll on Hansen's final run ruled them out of contention, though, and could only finish seventh overall.

Back-to-back X Prix in Sardinia offers the team the opportunity to get back on track.

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “We had a really successful test here with the new Fox dampers. It was really cool to have some time with the car away from race weekend to really do some sweeps and try and understand it a bit better.

"It’s been really nice to have the team back together, I think it’s the first time in four months since the last race. It’s good to remind ourselves of how everything works and get back in the energy before we head back to Sardinia in a couple weeks."

Timmy Hansen, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, added: "The two days testing really couldn’t not have gone better. The team has worked super efficiently – we stuck to the schedule we had and did loads of laps. We found loads of good improvements on the car. The new suspension is working really well; I think that’s a big step forward. I think doing all the kilometres that we did with no issue, we collected a lot of data and knowledge.

"I think Catie and I are feeling super confident going into Sardinia with a car that is feeling better and a team that is working super well together. Super excited to get to racing soon!”

Munnings and Hansen are going head-to-head with Veloce Racing at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed for Hill Honours.

Up against Genesys Andretti United Extreme E is Jamie Chadwick, who is back in the driving seat for Veloce Racing, joined by fellow British driver Max Fewtrell - making his debut in an Extreme E ODYSSEY 21. Munnings faced off against Fewtrell in Saturday’s Qualifying session, with Hansen up against Chadwick in the Sunday Shootout (26 June at 3:30pm BST).

You can watch Extreme E’s Goodwood Shootout on Sky Sports F1 and ITV1, or alternatively on the Goodwood website or YouTube livestream.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-25 Veloce Racing's Lance Woolridge is all set for Sardinia double-header
Extreme E caught up with Veloce Racing's Lance Woolridge ahead of the Island X Prix double-header.

Extreme E: How excited are you to return to racing?

Lance Woolridge: "I'm really looking forward to it! It has been great to get a preparatory test in prior to the double-header in Sardinia, especially to get familiar with all of the upgrades and changes we've made to the car. We have been focusing on what we need to do at the event and have put in a lot of training and preparation towards that."

XE: What are your thoughts now on that first race in NEOM?

LW: "To be honest, I think there are far more positives than negatives to take from it. There was definitely some frustration from us as a team, especially knowing the pace that we had. However, we've reviewed it internally and we know that we have definitely got the pace to get results. It is down to us to make it count and get the maximum from it."

XE: We've had a bit of a break between races - what have you been doing off-track during that time?

LW: Well I got married... so that was great! I did manage to have a short honeymoon before getting back to work. There's been lots of preparation and lots of training. I have done plenty of mountain biking and running throughout, too.

XE: Congratulations! Those preparations will really be put to the test in our first-ever double-header event. Will this create a different challenge for you?

LW: "I think so. It is is going to have a lot of aspects to it, particularly in weighing up the risks versus rewards for points in the first round. We need to make sure we get there, and it will be interesting to see the different approaches taken by teams on this. There will also need to be a quick reset after the first round to either regroup or ensure we don't rest on our laurels to keep striving for success. We need to maximise our performance.

XE: What will be the main challenges be regarding the terrain?

LW: A big factor is that we are going to be going over the same track twice. That's going to make for rougher terrain, even more so than last year. Also, it is going to be much hotter than the first Island X Prix last October. We have just been testing in similar conditions in France so we feel well prepared for what we will be facing.

XE: And lastly, what is the goal going into the double-header?

LW: I think we have the pace but as a team we need to execute it correctly. If we can do that then we think the results from that will be really rewarding. That's what our focus needs to be on and then the results will follow.

Lance’s team Veloce Racing go head-to-head with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed for Hill Honours.

Jamie Chadwick is back in the driving seat for Veloce Racing, joined by fellow British driver Max Fewtrell - making his debut in an Extreme E ODYSSEY 21.

They will be racing against the Genesys Andretti United Extreme E duo Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings - but who will come out on top?

The head-to-head time-trial shootout at the Festival of Speed will see Munnings face off against Fewtrell on Saturday’s Qualifying session (25 June at 4:10pm BST), with Hansen up against Chadwick in the Sunday Shootout (26 June at 3:30pm BST).

You can watch Extreme E’s Goodwood Shootout on Sky Sports F1 and ITV1, or alternatively on the Goodwood website or YouTube livestream.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-24 No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing's Sara Price discusses the upcoming Island X Prix double-header
After a 2021 campaign beset by bad luck, No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing made an assured start to Season 2 by finishing fourth in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

We caught up with Sara Price ahead of the upcoming rounds in Sardinia, as well as what has kept the American driver occupied since the season opener in February.

Extreme E: The break since the opening event in NEOM will have ensured plenty of time for reflection. How did you feel the first round of the season went?

Sara Price, No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: "The first round of the season was a consistent way to start the campaign, both for myself and Kyle (LeDuc) and the entire team. We are definitely feeling like we are in a good position heading into the next event in Sardinia."

XE: We have had an extended gap since the opening round of the season. What have you been up to during the break?

SP: "I've definitely been focused and busy throughout the break. I've also stepped up my training programme to be as ready as possible for this next round. I'm really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel!

"I also went to the Amazon with Extreme E as part of a legacy programme visit. It was an incredible experience."

XE: What were your thoughts on the legacy programme in Brazil and actually visiting the Amazon?

SP: “The trip to the Amazon was a life-changing experience and I am not even sure whether that does it justice. To see what is happening in the rainforest and what we can do to change it, and the actions of the farmers that Extreme E supports to make a difference, was pretty incredible.

XE: What was your main takeaway from the trip to the Amazon?

SP: "When we visit Extreme E´s supported projects, we are taken out of the racing bubble and learning about things we probably never would have learned about before – and I love it! I enjoy learning about it and I take a lot from it.

"Even though the visit to the Amazon was only for a few days, it has given me memories that will last a lifetime. It is has been incredible to see different cultures and a different way of life, which I feel makes me a better person as a result."

XE: Let's return to the racing - you competed in Sardinia last year, but how will conditions differ this time around?

SP: "Although a different time of year, I'm assuming it will be very equivalent to last year condition-wise. The format and course will be new to us, but I loved Sardinia's terrain. It reminds me of home."

XE: And lastly, what's the overriding objective for the upcoming races in Sardinia?

SP: "Consistency most definitely will be key. We need to let our hard work show and do what we do and love!”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-23 Nico Rosberg gets back behind the wheel
Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula One World Champion and CEO of Extreme E outfit Rosberg X Racing (RXR), finally stepped back into the race seat for an exclusive test drive in his team’s ODYSSEY 21 in Germany.

Following his Formula One title in 2016, Rosberg had vowed to quit racing and embarked on a career as a sustainability entrepreneur and investor. Since then, the 36-year-old has rarely been seen behind the steering wheel of a race car, though has taken to showing his audiences the Formula One tracks on his simulator. However, Rosberg has since decided to take RXR’s Extreme E ODYSSEY 21 for a spin on the Nürburgring Offroad Park near the team’s base in Neustadt, Germany.

Under close supervision from Team Principal, Kimmo Liimatainen, as well as RXR drivers Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg had a chance to get acquainted with the ODYSSEY 21 and the one-kilometre off-road track before undertaking his first-ever laps in an off-road car.

After an exhilarating time back behind the wheel, Rosberg said: “This was simply a phenomenal experience. I cannot believe the power of this car. Off-road driving is so much fun.

“Even though I have not been behind the wheel for a long time, I immediately was in my element. The muscle memory came back instantly and I simply enjoyed myself. Rally driving is an entirely different beast from circuit racing, though, and I have a newfound respect for Mikaela and Johan.”

While the test was just a fun exercise for Rosberg, serious business is about to begin again for RXR with just two weeks to go before the next Extreme E event, the Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia.

After being crowned inaugural Extreme E champions in 2021, the team started Season 2 in triumphant style with victory at the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-22 Extreme E teams go head-to-head at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Extreme E is delighted to announce it will return to Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, where two of its teams will take to the infamous Hill and battle it out on track for a unique event.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is renowned as the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture, featuring some of the most famous names and vehicles of historic motorsport. Extreme E already has strong ties to the Festival of Speed, having unveiled its pioneering ODYSSEY 21 for its first public outing in 2019.

The sport for purpose championship will now be returning to the Festival of Speed with two teams, Veloce Racing and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, battling it out in a head-to-head shootout. A battle against genders, this shootout has been uniquely designed for the female drivers to compete against their male counterparts.

Taking the wheel of Genesys Andretti United’s ODYSSEY 21 will be both of their current Extreme E drivers Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen.

Timmy Hansen, Genesys Andretti United driver, said: “We can’t wait to drive up the hill, it has such a legendary status. It’s going to be a lot of fun driving up the hill. It’s fantastic that we can showcase our electric car at such an iconic event, sharing the road with so many other iconic cars.”

Meanwhile, no stranger to Goodwood, Munnings has previously presented for the various automotive events. Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United driver, comments: I’m so excited to be back at Goodwood this year. It’s my first time in a while that I’ll be heading there and focusing purely on the driving side, rather than presenting at the event. We can’t wait to show off the car to all the fans and have some fun doing it.

While they retain their drivers for the shootout, Veloce Racing have selected two guest drivers from their driver pool to pilot their car for this exciting event.

Two-time W Series champion and Extreme E Season 1’s Veloce Racing driver, Jamie Chadwick, will be back behind the wheel at the Festival of Speed this weekend. Jamie Chadwick, Veloce Racing driver, said: “It will be great to get back in the Veloce Racing Extreme E car again and to be with everyone from the Veloce family. I was able to drive the car at a recent sponsorship event, which was great, but to take the car up the prestigious Goodwood Hillclimb will be a huge honour. The Festival of Speed is always such a fantastic event and I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans, as well as some familiar faces there.”

Joining Chadwick, will be Max Fewtrell for his first experience of the ODYSSEY 21. Fewtrell, a British racing driver previously competing in Formula 3 and former champion of British Formula 4 and Formula Renault Eurocup, took to Twitch to stream and play games with friends during the pandemic and immediately grew a mass following. In June 2021, Fewtrell joined gaming and lifestyle brand Quadrant, set up by Formula One star Lando Norris, becoming one of the team’s core content players. New to Extreme E, Fewtrell will step into the car for the first time - an exciting affair for both Extreme E fans and gamers alike.

Max Fewtrell, Veloce Racing driver & Quadrant Content Creator, said: “I am delighted and privileged to be given the opportunity to take the Veloce Racing XE car up the famous Goodwood Hill. It's been two years out of a racing car for me, and I'm itching to get back on a track and feel that buzz again. It's going to be a mega event and we look forward to welcoming many of the Veloce and Quadrant fans over the course of the four days.”

Veloce Esports and Quadrant will also be present at the Festival of Speed as the hugely successful and experienced esports specialists take centre stage on the Veloce stand.

Drivers will receive two Hillclimb runs each day with practices each morning. The head-to-head time-trial shootout at the Festival of Speed will see Munnings face off against Fewtrell on Saturday’s Qualifying (4:10pm BST on 25 June), with Hansen up against Chadwick on the Sunday Shootout (3:30pm BST on 26 June).

James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are thrilled to be returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and are excited for this head-to-head duel between two of our teams, which we hope will be an exciting feature of the weekend for the Goodwood audience.

Though our ODYSSEY 21s are designed for off road terrains, we have seen in our brief history that our cars can tackle any conditions and will be quite a sight to see the drivers battle it out on the Hillclimb.”

You can watch Extreme E’s Goodwood Shootout on Sky Sports F1 and ITV1, or alternatively on the Goodwood website or YouTube livestream.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-22 McLaren XE's Emma Gilmour looks ahead to Island X Prix
McLaren XE made a strong debut at the Desert X Prix, coming back from a disappointing Qualifying to win the Crazy Race in spectacular fashion.

Though they were unable to convert this into a maiden podium after Tanner Foust crashed out in the Final, the newcomers will be looking to build on the promise they showed in NEOM. We caught up with Emma Gilmour ahead of the imminent Island X Prix double-header.

Extreme E: After a break of more than four months, how excited are you to get behind the wheel?

Emma Gilmour, McLaren XE: So excited!! It’s felt like forever since Round 1 and I can’t wait to be competing again.

XE: The break since NEOM will have allowed plenty of time for reflection. How did you feel the first round of the season went?

EG: The first round was the first time we all worked together as a team and we learnt so much from the event. Sadly, the Final didn’t end for us as we hoped, but we still came away with a lot of positives from the weekend.

XE: How much learning has been carried out since your maiden event?

EG: We have learnt a lot from Saudi and there has been a lot of work from everyone in the McLaren team to ensure we carry that momentum forward into Rounds 2 & 3 and the remainder of the season.

XE: What have you been doing during the gap between Extreme E events?

EG: With the long break I was able to return home to New Zealand and get back to work in my car dealership. I also did some local rallies and rallysprints with my own car and team. It was great to still be racing! We’ve also signed some great new partnerships with Vantage, ICE (New York Stock Exchange) and Dell. It's all very exciting!

XE: This will be the first double header event in Extreme E – do you think that will create a different type of challenge for teams?

EG: It will be really interesting to see how each team approaches the week. I see it becoming more of an endurance event rather than a sprint event like we’ve seen in earlier rounds. With only one day between the two events it will be a big week for everyone.

XE: How much do you know of the conditions upcoming in Sardinia?

EG: I competed in Sardinia last year with Veloce and my understanding is that we are in the same location so I have an idea of what to expect. We’ll be there in Summer this time, rather than Autumn, so it will be hotter and dustier. I imagine the terrain will be as challenging as it was last time!

XE: Lastly, what is your objective for the Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia?

EG: Our aim is to have a competitive, clean run and maximise our Championship points from both events so that we can head into the second part of the season in a really strong position.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-06-16 Christine GZ back in action ahead of Sardinia double-header
Christine GZ has been passed fit by Veloce Racing to compete in the upcoming Extreme E double-header following her crash in the season opener.

Following an extended break after the first X Prix of Extreme E Season 2, the on-track action resumes in Sardinia with two rounds in one week (6-7 and 9-10 July) and GZ will be back in action for her team alongside Lance Woolridge.

The pair are already back behind the wheel for three days of testing this week as final preparations get underway for Veloce.

The British team experienced the highs and lows of top-level motorsport during the Extreme E season opener in Saudi Arabia in February, showing huge promise in the Desert X Prix.

Veloce Racing looked set for one of the quickest Qualifying times in NEOM. However, with the finish line fast approaching and purple lighting up the timing screen, GZ carried too much speed into one of the final corners and the car flipped into a dramatic barrel roll.

GZ was taken to hospital where it was confirmed she had fractured her foot, and an intensive course of rehab was to follow. Following months of hard work and clearance from the medical team, GZ is now taking part in Veloce’s testing in the South of France.

All Extreme E teams have been given the opportunity to get some testing in ahead of the Island X Prix double-header.

Each team has been allocated 250kWh, with a maximum output of 360kW allowed. This is equivalent to about 125km of running, and each of these kilometres will prove crucial for Veloce as they look to build on the pace showed in NEOM and target a strong performance in Sardinia.

Christine GZ, Veloce Racing, said: “It’s great to see that my hard work has paid off and I’ve recovered in time for the next rounds of Extreme E.

“Everyone in the team has been doing an amazing job to make sure we are ready for action, and testing is going to be a big part of our preparations.

“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and to get back to driving with Lance again. We worked together so well in NEOM and I’m excited to see what progress we can make as the season goes on.”

Lance Woolridge, Veloce Racing, commented: “The season opener in NEOM wasn’t the way Christine and I wanted to start our first campaign for Veloce, but the pace we both showed was promising and one of many positives to take from that weekend.
“I’m relieved Christine is okay and fit to race. Of course we’ll both want to go all-out again in Sardinia, but it’s important that we work towards a consistent performance and some solid points from the upcoming double-header, and that starts with this testing.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.co

22-05-19 Christine GZ: "Every Athlete Should Have a Mental Trainer"
During Qualifying for the Season 2 opener in NEOM, Christine GZ suffered injuries from a serious crash on her debut for Veloce Racing.

Three months on from fracturing her foot and breaking several ligaments, the Italian opens up in an enlightening interview with Veloce. GZ details the aftermath of the dramatic incident and reveals how a neuro coach has helped her through the mental impact as she readies to make her racing comeback.

Looking back to the Desert X Prix in NEOM, how were you feeling at your first race with a new team?
Christine GZ, Veloce Racing: “When I started the day off, I think I was jumping around as usual. My only thought was I wanted to get in the car and do my best. I felt ready that weekend, everything was great!

“I wasn't really on the edge. I made a few small mistakes that set me back a little but the guys on the radio said we were fastest on track. Then I remember going down the dune and trying to keep inside as much as possible. There were already a lot of ruts and I don't really know what happened because at the end of the day, I feel like it wasn't really a mistake, it just happened.”

What thoughts were going through your head immediately after the accident?
GZ: “My hands were back on the steering wheel, my foot was down, I was rolling, and I was like come on! Just go back on four wheels and we're going to finish this. Then, suddenly, I was upside down and trying to get out. I realised I couldn't because my foot was stuck.

“The guys were super quick taking me out of the car and back to the paddock, but as soon as they tried to put me on the floor, my foot felt dead. I realised something had gone wrong.”

When you knew you were injured and would need medical treatment, how did that affect you?
GZ: “It was all so serious. I was like I’m fine, it's just my foot. But they wouldn't let me do anything, so we were just waiting in the hospital. I kept telling them that I have a race in an hour, so I have to get out as soon as possible. But the doctors said no, it's not possible.

“The doctor said that the foot was fractured on the metatarsian and two ligaments were broken. He was telling me that normal people take about four months to recover. I was thinking normal people, what does that mean? I can do it in one month for sure. Then the physiotherapist said that maybe in two months it would be fixed."

How did this setback impact you and your mentality towards racing?
GZ: “Mentally it impacted me in various ways. I passed from everything is going to be alright, to when I had surgery and I couldn’t do anything. I was stuck and I thought okay, this might be an actual problem.

“You go on Instagram, and you see everyone training and racing and then, you’re just there stuck in your bed. You can’t even get glasses of water.”

How did you manage to keep positive during this recovery period?
GZ: “I don’t think I ever let the bad, the not getting there, take over me. I was always like I know that I’m going to get there, even though I’m not right now, I will.

“When the race was moved, I had more time to recover but the objective was the same. I never told my physio that my race was postponed so that they’d still let me train so much. Every day except Sundays, because they don't let me in. I was doing between five and six hours of rehab.”

What treatment did you receive in your recovery, especially around your mental health?
GZ: “I started having dreams about the accident happening over and over again. I talk about these things with our mental coach, and he helps me to understand what's going on and how we can take all this to make it positive.

“My friends were impressed that I was actually talking about it. Normally I would be like oh everything is fine, which I think is what most athletes do. We hide the fact that we are not feeling good.”

So, as part of your rehabilitation, you’ve been receiving neuro training. What exactly does that entail?

GZ: “I have been working on that since last year and I think I feel that has been a great improvement for me. In neuro, he works with your fatigue, nerves, stress, reaction and all this together, he tries to bring it to another level.

“Normally during my daily life, because it's so busy with training and racing and so on, he’s never gone too hard on me. You can’t start your day and feel already dead before going to training. What we’ve done now that I'm at home is to train at our maximum level so that you see the consequences of how you can train at that high performance and experience how that affects the rest of the day.”

Breaking the stigmatism around mental health, would you recommend neuro training to other athletes?

GZ: “Every athlete should have a mental trainer. People get a little bit scared when you say psychologist, but all this time has given me a chance to think and see how to get better in a different way.

“We kind of drive away from this mental health story because we’re drivers and athletes, we are strong and put in 150% for everything we do. I think we have to see it in a different way.

“It’s crazy because I thought okay, this is my limit. Then when I do neuro and I think that I can’t go over this and can’t do more, I see that my limit is actually so much higher.”

It sounds like, despite the hardships you’ve been through, you’re going to come back stronger than ever before.

GZ: My head right now is 100%. I’m ready to get back in the car. Maybe in another situation I wouldn’t be like that. But with all this help, I’m on it! I’m ready to get back and smash it in Sardinia.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-05-11 Kevin Hansen's road to recovery
uring the Crazy Race of the Season 2 opener in NEOM, Kevin Hansen suffered a serious back injury behind the wheel. Two months on from cracking vertebrae 8 and being airlifted to hospital, the popular Swede is back behind the wheel of a racing car again and closing in on a return to competitive action. In a revealing interview, the JBXE driver details his recollections of the injury, his recovery and how he is still desperate for a maiden Extreme E victory.

Extreme E: Firstly, it has been great to see you back behind the wheel of a racing car recently. How did that feel for you?

Kevin Hansen, JBXE: It was really nice! There were some initial mixed feelings because I was a little bit nervous, but the doctors had given me the green light to get back in the car. I’ve had plenty of time to build up to it. It was such a good feeling to get going again and slide around on track – it felt very natural.

I had a good feeling from all of my runs and really enjoyed it, especially the feeling of going fast. It was a little bit scary to go over the jumps in the beginning, but I did it over and over again and I felt fine.

The doctor said if anything I should be stronger than before because it has over-healed itself – like the body always does. It was amazing to get back out there.

It was like I didn’t have to think when I got back in the car – it all felt so natural despite not having driven for a couple of months. Once I got the power down, had some rotations and got it sliding, it was like I had never been away.

I was perhaps a little bit rusty and not completely perfect out there, but the first test was not really about that. It was about getting some kilometres under my belt and feeling how my back responded to it. It was really positive!

XE: That’s great to hear. Looking back to NEOM, can you tell us a little bit about the injury you suffered?

KH: The injury was a crack to vertebrae 8 – it moved from being shaped like a square to that of a triangle.

With Extreme E, we have two different drivers in the car of different sizes. My teammate Molly [Taylor] had an insert in her seat and I didn’t, and that compression in the final downhill run in NEOM meant that my hips were not fully fixed to the seat. When I moved forward, the weakest point of my body going over any jumps was my back. My hip moved a bit and it compressed my top vertebrae, which led to the crack.

I’ve been through worse compressions previously when competing in Rallycross, but just catching the wrong part of terrain at the wrong time was a bit too much and that caused the injury.

I experienced huge, incredible pain almost immediately and I knew I had broken my spine straight away. I had no doubt about that – I also heard the crack and it was really loud! I could feel it directly.

The first thing I did in the car was check that I could feel my legs. I tried to move them around and was relieved when I knew I could still feel them.

Then it was a long painful drive back to the Switch Zone on the speed limiter – we were still leading the Crazy Race at that moment don’t forget!

I was on the radio to the team saying that I had hurt my back, but we were in front and in my mind, I was still thinking about that knowing I had to get out of the car to help us on course.

XE: It's amazing that in spite of the impact, you still had the capacity to think about the race and your team’s chances of victory on track. How do you recall feeling once you jumped out the car?

KH: I jumped out due to all of the adrenaline I guess. I was really scared as I know these injuries are extremely serious. I didn’t know just how bad it was at that time – whether it was fully compressed or something totally different. I just knew that the pain was crazy! It was a shooting pain right up into my chest as well.

I got some treatment really quickly and medication to ease the pain and get control over everything.
Since then, my recovery has been all about staying stable to allow for my spine to recover and heal. More recently, I have been able to move more freely as a result which has been great.

XE: What treatment did you receive as part of your rehabilitation, both immediately after the accident and upon leaving NEOM?

KH: The treatment in Saudi Arabia was great. I was immediately taken to a helicopter with the emergency services – I felt really safe from the beginning and I was really well looked after. When I arrived at the hospital, there were doctors absolutely everywhere in the room! They had to do their job and were really thorough in checking me over. I was then told there was a crack in one of the vertebras but that I would heal and recover from it after a period of time.

I had a few nurses taking care of me, too, day and night, and I was given the time to recover and get my energy back. I took my first steps after the injury in the hospital in Saudi Arabia, too, which was a big moment. I was given a high level of help which was good to feel confident in the early stages.

I then flew home before starting my rehab directly with the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center (APC). It was really hard work there, where I mainly focused on my mobility – I still had my brace on at this point, so I was concentrating on flexing and latterly exercises with the brace to start building up my core movements.

Before starting rehab at the Red Bull APC, I made sure I was always walking at home to ensure I was consistently moving whenever I could – so long as I wasn’t in pain.

This allowed me to keep the blood flowing and help heal up my back as I wasn’t staying stiff. That definitely helped with my early rehab, while I was in the brace for four weeks.

There are so many talented people at Red Bull APC, while Red Bull also have their own spinal cord programme with ‘Wings for Life’ – I knew they would be the best people in the world to work with when it came to recovering from a back injury.

The physios, nutritionists and coaches were superb and I got help with just about everything that you could imagine in order to recover from the injury. It was all tailored and structured for my recovery.

XE: It must have been a challenge to recover physically from such an injury, but what did you have to overcome from a mental perspective?

KH: I got a lot of motivation after suffering this injury. I was really hungry to get back because I knew that without hard work I would never be as good as I was before. I really think that now I am so much more structured and much stronger mentally from this experience. I feel stronger despite being beaten down by what happened. When you take a hit you can get really low – especially when you cannot move or even sleep like you want to.

I had a lot of support from my friends and family which was really nice – I think they were more worried than I was! The support I received was great and I received so many messages which was incredible in the days after – even weeks after – which meant a lot. I had a lot of people get in touch which meant a great deal – it was also really motivational for me.

You can get really vulnerable and so you have to put in the hard work to get back. If I didn’t go out and walk, or didn’t go out to Austria to get the right support, no one else was going to do it for me. This has helped me a lot. Getting into the car for the first time was a big step and now it is about pushing myself even further to focus on my performance behind the wheel.

Going back to my physical condition following the accident, I feel almost stronger than before. This is also a real positive for me. I even managed to take part in the Wings for Life World Run last weekend - which was a great feeling!

XE: It sounds like, in spite of what you have endured so far, we are going to see an even better Kevin Hansen for the rest of the season! What are the next steps in your recovery?

KH: The next step is to build up my confidence in the car. I want to really feel 110% confident and get back to my performance levels from before. It is about strengthening those competition points and look at how I can improve things. It is about building up even further my physical and mental strength. I guess it is thanks to this injury that I feel this way!

As for Sardinia… I certainly still have some unfinished business with my Crazy Races. I am still desperate for my first win in Extreme E and I hope to be back for the double-header in July.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-04-08 Changes to Extreme E Season 2 calendar
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Island X Prix, the second race in Extreme E’s Season 2 calendar, has been postponed until July 2022.

The Island X Prix was scheduled to take place 7-8 May on an Italian military base in the Capo Teulada region in South-West Sardinia, however due to the current global events, the site is now required for training purposes.

In order to complete a five-race championship in 2022, Extreme E intends to host a double-header event in Sardinia during the week commencing 4 July 2022. The first event will take place on Wednesday 6 and

Thursday 7 July, with the second on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July.

The remaining two events of Season 2 will see the Championship visit South America for the first time. The Copper X Prix in Antofagasta, Chile, will take place on a revised date of 24-25 September, with the Season Finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay, for the Energy X Prix on 26-27 November.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Of course it’s a shame to postpone our event, but we are a global series which operates in full cooperation with our hosts and these circumstances are outside of any of our control.

“We are working closely with our Sardinian hosts, along with our teams and our partners, on alternative plans and appreciate everyone’s flexibility as of course we are facing serious matters which must take priority and which put our situation into humble perspective.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-03-08 How Extreme E is continuing to pioneer a level playing field
With Extreme E Season 2 now underway, the sport for purpose Championship remains as pioneering as ever. This is none more evidenced than in its gender equal format, and International Women’s Day marks an opportunity for Extreme E to underline how it is continuing to champion the best female driver talent and a level playing field on track.

As well as removing barriers for female drivers competing at the highest level, Extreme E is continuing to erase existing preconceptions around gender divides in motorsport with all teams having to run a male and female driver in pursuit of victory in the series.

As Extreme E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag explains: “Extreme E’s focus on gender equality remains a world-first in motor racing. We are ensuring with our Championship’s unique format that our male and female drivers are able to compete with the same tools at their disposal at every X Prix on the calendar. We saw so many incredible performances in Season 1 and already in Season 2, but there is still plenty of work we need to do to make motorsport more diverse.

"I am proud, though, that Extreme E is leading the way in this area. As a Championship we have been raising awareness of The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), better known as the Global Goals, with Goal 5 – gender equality – a key focus for the series. The only differentiation on the Extreme E grid should be raw talent and ability, not your gender, and we as a Championship will continue to strive for equality."

Given the Championship’s focus on a level playing field on track since its inception, Extreme E has seen a number of breakout stars behind the wheel following their exploits in the series.

Some of the Championship’s leading lights have offered their thoughts on Extreme E’s focus on gender equality.

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “I was really excited when I heard about Extreme E, I just knew I had to be part of it. I think the way that the male and female drivers are shown in the same light is important. To have the same credibility and to be held accountable in the same role as a male driver is great. It is a positive step for motorsport.”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “I wanted to be a part of this from the beginning. I loved it when I was first introduced to the series, especially that Extreme E would have male and female drivers competing against each other, and I was immediately excited about it. Extreme E undoubtedly provides the opportunity to showcase the best in female driver talent.

“It has been a great opportunity for women to team up with men and compete together. Extreme E combines future motorsport technology with gender equality. Nothing comparable exists in motorsport up to now.”

Molly Taylor, JBXE and winner of Extreme E Season 1 as part of Rosberg X Racing (RXR), added: “One of the great things about motorsport is that when you put the helmet on it doesn't matter what gender you are and that’s always been my philosophy. But what I have noticed through competing, is the number of young girls that when they see a female competing, they then want to be involved - so I think having that exposure at the highest level is really important to help improve the diversity and equality for the next generations coming up."

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Sara Price concludes: “When I put a helmet on you know I often get this question, ‘how is it being a female in a male dominated sport?’, and I say, ‘I'm not a female I'm not a male, I'm just a racer.’ What Extreme E is doing right now is pretty incredible. It is going to be able to provide girls who have incredible talent that's never been seen before a chance to showcase it - that itself is huge for women as well as for motorsport.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-20 Episk körning av Johan
Johan Kristoffersson svarade för en episk körning när han tog Rosberg X Racing från tredje till första plats i säsongspremiären av Extreme E.
- Det var en riktig urladdning, ett varv jag kommer att komma ihåg väldigt länge.

Det blev en tuff helg för Kristoffersson och nya lagkamraten Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky i Desert X Prix i Saudiarabien. Visserligen var den värmländska duon snabbast i första kvalet, men i Q2 började det bli kämpigare. Farten fanns där även då, men Åhlin-Kottulinsky råkade på sin runda ut för ett tekniskt problem som gjorde att det gick för fort i byteszonen. RXR straffades med ett tidstillägg och tappade placeringar.

Till söndagens semifinal tog sig i alla fall det regerande mästarteamet. Kristoffersson inledde här.
- Vi valde en annan strategi än flera av de andra teamen, så jag startade. Fick en ganska bra start, men det hade regnat på natten, så det var svårt och inte komfortabelt.

Åhlin Kottulinsky tog över i ledning, men fick ett kast på bilen efter att ha kört ner i en grop. Hon fick därför börja jaga, men kom i mål som trea, utanför de två finalplatserna. Xite-teamets Oliver Bennett hade dock träffat en banflagga och straffades med tidstillägg, vilket gjorde att RXR ändå kvalade in till finalen.
- Jag och Mikaela försökte tillsammans med våra mekaniker klura ut vad vi kunde göra bättre.

I helgens sista race, med fem bilar på startlinjen, började Rosberg X Racing med Åhlin-Kottulinsky vid ratten. Hon gjorde sitt jobb väl mot rutinerade herrarna Carlos Sainz och Sébastien Loeb, bemästrade en rejäl smäll bakifrån av Tanner Foust och lämnade över till Johan med tolv sekunder att hämta in.
- Mikaela gjorde ett riktigt bra jobb och höll bra tempo i dammet bakom rutinerade Sainz och Loeb, berömmer Johan.

Kristoffersson sparade inte på krutet när han tog över. Med hjälp av hyper drive-systemet tog han sig förbi Christina Gutiérrez i X44-teamet.
- Jag var närmare än jag först trodde så jag bestämde mig för att ge det en chans. Det blev lite tvåhjulskörning förbi Christina, men det gick.

Återstod att hitta en väg förbi även Laia Sanz i Acciona Sainz XE Team.

Dags för ett stycke kristofferssonsk magi!
- Det var tufft i 160 km/h uppför backen, utan sikt bakom Laia.

Efter krönet och nedför sanddynerna laddade Johan mer än normalt, tog sig förbi, men tvingades också av den höga farten ta en lång omväg ut i terräng som inte hade använts för bilkörning tidigare under tävlingen.
- Jag bromsade otroligt sent och hittade en del linjer som jag inte trodde fanns.

Kristoffersson lyckades manövrera sig upp till huvudspåret igen - i ledning! Därifrån kontrollerade han hem segern, efter en urladdning av sällan skådat slag. Till och med den normalt sett så lugne värmlänningen var rejält uppe i varv.
- Det är inte ofta jag får så mycket adrenalin av att köra racerbil, men det var länge sedan jag hade en sån här rush.
- Episkt! Han är en maskin, konstaterar lagkamraten Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, överlycklig över sin första seger i Extreme E-mästerskapet.

Eftersom Johan med sin våldsamma satsning också tog hem den sträcka som kallas Continental Traction Challenge så blev det fem extra poäng och maximala 30 poäng med hem från första tävlingshelgen. Tolv poängs ledning i mästerskapet därmed, före Acciona Sainz.

Extreme E fortsätter med Island X Prix på italienska ön Sardinien i början av maj.

22-02-20 RXR win the opening X Prix of Extreme E Season 2
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) were the winners of the Desert X Prix in the Extreme E Season 2 opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Johan Kristoffersson were the victors in a Final of two halves, as a red flag was brought out at the end of the first lap following a big accident for McLaren XE's Tanner Foust, who in a bid for third place clipped the back of RXR's Åhlin-Kottulinsky and rolled his ODYSSEY 21 on the opening lap.

The race resumed for a one-lap shootout, with the four teams released at intervals that matched how they had entered the Switch Zone.

X44’s Cristina Gutiérrez attempted to close down Laia Sanz in the ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team car, while Kristoffersson closed the gap on the two Spaniards from third.

The RXR driver soon passed Gutiérrez on the inside, setting his sights on Sanz. As the Desert X Prix entered its closing stages, Kristoffersson took a wide line into the second to last corner for an aggressive overtake on Sanz and secure a dramatic win ahead of ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, with X44 completing the podium.

Chip Ganassi Racing came fourth having secured a spot in the Final with a win in Semi-Final 2, and McLaren XE finished fifth despite Foust's crash having made an excellent comeback from Qualifying to win the Crazy Race.

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: "It feels really good, but every week feels good. Every time we go for a race we have the aim to win, but the competition is so high this year, especially with McLaren coming in, which raises the bar even higher. We learned quite a lot last year, but now things are even tighter we’ll have to work even harder. I’m just very happy to start off the season with maximum points.

"It was a bit tricky, the track rutted up quite deep, and neither me nor Mikaela have a lot of experience in the desert, but we worked hard and the team has done a fantastic job with analysing the course and analysing the other drivers. We worked to adapt and it was a good weekend."

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, added: "I know that Johan is an amazing racer and the tactics this weekend were that if I wasn’t first out of turn one it was just to make sure that the gap didn’t get any bigger. I knew that the ten seconds he had to make up in the Final he could make them up and it was exciting to watch. I was holding my breath at waypoint 22, but I was fully confident overall!

"This is my first win so of course it feels really great and even better to do it having just entered the team. There have been quite a few incidents out there and we managed to avoid that and keep the car in one piece, so it was a good weekend."

Laia Sanz, Acciona | Sainz XE Team driver, said: "I think I did a good job, it was good but Kristoffersson is just too fast! But I think we must be happy with the result especially after a hard day yesterday and Carlos did an amazing job in the first lap and then things were much easier in the second one.

"On the red flag restart – at first, I thought this could not be fair because Carlos did a great job in the first lap and in the start. So I think Extreme E made a good decision in how they did the restart – it was the best solution.

"We saw today that we can fight to win races and this give us so much confidence and motivation. I knew last season and with taking part in the Dakar it would be a big help compared to last year in Extreme E where I started from zero. I’m happy with my improvements since then and also very happy to have such a good teacher in Carlos."

Carlos Sainz Snr., Acciona | Sainz XE Team, said: "The result is great and we turned the page this morning. We forgot about yesterday and said 'we are in the Semi-Finals, anything is possible'. We just had to get to the Final and then see what happens. I'm really pleased and hopefully we can keep going on this way."

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: "It was a good weekend for us. We had the best time in Free Practice and Qualifying 2, then we won our Semi-Final so until the Final it was perfect. In the Final I had a good run, I was second right behind Carlos, and Cristina took the car after and I think she did well. She managed to follow Laia in the dust and held off Johan for a long time. We were third and that’s not a bad start to the season."

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44, added: "In the Final we had some problems. It is not an easy course to overtake and defend, and it was a difficult situation for me to attack Laia and defend from Johan without my hyperdrive. But the car is much better this year, which is nice for the Championship. We work with the team on this all the time and for me it is an incredible opportunity to keep learning and a good challenge for me."

Results
1. Rosberg X Racing 27:08:453
2. Acciona | Sainz XE Team +2.483
3. X44 +5.807
4. Chip Ganassi Racing +25.202
5. McLaren XE DNF

Championship Standings
After a quick final lap from Kristoffersson that not only secured victory but also the fastest time in the Continental Traction Challenge, earning RXR an extra five points, the Championship standings are as follows:
1. Rosberg X Racing 30 points
2. Acciona | Sainz XE Team 18 points
3. X44 15 points
4. Chip Ganassi Racing 12 points
5. McLaren XE 10 points
6. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E 8 points
7. XITE Energy Racing 6 points
8. ABT Cupra XE 4 points
9. JBXE 2 points
10. Veloce Racing 1 point

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-20 McLaren XE fight back in the Crazy Race to claim Desert X Prix Final spot
McLaren XE recovered from a difficult Qualifying session to win the The Crazy Race, taking the fifth spot in the Desert X Prix Final away from JBXE in the closing stages.

A clean start from Kevin Hansen off the line saw JBXE claim the lead, while a great move from Emma Gilmour saw McLaren XE climb from fourth to second, ahead of ABT CUPRA XE’s Jutta Kleinschmidt and Veloce Racing’s Lance Woolridge.

A huge jump for Woolridge as he sped through the first corner took the Veloce Racing car sideways, with the subsequent damage ruling them out of contention for a place in the Final.

Hansen continued out in front as Kleinschmidt chased down Gilmour for second place, with the stage set for a dramatic final lap between the leading three teams after the driver change.

Tanner Foust and Nasser Al-Attiyah for McLaren XE and ABT CUPRA XE, respectively, began to close the gap on JBXE’s Molly Taylor out in front. Foust chased hard and with the help of his Hyperdrive passed Taylor on the inside as they entered the final few corners. The Australian then went wide as she tried to keep the McLaren XE in her sights, allowing Al-Attiyah to take the second place.

Results
1. McLaren XE 9:14:250
2. ABT Cupra XE +2.642
3. JBXE +11.623
4. Veloce Racing +3:39:676

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-20 Chip Ganassi Racing and Acciona | Sainz XE Team secure Desert X Prix Final spots
Chip Ganassi Racing secured a comfortable win in Semi-Final 2 to progress to the Desert X Prix Final, with ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team joining them as Genesys Andretti United Extreme E crashed out on the second lap.

ACCIONA | Sainz XE team’s Laia Sanz surged through the middle of the field at the start, but Kyle LeDuc quickly overtook the Spaniard to take the lead for the Chip Ganassi Racing team and pulled away, with Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings just behind in third.

Catie Munnings kept the ACCIONA | Sainz XE ODYSSEY 21 in her sights as both teams entered the Switch Zone, albeit more than 15 seconds behind Chip Ganassi Racing.

With an exciting battle set up for the final lap between Timmy Hansen and Carlos Sainz Snr. as they looked to close down Sara Price out in front, a huge roll for Hansen ruled Genesys Andretti United Extreme E out of contention, ensuring Chip Ganassi Racing and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team qualified for the Final.

Results
1. Chip Ganassi Racing 9:00:12
2. ACCIONA| Sainz XE Team +6.85
-. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E DNF
To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-20 X44 and RXR proceed to Desert X Prix Final after thrilling three-way battle
X44 fought back from last place to claim victory in Semi-Final 1 and progress to the Desert X Prix Final, with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) joining them in today’s Final after XITE Energy Racing received a post-race 10-second time penalty and dropped to third.

In a dramatic first race on Finals Day, RXR got a strong start off the line which saw Johan Kristoffersson move across to cut off Cristina Gutiérrez, who dropped to the back as she fought hard to stay alongside the Swede.

Kristoffersson pulled ahead as Gutierrez and XITE Energy Racing’s Tamara Molinaro tussled for second place, with the Italian debutant coming out on top initially, but dropped to third by the time they reached the Switch Zone.

After the driver switch RXR maintained the lead, with X44’s Sébastien Loeb just getting out ahead of XITE Energy Racing’s Oli Bennett. It was during this tussle, though, that Bennett picked up a time penalty as he hit a flag trying to claim second place.

Loeb then took the lead as RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky got caught out across the dunes and dropped to third. In a fascinating back-and-forth clash, Bennett just managed to hold off Åhlin-Kottulinsky at the finishing line, but XITE Energy Racing’s time penalty ensured they dropped behind last year’s Extreme E champions to just miss out on a place in the Final.

Results
1. X44 9:05:107
2. Rosberg X Racing +7.660
-. Xite Energy Racing Penalised

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-19 X44 remain unbeaten in Qualifying as they take the top spot in NEOM
X44 continued their 100% qualifying record in Extreme E today. After finishing a close second in Qualifying 1, Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez dominated their Heat in Qualifying 2 to top the overall Qualifying standings ahead of Finals day.

Rosberg X Racing’s (RXR) Johan Kristoffersson dramatically passed Genesys Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings to take the win right on the finish line in Heat 2, but a time penalty dropped them back to fourth, and fifth overall, after topping the timesheets in Qualifying 1. As a result, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E took the win to end overall Qualifying in second place.

Cristina Gutiérrez, said: “We always enjoy qualifying but this was a new kind of way to race from last season so it was difficult to know how it would be, but we finished well and we’re feeling good about tomorrow. The other teams were strong today so it will be interesting to see what happens when the track is dry and there is more dust. I think it will be a challenge but I’m excited to race!”

Sébastien Loeb, said: “Today was a good day. We knew it would be difficult, but luckily we found a good line and we both drove well, so I am very happy. It could be a totally different terrain tomorrow with a lot of dust so the starting position will be important, but we are feeling confident.”

In the first of the new five-car Heats in Qualifying 2, Loeb and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Snr. delivered the strongest starts with Nasser Al-Attiyah running third ahead of Sara Price, all taking very different racing lines up the hill. Veloce Racing watched on from the paddock following Christine GZ’s crash in Qualifying 1.

As the front three pulled away, the ABT Cupra XE car passed Sainz Snr. on the inside, but Al-Attiyah's pace caused him to miss the flag and, in recovering, he collided with the Spaniard. Sainz Snr. brought the damaged ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone before retiring from the Heat.

After the Stewards reviewed the collision, ABT CUPRA XE were classified last of the four runners in Heat 1, with the team relegated to ninth overall, meaning they will compete in tomorrow’s Crazy Race.

Following the Switch Zone, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyle LeDuc was on the charge and quickly passed Jutta Kleinschmidt’s ABT CUPRA XE car, who was struggling with the handling of her ODYSSEY 21 following the earlier contact between Al-Attiyah and Sainz Sr. LeDuc settled for second behind Gutiérrez, to ensure Chip Ganassi Racing finished third overall in Qualifying and will go into Semi-Final 2 tomorrow.

Following ABT CUPRA XE’s penalty, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team were promoted up to sixth place overall and a coveted spot in Semi-Final 2.

ABT Cupra XE will battle it out with Veloce Racing in tomorrow’s Crazy Race for a place in the Final. Veloce Racing's reserve driver Hedda Hosås will contest the rest of the Desert X Prix for the British team after Christine GZ left hospital with a confirmed fractured foot following her crash in Q1.

Needing a win in their Heat to stay ahead of X44, RXR had a shaky start off the line in Heat 2. Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky dropped into third behind the Genysys Andretti United Extreme E and McLaren XE cars and was soon passed by Oli Bennett in the XITE Energy Racing car.

A masterclass in late braking saw McLaren XE’s Tanner Foust enter the Switch Zone right behind Timmy Hansen, as Åhlin-Kottulinsky passed Bennett on the way in - something the RXR team would be penalised for come the end of the Heat.

Disaster struck for Emma Gilmour in the McLaren XE, though, as she was unable to set off from the Switch Zone. By the time the technical error was fixed all other teams were out on course, with RXR’s Kristoffersson chasing down Munnings up front.

It took until the final turn of the race for Kristoffersson to close the 12-second gap, passing Munnings on the final descent to the finish line to take first place before a costly penalty put RXR relegated down to fourth.

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “It was really nice to have a consistent day. That might have been the first clean Qualifying that we’ve had as a team. That was always the plan. We weren’t necessarily focussed on being the fastest but focussed on not having any issues which we struggled to do last year. So, it was really nice to finish P2 overall and get a taste of the side-by-side racing that we’ll have tomorrow.

"I think it’s going to be pretty intense, and the races are definitely going to be tight so I know we’re heading into a really tough Semi-Final here but we’ll do our best.”

JBXE completed the top three in Heat 2, but will go into tomorrow’s Crazy Race after finishing ninth in Q1 due to damage. XITE Energy Racing were close behind in fourth, which is where they finished in the overall Qualifying, and will compete alongside X44 and RXR in Semi-Final 1.

McLaren XE completed the running order in Heat 2 after suffering an issue in the Switch Zone ensuring they will also go into tomorrow’s Crazy Race after finishing seventh in Qualifying 1.

Q2 Results:
Heat 1:
1. X44 9:00:630
2. Chip Ganassi Racing +19.580
3. Acciona | Sainz XE Team DNF
4. ABT Cupra XE Penalised
5. Veloce Racing non-starter

Heat 2:
1. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E 9:10:693
2. Xite Energy Racing +13.703
3. JBXE +15.371
4. Rosberg X Racing +17.921
5. McLaren XE +52.673

Having completed both rounds of Qualifying, Intermediate Classification points were awarded as follows:
1. X44 – 19 points
2. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – 18 points
3. Chip Ganassi Racing – 15 points
4. Xite Energy Racing – 14 points
5. Rosberg X Racing – 14 points
6. Acciona | Sainz XE Team – 11 points
7. JBXE – 8 points
8. McLaren XE – 6 points
9. ABT Cupra XE – 5 points
10. Veloce Racing – 0 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-19 Rosberg X Racing set qualifying pace in dramatic opening session
Rosberg X Racing (RXR) set the pace in the first qualifying session of Extreme E Season 2 in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, in an action-packed Qualifying 1 which was disrupted by a red flag following a crash for Veloce Racing’s Christine GZ.

Inaugural Extreme E Champions RXR proved they haven’t lost their touch, finishing fastest in Q1, with Johan Kristoffersson and new team-mate Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky setting a benchmark time of 9:03:604 to top the leaderboard.

Q1 proved to be a tight fought battle on the sands of NEOM, with the top five runners covered within 15 seconds over the two-lap course.

In second were last year’s runners-up X44 followed by Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, whose runs over the 6.9km course were both hindered by five-second time penalties. Rounding out the top five were Chip Ganassi Racing and XITE Energy Racing.

Veloce Racing’s GZ and team-mate Lance Woolridge had looked strong throughout their Qualifying run, but a huge crash for the Spaniard denied them a shot at the top spot.

GZ was able to get out of the car and has been taken to a local hospital for further assessment. Further details on GZ’s condition will be shared when we have more information.

Q1 Results:
1. Rosberg X Racing 9:03:604
2. X44 +6.911
3. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E +11.091
4. Chip Ganassi Racing +12.238
5. Xite Energy Racing +13.799
6. Acciona | Sainz XE Team +17.751
7. McLaren XE +23.375
8. ABT Cupra XE +46.781
9. JBXE +1:00:763
10. Veloce Racing NR

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-18 X44 set the early pace ahead of Extreme E Season 2 opener in NEOM
Extreme E Season 2 ‘The Race For the Planet’ got underway today as the ten teams and 20 world-class drivers took to the course for their first taste of the Desert X Prix, in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

The 6.9-kilometre course in NEOM provides a new set of challenges at the start of the new season for the Extreme E grid, offering up breathtaking backdrops, stunning rock formations and plenty of gradient changes. The teams will have plenty of variables to overcome if they are to score big points in the first X Prix of the season and get their campaigns off to a good start.

HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al- Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Saudi Motorsports Company, said: “The Extreme E series is a perfect fit for Saudi Arabia as we work to deliver on the promise of the Kingdom’s Vison 2030. In welcoming the most radical and conscientious racing series on the planet back for a second year in a row, we continue to show our commitment to building a better future for all through our ever-expanding portfolio of motorsport events hosted here in the Kingdom.

“When it comes to creating change and building a legacy we can be proud of, there is no better collaboration than the one we share with Extreme E. This year we will continue to drive this change together from NEOM, the City of the Future, with the clear aim of promoting a sustainable tomorrow. We can’t wait to see the ODYSSEY 21 electric SUVs go racing in NEOM this weekend.”

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, NEOM’s CEO, said: “NEOM has made no secret of its desire to promote sustainability and raise awareness around some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change and nature conservation. We feel hosting an innovative racing event such as Extreme E in a region dedicated to pioneering clean technology and mobility solutions perfectly manifests our goals.

“In keeping with our approach to encouraging talent development and diversity, we are delighted to welcome the drivers, both male and female, the Extreme E team, and leading experts to NEOM. Sport is an important sector for NEOM and will be key in creating a new form of liveability and driving economic growth. In particular, adventure sport offerings will be a major contributor to the visitor economy.”

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E added: “Using our sport for purpose platform, Extreme E delivered truly ground-breaking action in its first season, on and off the racecourse, and now we are ready to go and do it all again, with more experience and more determination than ever.

“Taking the championship to NEOM for our desert location will be an exciting moment, as NEOM's long-term plans are very much in keeping with the ethos of Extreme E – it is attempting to do something that's never been done before and comes at a time when the world needs fresh thinking and new solutions.

“As we saw in our first-ever championship race, the Kingdom's terrain is stunning and unforgiving. The desertscape promises to be intense, and it will be an unprecedented challenge for our competitors to explore in a new desert terrain with warmer racing conditions.”

After a brief Shakedown session, the pace setters in Free Practice were Lewis Hamilton’s X44 outfit. Coming off the back of their victory at the Season 1 finale in Dorset, X44 posted a combined time of 9:44:041 to head the standings.

In second were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, 8.823 seconds adrift and continuing their positive momentum after finishing third in last season’s finale in December.

Xite Energy Racing were third quickest, just over 25 seconds behind Sebastien Loeb and Cristina Gutierrez’ leading time, and nearly 12 seconds ahead of fourth place ABT Cupra XE, whose new driver Nasser Al-Attiyah set the time to beat early in the session.

Season 1 Champions Rosberg X Racing (RXR) enjoyed a trouble-free session to complete the top five. McLaren XE, who made their Extreme E debut today, showed no signs of nerves as they finished sixth fastest.

In seventh place were Chip Ganassi Racing, looking for a strong start following an unlucky first season in Extreme E. Behind them came Veloce Racing, closely followed by Jenson Button’s JBXE, and Acciona | Sainz XE Team.

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT Cupra XE: “I’m so happy to be part of this family of Extreme E and to be driving with the Cupra team. I know the team very well and I am grateful for this chance to share the steering wheel with Jutta. We are waiting for tomorrow and waiting to drive and to race and maybe to be on the podium – this would be a great start for us for the Championship.”

Sara Price, Chip Ganassi Racing: “You know obviously last year we had tremendous bad luck – this year we are going to turn it around, we’ve been working a great amount to make sure we have a great outcome this year. We learnt a lot last year that’s for sure. But you’ve just got to keep going with it you know. But this year we are very excited, we have the Hummer EV and we have a great team so I think we have a great foundation to keep building off of.”

Christine GZ, Veloce Racing: “It’s amazing (being part of Veloce), I’m super happy to still be here this year, it’s great. We’ve already been together for a week of testing in Dubai which has been great, and we are all happy and excited for the weekend. I love this course and the fact that there’s a bit of everything.”

Laia Sanz, Acciona | Sainz XE: “It feels much better than the start of the last season when I was completely a rookie. With what I learned last year and with Dakar I hope this will have helped a lot and I hope to help the team much more this year.”

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44: “I can't wait to start Season 2. It was nice to come second last year with the same points as first place, so we can’t wait to see how we get on this year against these amazing drivers. Last year qualifying was nice for us, but this year the sporting format is different so that might be a disadvantage for us but we’re looking forward to the fight.”

Tanner Foust, McLaren XE: “I know why they call it extreme now. That was insane. I haven't gone that fast in testing, haven’t been able to carry that speed before and things change fast at that speed so there was a lot going on. It was a relief to get in the sand and a relief to get the car back in one piece so I’m looking forward to putting in some more laps.”

Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E: “It’s amazing to be back and see the racing family once again. It is a nice atmosphere with Extreme E and the Championship has got miles to grow. I was nervous as I haven’t driven since Dorset, and haven't driven on sand in a year, but I think it was an incredible lap today.”

Racing begins tomorrow with Qualifying, followed by the Finals on Sunday which will be shown in more than?200 countries by?85?broadcasters. A full list of broadcasters can be found?here.

PLEASE NOTE ALL TIMINGS ARE GMT
Saturday 19 February
0815 – 0900 GMT Qualifying Round 1
1215 – 1300 GMT Qualifying Round 2

Sunday 20 February
0910 – 1025 GMT Semi Finals and Crazy Race
1330 – 1345 GMT Final
1415 - 1515 GMT Post-race press conference

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-18 Extreme E reveals first hydrogen off-road racing Championship
Extreme E plans to launch global hydrogen Championship in 2024 called Extreme H
Extreme H will race in the same locations as Extreme E, on the same days with the same sporting format.
Two categories, full transition or combined racing, are all options to integrate Hydrogen into the Competition.
A hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the Extreme H car’s principal energy source
Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells
Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023.
18 February 2022: Extreme E, the motorsport for purpose, has revealed its plans to launch an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. Named Extreme H, it will sit alongside Extreme E, its existing electric racing series, and will be a world-first for motorsport.

Alejandro Agag, who was recently given Autosport 2022’s ‘Pioneering and Innovation Award’, announced the news ahead of Extreme E’s Season 2 opening race, the Desert X Prix, in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. He said: “Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility. It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issues.

“Together with the current Extreme E Teams we will decide in the coming months the best way to integrate the Hydrogen powered cars into the racing weekend. Two separate categories, full transition to Hydrogen or joint racing are all options on the table.

“Extreme E is an FIA International Series and our intention is to work closely again with the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco on the development of Extreme H. Sport is the fastest and most effective platform for driving innovation, and by using the existing Extreme E platform we can also utilise our transport, talent and operations to ensure we are minimising footprint in the process. This effectively means we can have double the race action, with marginal additional impact.”

The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E. The key differentiating factor in Extreme H will be that a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source.

Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water. This technology is already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

Alejandro added: “It is fitting to launch the concept of Extreme H here in NEOM, a place with huge ambition around clean energy solutions, and the perfect example of a location which can and will become home to large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution.”

Peter Wadhams, Extreme E Scientific Committee member and Head of the Polar Ocean Physics Group in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, added: “It is exciting that the scope of Extreme E is now to be extended to encompass the renewable world of hydrogen power. At the COP-26 meeting in Glasgow last November there was a positive crowd of hydrogen vehicles, demonstrating the potential of this energy source, especially for larger vehicles. There was a bus, an ambulance, a JCB digger and several trucks. In amongst them was the McLaren Extreme-E electric car.

“I have seen hydrogen power in action in Orkney, where hydrogen is created in the outer islands using wind power, compressed and brought to Kirkwall by ferry, then used to power the Kirkwall fleet of public service vehicles. There are so many exciting possibilities of this kind which will be supported and energised by the publicity given to hydrogen vehicles by Extreme E.”

Jenson Button, Team Owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, said: “For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series. To see racing of this calibre powered by Hydrogen cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT Cupra XE driver, said: “I think it’s a good idea to have a new Championship with hydrogen in close contact with Extreme E. I think it will be interesting to see how well the new event goes. I hope everybody will enjoy it and it will also be fascinating for the manufacturers. There has been some pressure for hydrogen to be a part of the motorsport world, and I think it is a good idea so we’ll see what we can do.”

Dan Bailey, CEO of Veloce Racing, said: “Veloce always supports innovation, which is exactly why we got involved in Extreme E from the very start. Hydrogen is a key pillar for the future of the automotive industry. We’re excited and supportive of the future plans and look forward to seeing how it develops.”

Extreme E’s operations utilises various methods to keep its overall carbon footprint as low as possible. Examples include; using a refurbished ship for transporting the Championship’s freight and logistics equipment, including race cars and paddock; using remote broadcast and digital streaming; capping team personnel numbers; and using a combination of battery power and green hydrogen to power the paddock.

Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023.

22-02-17 Extreme E reveals breathtaking Desert X Prix course to launch Season 2
With the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, just days away, the Championship is pleased to reveal another exciting course bringing the 10 teams and 20 world-class drivers a new set of challenges for the Season 2 opener.

The 6.9km course in NEOM offers breathtaking backdrops, stunning rock formations and of course plenty of gradient changes. In stark contrast to the 2021 Desert X Prix in Al’Ula, this race weekend will feature a launch off the start that is all uphill and takes the drivers across the lower part of the valley floor.

The first way point sits between two rock formations at the top of a short, but steep, incline as they head towards the first sharp direction change as the cars start their descent to the middle of the valley floor.

Dust will be a factor here, but the width of the valley offers more than enough room to duck out of anything being lifted by the car in front, allowing the drivers to stay on full throttle. On what will be a fast course, the drivers are likely to be pushing the upgraded ODYSSEY 21 to the max for much of the lap.

Another steep climb takes the cars up to the first of two technical sections as they briefly climb on top of the edge of a rock formation, before a sharp right-hand turn at the farthest point of the course. A steep but spectacular descent through the heavy red sand brings the cars onto the flat of the second valley floor, before a short climb over another hill opens up to a wide and inviting section of the course where a myriad of racing lines will tempt the drivers to overtake.

Into the last quarter of the course and the drivers will be full throttle for a blast up the steepest incline in deep sand that will certainly use up some energy from the battery. At the top of the hill, the drivers turn a sharp right and over a blind crest, hitting a steep descent towards the penultimate waypoint – a tight 90-degree left hander.

Once again into the deep red sand, the cars will be working hard and powering up the last long run to the final waypoint. Depending on strategy, some drivers could use Hyperdrive here to catch the car in front as it struggles up the hill, but they’ll need to hang on as they go blind into the final turn at ninety-degrees and into a breathtakingly steep drop on the other side. The drivers will have to trust their skill and judgement as they fly down the steepest descent on the course, bottoming out just before crossing the finish line.

The Desert X Prix takes place this weekend (19-20 February) and can be watched via a host of global broadcasters available to view here. In the Middle East, the series airs on MBC Action, Dubai Sports, SSC, beIN and W Sport.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-16 Scene set for Saudi spectacular as Extreme E Season 2 is set to get underway
Building on the success of its debut year in 2021, Extreme E Season 2 ‘The Race For the Planet’ promises to captivate on and off track on a whole new level, whilst delivering on its overall purpose to tackle climate change through sport, starting with the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, this weekend (19-20 February).

Extreme E Season 2 begins in the deserts of NEOM, a region in the northwest of Saudi Arabia where the Kingdom’s largest global giga-project is taking shape. NEOM’s breath-taking landscapes include diverse terrains from expansive red sands, spectacular sandstone formations and is set to be the home and workplace to residents from around the world. It will include hyperconnected, cognitive towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centres, sports and entertainment venues, and tourist destinations.

As part of its commitment to offer exceptional liveability, NEOM is set to be the home of adventure sports – creating active communities and hosting world-class sporting events, Extreme E being among the first.

NEOM was chosen as a location by Extreme E, not only for its picturesque desert landscape and its shared values of sustainability and innovation, but also because this sport-for-purpose championship aims to highlight the causes of desertification, the loss of biological diversity and the importance of resilience because of the impacts of climate change. In addition, the distinct and diverse desert terrain of NEOM will also ensure it is an all-new challenge for the drivers and their ODYSSEY 21 electric SUVs.

Extreme E visited Saudi Arabia, home of the world’s largest continuous sand desert, and its AlUla region, in Season 1 for its inaugural X Prix, which was won by the Championship’s inaugural winners, Rosberg X Racing (RXR).

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Using our sport for purpose platform, Extreme E delivered truly ground-breaking action in its first season, on and off the race course, and now we are ready to go and do it all again, with more experience and more determination than ever.

“Taking the championship to NEOM for our desert location will be an exciting moment, as NEOM's long-term plans are very much in keeping with the ethos of Extreme E – it is attempting to do something that's never been done before and comes at a time when the world needs fresh thinking and new solutions.

“As we saw in our first-ever championship race, the Kingdom's terrain is stunning and unforgiving. The desertscape promises to be intense, and it will be an unprecedented challenge for our competitors to explore in a new desert terrain with warmer racing conditions.”

HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al- Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle federation and the Saudi Motorsports Company, said:?“The return of Extreme E to the Kingdom for the second year in a row further helps emphasize Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a more sustainable future. Welcoming this revolutionary series to NEOM aligns with one of the most important goals and pillars of Vision 2030 as well as the personal aspirations of HRH the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, to make the Kingdom a leading country in the development and promotion of alternative energy sources and the preservation of the environment for future generations.

“This next instalment of the Extreme E race is further proof of the Kingdom’s transformation into a powerhouse for motorsport in the region, the event taking place shortly after the conclusion of another successful Dakar Rally at the start of this year further underlines this. Additionally, we have just hosted our inaugural F1 Grand Prix on the newest, longest, and fastest street circuit in the world.”

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, NEOM’s CEO, said:?“NEOM has made no secret of its desire to promote sustainability and raise awareness around some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change and nature conservation. We feel hosting an innovative racing event such as Extreme E in a region dedicated to pioneering clean technology and mobility solutions perfectly manifests our goals.

“In keeping with our approach to encouraging talent development and diversity, we are delighted to welcome the drivers, both male and female, the Extreme E team, and leading experts to NEOM. Sport is an important sector for NEOM and will be key in creating a new form of livability and driving economic growth. In particular, adventure sport offerings will be a major contributor to the visitor economy.”

New Sporting Format
The Series has devised an innovative format unlike any other, likened to ‘Star Wars Pod Racing meets Dakar Rally.’ Designed to put driver performance firmly in focus, the five X Prix of Extreme E Season 2 will feature the pressure of five car races for qualifying on Day One.

Depending on where you finish in your qualifying race, you will get points awarded for Q1 and Q2. This gives an Intermediate Classification that will decide the order for which cars progress through to Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Crazy Race on Day Two. The top two teams from each Semi Final and the winner of the Crazy Race progress to the Final.

Every round will incorporate two laps over a total distance of approximately 14 kilometres. In a motorsport world-first, teams will field one male and one female driver, promoting gender equality and a level playing field amongst competitors. The teams will determine which driver goes first to best suit their strategy and driver order selections are made confidentially, with competitors kept in the dark as to other teams’ choices until the last possible moment. Contests between males and females will therefore be ensured.

Both drivers will complete one lap behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21 electric SUV, with a driver changeover, the ‘Switch’, included after the first lap. A ‘Hyperdrive’ boost will also be available to each driver on each lap of the race. Activated when the driver presses a button on their steering wheel, they will enjoy an increase in power for a fixed amount of time. The timing for this will be a key decision.

Full sporting format and points as follows:
Saturday morning
Qualifying 1 Heats 1 and 2: each 5 cars over 2 laps with a Switch
NB Positions for Qualifying 1 allocated through a lottery

Saturday afternoon
Qualifying 2 Heats 1 and 2: each 5 cars over 2 laps with a Switch
NB Positions for Qualifying 2 allocated through finishing positions from Qualifying 1

Intermediate Classification points, which do not contribute to overall Championship points, will be awarded after each of the Qualifying Rounds according to the following scale:
1st – 5 points
2nd – 4 points
3rd – 3 points
4th – 2 points
5th – 1 point

The combined points of each Team’s runs in Qualifying Rounds 1 and 2, will determine the overall Intermediate Classification at the end of Qualifying, which will determine which Teams go into Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Crazy Race.
1st – Semi-Final 1
2nd – Semi-Final 2
3rd – Semi-Final 2
4th – Semi-Final 1
5th – Semi-Final 1
6th – Semi-Final 2
7th – Crazy Race
8th – Crazy Race
9th – Crazy Race
10th – Crazy Race

Sunday
Semi-Final 1 – Three-car race with top two cars going through to the Final
Semi-Final 2 – Three-car race with top two cars going through to the Final
Crazy Race – Four-car race with first place going through to the Final

Final – Five-car Final with the top three going to the podium
Championship points
1st: 25 points (winner of the Final)
2nd: 18 points (2nd place in the Final)
3rd: 15 points (3rd place in the Final)
4th: 12 points (4th place in the Final)
5th: 10 points (5th place in the Final)
6th: 8 points (3rd place from Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2)*
7th: 6 points (3rd place from Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2)*
8th: 4 points (2nd place in the Crazy Race)
9th: 2 points (3rd place in the Crazy Race)
10th: 1 point (4th place in the Crazy Race)
* The team finishing third in Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2 that sets the faster Continental Traction Challenge time shall be deemed to be the 6th place finisher.

Continental Traction Challenge
The team that sets the fastest time through the allocated sector in Qualifying, Semi-Finals, Crazy Race and Final, will win the Continental Traction Challenge and earn five Championship points.

If any teams are tied in the qualifying standings their positioning will be determined by their time in the Continental Traction Challenge - the team with the quicker run through the allocated sector receiving the higher overall position in qualifying.

As previously stated, the team finishing third in Semi-Final 1 or Semi-Final 2 that sets the faster Continental Traction Challenge time shall be deemed to be the 6th place finisher.

Teams and drivers
The 10 teams and 20 drivers?for the Desert X Prix?are as follows:
ABT CUPRA XE – Nasser Al-Attiyah?/ Jutta Kleinschmidt?
ACCIONA |?Sainz?XE Team – Carlos?Sainz?Snr. / Laia Sanz
Genesys Andretti United Extreme E – Timmy Hansen / Catie Munnings
Chip Ganassi Racing – Kyle?LeDuc?/ Sara Price
McLaren XE – Tanner Foust / Emma Gilmour
JBXE – Kevin Hansen / Molly Taylor
Rosberg X Racing – Johan?Kristoffersson?/ Mikaela?Åhlin-Kottulinsky
Veloce Racing –?Lance Woolridge / Christine GZ
X44 – Sébastien Loeb / Cristina Gutiérrez
XITE ENERGY RACING – Oliver Bennett / Tamara Molinaro

Saudi Arabia and climate change
In Saudi Arabia, Extreme E has collaborated with the Ba’a Foundation, an organisation that focuses on preserving endangered species, natural habitats and historical sites to support turtle conservation along the Red Sea coastline. Extreme E are supporting turtle conservation through beach fencing, management, monitoring and educational programmes.

Ba’a Foundation aspires to preserve the local environment, promote a culture of conscious environmental practices, and contribute to achieving sustainable environmental development.

We collaborated with the Ba’a Foundation on a five-year conservation initiative to help protect the endangered green turtle and critically endangered hawksbill turtle along the Red Sea coastline.

As part of Extreme E’s five-year conservation initiative programme with the Ba’a Foundation, the series has supported turtle conservation by:
Cleaning the beach of rubbish pollution and debris
Building beach fencing to help protect the species during nesting season
Improving beach management and monitoring practices
Importing sand to raise the beach to an appropriate level for nesting

Count Us In Challenge
Extreme E will continue its collaboration with Count Us In for the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge, which uses the power of sport and the excitement of motor racing to inspire fans to take practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint and, in doing so, urge governments, cities and businesses to accelerate progress on climate action.

Steps range in impact from pledging to walk and cycle more, eating more plant-based food, to Extreme E’s ultimate goal of switching to an electric vehicle. All steps taken will be added up and the winning team will claim the overall Extreme E Sustainability Award at the end of the season.

New course, new challenges
In terms of surface, there are various types of sand conditions in NEOM. There is soft sand with rocks in between, dunes scaling up and down hill, which all differ in thickness and weight of the sand. Outside temperature will also affect the ground surface, as the early mornings in NEOM in February will be much cooler than the teams experienced in AlUla last season.

Aside from the obvious difficulties of driving on sand, there will be various natural obstacles including dune grass and bushes. Deep and blind crests will also keep the world-class drivers on their toes as they take on this course. The drivers will need to be sensible and analyse the course layout to understand the quickest route as on course there won’t be much track time to determine exactly where to go.

Overtaking will also prove a bigger challenge than at other locations. As well as having knowledge of their racing line, the drivers need to know what is beside that line to determine whether to overtake on the right side or the left. One wrong move and they could be faced with a tricky obstacle to navigate.

Sandra Roslan, Project Lead Extreme E at Continental, said: “We are ready for an even more exciting second Extreme E season and looking forward to once again proving the outstanding performance of our tires under the toughest and most challenging conditions.

“The Desert X Prix also marks the beginning of an exciting time for us at Continental, as we have developed a new high-performance tire for the second season. We have not only improved performance, but also placed particular emphasis on a high proportion of sustainable materials – and this is what Extreme E is all about.”

Extreme E Season 1 Sustainability Report
Extreme E has published its first?Sustainability Report, including its carbon footprint for Season 1.

The report, supported by EY, the series’ Official Innovation Partner, summarises Extreme E’s sustainability tactics and achievements throughout its first season, as well as its Carbon Footprint, whilst also outlining its strategy and focus for 2022 and beyond.

Highlights from the report include:
Carbon Neutral by end of Season 1
Methods used to minimise footprint included:

Using electric vehicles for racing.
Not having fans on site but instead engaging them through innovative broadcast and social media entertainment.
Refurbishing a former Royal Mail ship to carry freight and logistics over air travel, which provides a 75 per cent reduction on emissions compared to air freight.
Using AFC Energy hydrogen fuel cells which utilise solar and water to create electricity for powering the race vehicles.
Powering the paddock operations with second-life Zenobe batteries.
Capping race team personnel to just seven people – two drivers, one engineer and four mechanics.

Carbon offsetting: Extreme E has offset its Season 1 carbon footprint by investing in environmental certificates for a wind farm Patagonia, Argentina. Known as being one of the windiest regions of the world, each year 300 GWh of clean renewable electricity is supplied to the grid and 190,000 tons of GHG emissions are prevented from entering the atmosphere.

Schedule
All times GMT
Friday 18 February
1100 – 1400 Free practice
1330 – 1430 Pre-Desert X Prix press conference (streamed here: https://extreme-e.zoom.us/j/85670809297?pwd=cGtDaVRoWE5USmNZeDN5VW1zRlo3Zz09&from=addon)

Saturday 19 February
0815 – 0900 Qualifying 1
1215 – 1300 Qualifying 2

Sunday 20 February
0910 – 1025 Semi-Finals and Crazy Race
1330 – 1345 Final
1415 – 1515 Post-race press conference (streamed here: https://extreme-e.zoom.us/j/83598682551?pwd=TThpY0F2THBkYUt3QTJOY1JNUi8vUT09&from=addon)

All times GMT
All qualifications will be streamed on the Extreme E official website – www.extreme-e.com and social channels (@extremeelive on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch).

Finals will be aired globally by a host of broadcasters and, depending on the territory, on our website and social channels, available to view here: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/broadcast-information

Where to watch
Shakedown and qualifications will be aired through Extreme E’s official website –?www.extreme-e.com?and social channels (@extremeelive on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook,?Twitter?and Twitch).

The Finals will be shown in more than?200 countries by?85?broadcasters. A full list of broadcasters can be found?here.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-15 JBXE announces Molly Taylor as Kevin Hansen's teammate for Race 1 of the Season 2 Championship challenge
JBXE has today announced that 2021 Extreme E Championship winner Molly Taylor will join Season 1 driver Kevin Hansen for Race 1 of Extreme E Season 2.

Taylor brings invaluable expertise after claiming the Extreme E title with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in the Championship’s inaugural season, and all the knowledge that comes with winning the series.

Molly Taylor, driver for JBXE, said: "I had an incredible year with Extreme E in 2021 and I believe wholeheartedly in what the competition represents both with respect to its commitment to sustainability and gender equality. Having had the benefit of a win in last year’s Championship, when the call came to join the JBXE team ahead of this weekend’s race, I thought why not. I’m looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into the Desert X-Prix this weekend.”

The team will be looking to build upon their performance on the unforgiving sands of last year’s inaugural race. After a shaky start at the Desert X Prix in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, last year, where the team finished third in the Crazy Race, Jenson Button’s JBXE outfit soared into the Final of the second X Prix in Senegal. Rear-wheel damage denied them the chance of achieving more than a third-place finish, but this would be the first of four podiums for the team.

The remaining three X Prix would see JBXE on the podium at each race, having transformed into masters of the Crazy Race in both Greenland and Sardinia. Second place finishes at the Arctic X Prix and the Jurassic X Prix, alongside third in Senegal and Sardinia, secured JBXE third in the overall Championship standings with 119 points.

Founded by 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, JBXE will be looking for more success in Extreme E Season 2.

Jenson Button, Founder of JBXE, added: “To be able to bring Molly into the team is fantastic news for JBXE. Having won the Championship last year she obviously brings a huge amount to the table so I’m incredibly excited to see her and Kevin in action this weekend.”

Taylor grew up in a motorsport family and excelled in national rally competitions, winning the F16 class in the Australian Rally Championship in 2007 and 2008 before moving abroad to follow her dream of becoming a professional rally driver. In 2013, Taylor’s success in the European Rally Championship elevated her to World Rally Rankings Number 1 International Female Rally Driver, before becoming the first female to achieve a podium position in Junior WRC history, finishing third in the 2014 Rally Finland.

Returning to Australia in 2015, Taylor finished second in the Australian Rally Championship before going one better with Subaru in 2016. Following her first taste of the desert in the inaugural Extreme E season, this year saw Taylor make her debut in the Dakar Rally. With this new experience and the first Extreme E title under her belt, Taylor lines up to make a big impact on JBXE’s second season.

Kevin Hansen, driver for JBXE, said: “I’m very excited to work with Molly. She did great last year and was one of the best out on track. You don’t become Champion for nothing!

“She has a lot of experience now in Saudi from the Dakar Rally this year, so I will take a lot of advantage from that. It was an amazing experience that she had there and now she can share that with me. It’s going to be very fun to work with her this weekend.”

Prior to Extreme E, Hansen has been a fixture in the FIA World Rallycross Championship for several years, securing event wins and multiple podiums for Team Peugeot-Hansen. He has a strong rallycross pedigree in his family from his father Kenneth Hansen - so it is no surprise he has had so much success

Earlier in his career, the 22-year-old Swedish racer secured the 2015 RX2 title and won the 2016 FIA Rookie of the Year award for best up-and-coming driver across the governing body’s Championships following his FIA European Rallycross Championship win that year – the youngest driver ever to do so.

The fresh JBXE driver line-up is all set to take on the first race of the season in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, this weekend (19-20 February).

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-15 Kristoffersson jagar ny seger
Johan Kristoffersson åker till helgens säsongspremiär för Extreme E som regerande mästare med Rosberg X Racing.
- Gamla meriter gäller inte längre. Nu startar vi på blankt papper, säger Kristoffersson som får en ny teamkamrat i Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.

Det blev en dramatisk avslutning på premiärsäsongen för elbilsmästerskapet Extreme E. I sista deltävlingen i England gjorde Kristoffersson och teamkompisen Molly Taylor precis vad som behövdes för att säkra den historiska första titeln till Rosberg X Racing.

Förra säsongen startade precis som i år i Saudiarabien. RXR vann den tävlingen efter en episk körning genom moln av damm signerad värmlänningen Kristoffersson. Då var konceptet helt nytt med minimala möjligheter till förberedelse.
- Den här gången har man mer förståelse för vad som förväntas av en. Vi har kört fem tävlingar, varav två på sand, i Saudi och Senegal, säger Johan.

En given erfarenhet från förra året var den enorma fördel en bra start gav, givet allt damm som rördes upp av bilarna.
- Starterna är viktiga och med det nya tävlingsformatet blir det ännu fler avgörande starter.

Förra året började tävlingarna med ett individuellt kval innan bilarna ställdes upp bredvid varandra från semifinalerna och framåt. Nu blir det heatkörning redan från början.
- Tror det passar oss bra, men första tävlingen gäller det att inte ta för stora risker.

Konkurrensen från de andra teamen lär inte bli mindre än förra året.
- Vi slutade ju på samma poäng som Loeb och Gutiérrez och de kommer att vara med nu igen.

Fjolårsfyrorna Catie Munnings och Timmy Hansen kör också vidare, liksom Carlos Sainz och Laia Sanz, vilka avslutade förra säsongen starkt. Rutinerade Nasser Al-Attiyah och Jutta Kleinschmidt utgör en ny utmanarduo.
- Dakar-vinnare båda två, påpekar Johan.

Johan å sin sida har en ny partner för året, fjolårstrean Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, då i par med Kevin Hansen.
- Spännande att få jobba med Mikaela. Jag känner ju till henne sedan tidigare och hon har dessutom erfarenhet från hela serien förra året, så jag tror det ska gå snabbt att komma igång med samarbetet. Dessutom är hon ju värmlänning…

Årets premiär avgörs i Neom under lördag-söndag.
- Ska bli kul att få dra igång igen, avslutar Kristoffersson inför den långa resan från hemmet i Jössefors till öknen i Saudiarabien.

22-02-12 Klara Andersson gör debut i Extreme E
Landslagsföraren Klara Andersson 21 år, tävlandes för SMK Hörby, hade en strålande tävlingssäsong 2021. Klara tog under 2021 ett SM-guld i rallycross-klassen 2150, den största klassen sett till antal startande. Klara blev då historisk att som första kvinna vinna ett SM-guld i en blandad klass med både kvinnor och män.

Klaras fina säsong 2021 ledde också till att Klara fick chansen att köra två tävlingar i supportklassen RX2e i VM, där hon kom 4:a i sin första tävling på klassiska banan Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps i Belgien. Denna debut gjorde intryck och nu kommer Klara att ta nästa kliv i sin motorsportskarriär. XITE Energy Racing har signat Klara till första deltävlingen i säsong 2 i Extreme E. Klara kommer att stå på startlinjen tillsammans med teamföraren Oliver Bennett, brittisk förare, 19-20 februari i Neom, Saudiarabien.

Extreme E är en global racingserie där helektriska SUV:ar kämpar sida vid sida i några av världens mest extrema miljöer. Varje team består av två förare, en man och en kvinna.
“Jag är extremt glad och tacksam över att ha fått denna möjlighet. Jag var med på ett
Rookie-test i höstas för Acciona Sainz Extreme E team på Sardinien, och nu får jag denna
möjlighet! Ser fram emot ett helt nytt äventyr bakom ratten! säger en glad Klara Andersson.”
Den globala racingserien består av fem deltävlingar 2022, deltävling 2 kommer att köras på Sardinien
7-8 maj.

22-02-12 XITE Energy Racing announces new driver line-up for Extreme E Season 2
Energy Racing has announced that Oliver Bennett will return to Extreme E for Season 2 alongside Swedish debutant Klara Andersson.

XITE Energy Racing will be looking to build on the lessons learned in Season 1 at the first X Prix of 2022 next weekend (19-20 February) in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Bennett brings plenty of off-road experience behind the wheel, including competing in the inaugural Extreme E campaign in 2021. In 2016 he made his debut in the British Rallycross Championship and the following season fought for the title. The 29-year-old British driver has also competed in FIA World Rallycross and Americas Rallycross events, as well as the Gymkhana GRID in Cape Town in 2018.

21-year-old Andersson will be looking to help make the difference for XITE Energy Racing in her maiden Extreme E campaign. The ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team introduced the Swedish protégé to the Championship during the Rookie Test which followed the Enel X Island X Prix.

Andersson started karting at the age of 7 and raced for six years, winning on Swedish, Norwegian and Italian tracks before switching to rallycross in 2019. The young Swede is now an up-and-coming talent in rallycross and has raced in the Swedish Rallycross Championship, becoming 2150 class winner in 2021.

Andersson also had a stunning debut in RX2e at the end of last year, with an impressive 4th place in the finals highlighting the potential she brings to Extreme E.

Oliver Bennett, XITE Energy Racing, said: “I don’t think we saw the best of XITE Energy Racing in Extreme E last season. The organisers have made some improvements to the cars for this season, so hopefully Klara and I will be able to show what we’re about in Saudi Arabia.

“The location for this race is just extraordinary. We are literally in the middle of nowhere in the Arabian Desert; it takes a moment just to register where we’re racing. Going off the line at full throttle takes you to 60mph or 100kph in four seconds and that tends to focus your attention on the corner ahead rather than the amazing landscape!”

Klara Andersson, XITE Energy Racing, said: “I’m mega excited! It’s a dream come true to race in Extreme E with XITE Energy and Oliver. I’m looking forward to a completely new challenge. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to go flat out in the desert!”

News of XITE Energy Racing’s competitive return comes just days after the announcement that XITE Energy will remain as the Championship’s official energy drink partner.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-09 Carlos Sainz Sr. and Laia Sanz continue with ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team for Extreme E Season 2
ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team have retained their driver line-up for the forthcoming campaign, with Carlos Sainz Sr. and Laia Sanz back behind the wheel for Extreme E Season 2.

Sainz Sr. and Sanz were part of a hotly contested inaugural season of Extreme E and this was possibly best evidenced in the midfield, where the teams fourth to sixth in the Championship were separated by just 17 points. The Spanish duo finished sixth in the standings, tied on points with ABT Cupra XE courtesy of a podium in Greenland keeping them in the fight.

ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team began their maiden Extreme E campaign with a strong showing in Saudi Arabia, qualifying second and finishing the Desert X Prix in fourth. A difficult Ocean X Prix meant Sainz Sr. and Sanz could only finish eighth, but they bounced back strongly in Greenland to take their first podium in the series with a third-place finish.

Sainz Sr. and Sanz’s progress was hindered in Sardinia as they finished seventh, but a strong fifth place at the season-finale in the UK after qualifying in the top three ensured they ended the campaign on a high.?The team will be determined to pick up where they left off on course in Season 2, which gets underway next month in NEOM, Saudi Arabia (19-20 February).

Carlos Sainz Sr., arguably one of the greatest rally drivers of all-time, has won the FIA World Rally Championship twice, in 1990 and 1992. He has also won the Dakar Rally three times: in 2010, 2011 and 2020. The Spanish driver received the Princess of Asturias Sports Award in 2020 for his successful career in elite world motorsport, and in the same year, was voted the best driver in rallying by fans and journalists.

Most recently the 59-year-old Spaniard, driving for the Audi Q Motorsport team, arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Dakar rally seeking a third overall triumph in five years. Sainz Snr. won stage three, recording the fastest time in the Car category by 38 seconds, and finished 12th overall.

Also competing in the 2022 Dakar Rally was Laia Sanz, marking her car debut having ridden motorbikes at the Dakar Rally every year since 2011 and having made the switch to cars for Extreme E Season One.

Sanz has been crowned Trial World Champion 13 times, Enduro World Champion on five occasions and has finished the Dakar Rally ten times between 2011 and 2020. She finished ninth overall in 2015, achieving the best result ever by a woman in the motorcycle category on the event.

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, said: "We are about to start Season 2 of the Extreme E Championship. It’s quite surprising how fast time flies because it seemed yesterday that we were about to embark on this thrilling adventure that has taken us all over the world with a unique message. All the members of the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, also Laia and myself, are really looking forward to this new season in which we want to fight for everything. The experience we gained in 2021 must help us to take a step forward to start fighting for better results and even the Championship. I am really looking forward to the first X Prix in Saudi Arabia to show just how much we have progressed.

"The level of the Championship is really high, but we want to win and to send the strongest possible message about the importance of sustainability and respecting the environment. It makes me proud that we are doing this with a project that is entirely Spanish, so I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the parties that make this possible for their confidence, including Santander Private Banking and Power Electronics, which will continue supporting us this year."

Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, said: "I am really looking forward to the season opener in Saudi Arabia. I think it will be a different year to 2021 because we are not starting from scratch. Now the team has experience with the Odyssey 21 and I have been able to do many kilometres on four wheels, so I am convinced that I will be able to help the team much more. In the last races of 2021, we already took a step forward in terms of performance and I think that this is promising for what is to come. This winter I was able to do my first Dakar Rally racing on cars and I believe this will also prove really positive for this Extreme E season.

"It is true that I still lack experience in the wheel-to-wheel fights, but I am getting used to them and I am convinced that this season will be much better for us and that we will fight for better results. The level of the Championship got much higher throughout 2021 and everything seems to suggest that this 2022 will be even tighter, so I am really looking forward to getting started."

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-09 Extreme E reveals Season 1 Sustainability Report and carbon footprint
Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric racing championship, has published its first Sustainability Report, including its carbon footprint for Season 1.

The report, supported by EY, the series’ Official Innovation Partner, summarises Extreme E’s sustainability tactics and achievements throughout its first season, whilst also outlining its strategy and focus for 2022 and beyond.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Extreme E’s Sustainability Report is one of the most important pieces of communication we have released to date. As a sport for purpose championship, which aims to pave the way to a lower carbon future through the promotion of electric vehicles, and accelerate gender equality in motorsport, it’s important we are open and transparent about our methods and our impact.

“This is just the start of our journey and we are learning all the time, but this report details our journey to having the lowest carbon footprint in international motorsport, and the insight into how we became carbon net zero by the end of our first season.

Alejandro added: “Together with the commitment and expertise of our partners, we are delivering a platform which challenges the way sport is traditionally run; offers tangible solutions which reduce the impact of live events; and which educates our audience on the effects of climate change, inspiring them to make positive choices about their impact on the planet.”

Extreme E’s Season 1 Sustainability Report details the series’ journey to becoming carbon net zero by the end of its first season. This was achieved through taking a series of measures which minimised its carbon footprint, measuring this emissions inventory and detailing Scope 1, Scope 2 and quantifiable Scope 3 sources, and then offsetting in full for what could not be avoided, utilising ALLCOT, a UN certified world-leader in carbon project development.

Highlights from the report include:
- Carbon Net Zero by end of Season 1.
- Methods used to minimise footprint included:
- Using electric vehicles for racing
- Not having fans on site, but instead engaging them through innovative broadcast and social media entertainment
- Refurbishing a former Royal Mail ship to carry freight and logistics over air travel
- Using AFC Energy hydrogen fuel cells which utilise solar and water to create electricity for powering the race vehicles

Powering the paddock operations with second-life Zenobe batteries
Capping race team personnel to just seven people – two drivers, one engineer and four mechanics.

Season 1 Carbon Footprint: 8,870 tCO2-e emitted during Season 1 (1,774 tCO2-e average emissions per race). This preliminary emissions inventory includes Scope 1, Scope 2 and quantifiable Scope 3 sources.
- Carbon offsetting: Extreme E has offset its Season 1 carbon footprint by investing in environmental certificates for a wind farm Patagonia, Argentina. Known as being one of the windiest regions of the world, each year 300 GWh of clean renewable electricity is supplied to the grid and 190,000 tons of GHG emissions are prevented from entering the atmosphere.
- Racing only 100% electric vehicles: Designed and built the cutting-edge ODYSSEY 21 car. Manufactured by Spark Racing Technology with a battery produced by Williams Advanced Engineering and bespoke designed tyres by Continental, this all-electric car is designed to withstand the harsh race conditions. The car’s peak 400kw (550bhp) output is capable of firing the 1780-kilogram, 2.3-metre wide e-SUV from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, at gradients of up to 130 per cent.
- Signatory member of the UN Sports for Climate Action initiative which calls on sporting organisations to acknowledge the contribution of the sports sector to climate change and their responsibility to strive towards climate neutrality for a safer planet.
- Count Us In: Extreme E joined forces with Count Us In to inspire ITS fans to pledge to live a less carbon intensive lifestyle and reduce their individual environmental impact. The Count Us In Challenge inspired 1,231 Extreme E fans to make 3,207 pledges. This equates to a carbon saving of 1,241,223 kg CO2e – which equates to over 1200 flights from London (LHR) to New York (JFK).
- First sporting series to hire an independent Scientific Committee to provide and advise its activities. The Scientific Committee comprises of industry-renowned climate scientists, including academics from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. The committee helped to raise awareness on climate issues and solutions, and in Season 1 focused on desertification, ocean health, Arctic ice melt, wildfires, and biodiversity.
- Leaving positive legacy: Extreme E identifies impactful projects for each race location with support from the Scientific Committee, partner NGOs, and engagement with the local community. Legacy projects developed in Season 1 included:

Brazil: Teamed up with The Nature Conservancy on its Forest Restoration Programme in Pará. The initiative restored 100 hectares of native forest, maintained more than 200 hectares of cocoa-based agroforestry, and worked with local farmers in the process.

Senegal: Partnered with NGO, Oceanium, to plant one million mangroves to help combat sea level rise, and supported local community project aimed at improving sustainable practices and education in Niaga, a community close to the race site.

Greenland: UNICEF climate change education programme- developed and taught to 3,600 school children, along with investment in solar panels and an e-mobility scheme for the local school.

Sardinia: Worked with MEDSEA to support recovery response to devastating forest fires on the island, along with a seagrass conservation project to reverse the damage from carbon released from seagrass that has died due to warming sea temperatures.

Saudi Arabia: Partnership with the Ba’a Foundation, on a conservation initiative for the endangered green turtle and critically endangered hawksbill turtle. This programme included building beach fencing, beach management and monitoring practices, and importing sand to raise the beach to an appropriate level for nesting.

United Kingdom: Supported the National Trust to reintroduce three pairs of beavers into the Purbeck Heaths wetlands in Dorset to help improve the biodiversity of the area. The beavers are expected to help open up hundreds of hectares of wetlands that have been in ecological decline for decades, restoring freshwater fen and pool habitats for other wildlife. This will improve water quality and carbon storage, and reduce flood risk.

Click here to access the full Extreme E Season 1 Report and Executive Summary

As Extreme E switches focus to Season 2, getting underway next week in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, it also outlined its objectives, targets and action focus for 2022 and beyond. This is represented by three key pillars; Extreme Action, Extreme Impact and Extreme Responsibility, which refer to the environmental, social and governance aspects of sustainability, respectively. These three pillars and the impact areas they cover represent the issues that are most important to Extreme E’s stakeholders and organisation, and plans are currently in development to ensure the series meets its objectives for each area.

Dr Matthew Bell, Global Leader – EY Climate Change and Sustainability Services, said: “EY is delighted to have supported Extreme E draft its Season 1 sustainability report. The report is a celebration of the significant focus that Extreme E has placed on embedding sustainability at the core of its business.

“Throughout Season 1, EY’s global Climate Change and Sustainability Services team has supported Extreme E to reduce its environment and social impacts, measure and manage its carbon footprint, and supported the development of Extreme E’s inaugural sustainability strategy. As a result, we are not only honoured to have been entrusted by Extreme E to draft its Season 1 sustainability report, but we are proud of the sustainability outcomes and positive impact that EY’s partnership with Extreme E has been able to achieve in its first year.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-02-04 Rosberg X Racing confirms driver line-up for season two
Neustadt, 3rd February 2022. Reigning Extreme E Champion Rosberg X Racing has announced its driver line-up for the second season in Extreme E.

Johan Kristoffersson, who has completed the inaugural season with RXR and will continue to drive for the German squad, is joined by Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky as his teammate for season two. The all-Swedish driver line-up will have their first outing together at the Desert X Prix on 19th February 2022.

Prior to joining RXR, Åhlin-Kottulinsky competed for JBXE, driving alongside Jenson Button and later Kevin Hansen and claiming third place in the first-ever Extreme E Championship round. The 29-year old comes from a motorsport family with her grandfather, German-Swedish rally driver Freddy

Kottulinsky, winning the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1980, while her mother Susanne Kottulinsky was Sweden’s leading female rally driver in the 1980s and 1990s. Both Mikaela’s father and brother are equally passionate and successful motorsport drivers. Mikaela first drifted a car on ice at the age of ten and has remained an avid lover of the rally discipline ever since.

Starting her career with Rallycross, she then moved on to the circuit to become the first woman to win a race in the German Scirocco R-Cup in 2014. Only four years later she made history with a race win in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship as the first female driver to ever compete in the series. In 2021, he was the first woman to finish on the podium claiming P2 in the STCC Championship. In 2019, she was appointed test driver for Extreme E’s founding partner Continental, helping to develop the CrossContact tyre for the ODYSSEY 21 before joining JBXE in 2021.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky commented: “I am incredibly honoured and excited to join RXR and support the team in defending their Championship title. To have the chance to work with the winning team from season 1 is truly a great opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started! I’m really looking forward to working and learning from Nico and Johan, two world champions and drivers that I have huge respect for and admire for their incredible record behind the wheel. What really strikes me about Rosberg X Racing is their commitment to the cause of Extreme E. Apart from the track action, I am particularly looking forward to becoming involved in the Driven by Purpose Campaign, which aims to support initiatives and projects for climate awareness, and equality. It’s a fantastic opportunity and will be an epic season.”

Johan Kristoffersson said: “I am very happy to continue my work with RXR. We have had a sensational first season together and I am confident that we can build on this experience and become even better. I am feeling relaxed, full of energy and eager to win again. Having Mikaela on my side is an extra motivation. She is a very gifted driver and being compatriots with many common experiences, I am sure we will get along just great.”

Rosberg X Racing Founder and CEO Nico Rosberg said: “We are happy to have found the perfect driver line-up for our second season in Extreme E. This year is going to be even more challenging as we have to defend our title against a growing field of very professional and highly determined teams. With the experience and track record of both Johan and Mikaela, we will be prepared for the battle and hopefully make for some exciting action on track. I can’t wait for the starting signal a couple of weeks from now.”

The second season of Extreme E will begin in Neom, Saudi Arabia on 19th February 2022, marking the first X

Prix in a five-event schedule.

22-02-03 Dakar legends team up for ABT CUPRA XE’s Extreme E Season 2 title challenge
ABT CUPRA XE have partnered two Dakar Rally legends for Extreme E Season 2, with four-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah joining 2001 winner Jutta Kleinschmidt for the team’s bid for Championship glory.

Kleinschmidt, who partnered Mattias Ekström for four events during Extreme E’s inaugural campaign last term for ABT CUPRA XE, will be looking to build on the team’s fifth place in the Championship standings in Season 1 alongside new team-mate Al-Attiyah.

The German-Qatari duo’s ODYSSEY 21 will also be striking for Season 2 as the CUPRA Tavascan XE replaces the e-CUPRA ABT XE1 from the first season.

With its spectacular exterior and striking LED lights, the off-road racing car offers a first glimpse at the design specification of the future CUPRA Tavascan production car. CUPRA's second purely electric model is being developed in Barcelona and is scheduled for market launch in 2024. The CUPRA Tavascan XE is more sustainable than its predecessor: flax fibre parts from the 3D printer make work on the car even more flexible and environmentally friendly.

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “I’m already a bit excited and believe that this will be a great experience for me. Extreme E is an exciting series with the ambition to contribute to a better future.

“I am proud to be a part of the team now. Expectations are high: with the experience of ABT CUPRA XE and Jutta [Kleinschmidt] by my side, we are determined to race for victories. I can’t wait to sit in the car and have fun.”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “Last year we created a solid basis and fought for front positions. This year the challenge is to be even more consistent in taking wins and trophies, and we are ready for that.

“Being able to share my passion for off-road racing with such a great team and now a Dakar star like Nasser [Al-Attiyah] is fantastic motivation. I just want to start the season.”

Newcomer Al-Attiyah has seen great success during his time competing, becoming the 2006 Production World Rally Champion, WRC-2 Champion in 2014 and 2015, a 16-time Middle East Rally Champion, four times winner of the FIA World Cup for Cross-County Rallies, and a quadruple 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2022 Dakar Rally winner. His four victories in the Dakar Rally make him the only Middle Easterner to have won it more than once and the 51-year-old will prove an exciting addition to the Extreme E grid.

Kleinschmidt made her first appearance at the Dakar Rally in the bike category in 1988, but by 1994 she had switched to four wheels. Three years later she became the first woman to record a stage win and 1999 yielded a third place overall. In 2001, she wrote her name into the history books as the first female Dakar Rally winner. A further two podiums in 2002 and 2005 cemented her place as the most successful female driver in the category to date.

Having scored a podium finish at the Enel X Island X Prix and regularly finishing amongst the fastest qualifiers on the grid, ABT CUPRA XE will be looking to build upon their achievements in Season 1 with their new driver line-up and the pair of Dakar legends are sure to be competitive.

Hans-Jürgen Abt, Managing Partner of ABT Sportsline, said: “Of course we are a bit sad to let Mattias [Ekström] go. He did a great job in our team during the first season on and off the track and has been part of our family for 20 years – that won’t change, but of course we respect his priorities.

“With Jutta [Kleinschmidt] and Nasser [Al-Attiyah] we now have a new team at the start that is extremely strong again. Our goals remain the same: we want to fight for race wins and the title.”

The first race of the 2022 season will be held in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, on 19 and 20 February.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-01-25 X44 retains Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez for Championship challenge in Extreme E Season 2
Extreme E Season 1 runners-up X44 have retained their driver line-up for the forthcoming campaign, with Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez back behind the wheel for the team founded by Seven-Time Formula 1™ World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Loeb and Gutiérrez were narrowly denied Championship honours in the inaugural season of Extreme E, when victory at the Jurassic X Prix in December saw them finish level on points with overall winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR), but lost out on count back of victories (three to one).

Their speed behind the ODYSSEY 21 has never been in doubt, though, with X44 finishing as the fastest qualifier at all five X Prix in 2021, and they will be determined to maintain that imperious form on course as they bid for title glory in Season 2, which gets underway next month in NEOM, Saudi Arabia (19-20 February).

Loeb is one of the greatest rally drivers of all time with a record nine World Rally Championships and 80 race wins to his name. His 26-year career in motorsport has seen him achieve podiums in races as varied as the Dakar Rally, World Rallycross, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. He has also achieved three Race of Champions wins in which he competed against the world’s best racing and rally drivers. The Frenchman has already had a busy start to 2022, finishing second overall in the Dakar Rally before taking his 80th WRC win last weekend with victory in the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Gutiérrez is a promising talent who is rewriting the rulebook for female drivers. In addition to finishing the notoriously difficult Dakar Rally six times, she has made history as the first woman to ever win the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, the second to win a stage in the Dakar Rally (2021) and the third to stand on a podium in the Dakar Rally (2022). Cristina has all the hallmarks of a great driver, showing grit and a natural talent, and has had a huge passion for the sport since she started racing at four years old.

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “I’m very happy to be driving for X44 again in Season 2 of Extreme E. Last year was very challenging for us, we had a lot of struggles with the car and some bad luck too, but we came top of qualifying at every race and finished the year with a win and level on Championship points - so we are feeling optimistic! I think the other teams are very strong, but Cristina and I have shown that we know how to win races in some of the toughest terrains in the world, so we will give our all to secure more podiums. Our fans have been very supportive ever since our first race, so I hope we can repay them with a Championship win in 2022.”

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44, said: “I’m so excited to be returning to race for X44. We came very close to winning the Championship last year and now we’re even more motivated and excited to drive well and push to take first place in 2022. Since I first joined the team, I have learned so much and feel stronger and faster with every race, so I’m excited to get back in the car and show what I can do. I’m also looking forward to exploring the planet and learning more about the places we are racing. By highlighting the climate change challenges faced by the remote environments where we race, I hope to further educate myself on what we can do to help.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

22-01-19 Extreme E Season 2 just one month away
With the dust only just settling from the first season of Extreme E, it is now one month to go until Extreme E’s sport for purpose campaign returns with fresh faces, a major new team, and a new continent to visit, but with the same amount of thrilling wheel-to-wheel on track action being showcased across the toughest terrains on the planet.

Building on the success of its debut year in 2021, Extreme E Season 2 ‘ The Race For the Planet’ promises to captivate on and off track on a whole new level, whilst delivering on its overall purpose to tackle climate change through sport, starting with the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, 19-20 February.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Using our sport for purpose platform, Extreme E delivered truly ground breaking action in its first season, on and off the race course, and now we are ready to go and do it all again, with more experience and more determination than ever.

“As we embark on the second chapter of our story, we are proud to finally welcome Zak Brown and his McLaren team to the party and know they will make a huge impact, which we are all excited to see. We also add a new continent to our journey as we take our voyage to South America, a hugely important home, both for motorsport fans and the climate.

“In all this, however, we cannot lose sight of our overall purpose, that we are all together in a race for the planet. We feel more passionately than ever about the importance of using the platform of sport to raise awareness for climate issues and the solutions we can all be part of, under the great direction of our Scientific Committee, as we as a global community strive to keep temperature rise levels below 1.5°C. This is the race we can, and must win, and we all need to play our part.”

The inaugural Extreme E season was a thriller and went down to the wire, with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) taking the Championship on count back of victories after finishing the campaign tied on points with perennial fastest qualifiers in Season 1, Lewis Hamilton’s X44.

Nico Rosberg, inaugural Extreme E Champions RXR Racing Founder and CEO, said: “Winning the inaugural Extreme E championship was just incredible. But our team is about more than just winning. We’re also here to promote an important message. A key reason we exist is to drive awareness, educate and help tackle climate change and we aim to leave a lasting legacy that drives localized change in each location that Extreme E visits. Last year we were able to achieve some incredible things through this series and that was just the beginning. Looking forward to an exciting new season and hopefully another win for RXR!”

As well as returning to Saudi Arabia, Italy and possibly Senegal, Extreme E will make its highly-anticipated debut in South America with its final two X Prix of the campaign taking place in Antofagasta, Chile, and Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Excitement for Extreme E Season 2 is boosted further with motorsport giants McLaren joining the Championship for 2022.

McLaren has been a leader in electric motorsport from the outset, supplying the battery powertrain to the FIA Formula E Championship for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 seasons, employing the same technology pioneered in the McLaren P1 hypercar. With its entry into Extreme E, McLaren Racing will continue to build its know-how and expertise in the all-electric racing space.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “From the outset, McLaren Racing has never been afraid to push new boundaries. This new venture is true to our roots of innovation and bravery. Extreme E is paving new ground in motorsport as a force for good in confronting some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and in the future.”

World Rallycross ace Tanner Foust was announced as the team’s male driver in August 2021 before Emma Gilmour was signed up to become McLaren’s first-ever female driver during the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last November.

Both drivers will bring plenty of off-road prowess to the Extreme E grid for Season 2. Foust is a four-time and current U.S. Rallycross Champion (2019, 2012, 2011, 2010) and has also won four X Games gold medals (2013, 2010, 2007), alongside two Formula Drift Championships (2008, 2007). Gilmour became the first and only female to date to win a New Zealand Rally Championship event and also won the FIA Women in Motorsport and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) crosscountry rally selection in 2015. The New Zealander also competed in two rounds of Extreme E Season 1 for Veloce Racing.

Extreme E’s Legacy Programmes are integral to the series and aim to provide both social and environmental support at each race location. Project selection is led by the location’s scientist and all five members of our independent Scientific Committee actively support these programmes.

The sport for purpose Championship selects projects that prioritise the empowerment of local communities, build resilience by helping the vulnerable to adapt to climate change, provide long lasting sustainable solutions and promote renewal energy sources that will grow economies while reducing carbon emissions. The series will continue to work with world leading experts in science, education and environmental research, to ensure the Championship’s credibility and effectiveness.

Extreme E is the only motor racing series in the world today that mandates that every team taking part must field both a male and female driver. This was a world first in motorsport, and as well as providing opportunities at the highest level of sporting competition, the series is strengthening this commitment to development at the grassroots level in its second season.

At the 2021 season finale in Dorset, UK, Extreme E was delighted to host an event for 50 local schoolgirls with female motorsport initiative Girls on Track UK. Girls on Track UK (formerly known as Dare To Be Different) is an initiative started back in 2016 by former Formula One test driver, Susie Wolff. Now managed by governing body Motorsport UK, as part of FIA’s global Girls on Track programme, it focuses on inspiring, connecting and showcasing females in motorsport as well as through science, technology and maths (STEM).

The girls, all aged between 11 and 12 years-old, got to experience life behind the scenes of Extreme E – as well as being shown the many future potential career opportunities within the sport, with the series intention being to build on this work and inspire girls all over the world with these memorable insights throughout this new season.

With less than five weeks to go until the opening X Prix of the campaign, Extreme E Season 2 is all set to be another spectacular campaign.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

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