23-03-31 Mattias Ekström
on his return to the championship
Mattias, welcome back to Extreme E! Can you tell us how you got the call to
race for the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team?
Mattias Ekström: The week after Carlos had his incident and got hurt
is when he asked me if I would be interested, and we started chatting about
it. It took a couple of weeks and then we agreed and finally I arrived in
Saudi Arabia very happy to go racing again!
XE: What are your memories of driving in Extreme E in Season 1?
Ekström: We had a couple of good races in Season 1, but we also had some
issues. Mainly though there was some very cool locations and a lot of adventures,
especially with the first event in Saudi Arabia which was pretty dramatic.
It was in general a season full of excitement.
Carlos is very persuasive. I respect Carlos a lot and I must say it was a
lot of fun to have him with us at the first double-header and hopefully he
can come with us to other races as well.
XE: Do you feel the championship has changed a lot since your last race? Has
anything stood out and impressed you?
Ekström: The girls and how fast they drive. The girls have really picked
up the pace and I see that trend continuing as the series progresses.
Secondly, I would say the cars have also improved quite a bit and Extreme
E has grown in the technical department since the series launched.
Thirdly, I think the new format is much more exciting. I prefer the new set-up
with five cars it will have the heartbeat up and continue to entertain
people.
XE: Does the car feel different since you last drove it in 2021?
Ekström: The biggest difference this season with the cars is the steering.
The car is still very kicky in the jumps, but the dampers have improved which
helps a lot in the jumps.
XE: Whats the key to success in this new racing format?
Ekström: I think success in this very much depends on who you race against,
and which start line you have into Turn 1. You have to try and read the situation
as well as you can with the drivers on the grid.
With so many races happening across a weekend the track changes a lot, too.
I think I have learned so much about driving in ruts and sand over the past
two years in the Dakar Rally. Driving in ruts might look easy, but it requires
a bit more if you want to master it. I'm not scared of ruts anymore
I actually enjoy them!
I always expect really rough racing in this series. There are a lot of winner
mentality drivers here - nobody wants to lose, everybody wants to win.
But I think that's what's motor racing is about, especially for me. We all
want to win, and I think with this format you stimulate that even more.
XE: You were on the podium in Round 1. Tell us about your first race back
in the series.
Ekström: We had a good day on the first day of racing - we were second
in Q1 and we won Q2 so I think you can be fair and say that we are a good
pair and we have good pace. We ended up second in the round and also had the
fastest Continental Traction Challenge time so it was a very positive day.
XE: You and Laia Sanz went on to get a maiden victory for the team in Round
2. What did Carlos have to say to you on the podium?
Ekström: For me, before the start of any Heat when he comes to grab me,
it feels so special. I can really feel he wants me to do well, to show for
himself, but also for the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. Carlos way of treating
me is like my dad used to treat me, and that means a lot.
Extreme E returns to action with the Hydro X Prix in Scotland. The racing
action will be best viewed live on STV and ITV, in the UK, over both Saturday
13 and Sunday 14 May to enable the best views. Outside of the UK, please visit
here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-30 Extreme E reveals
plans to race in former Scottish coal mine
Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric off-road rallying series, has today
confirmed that the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site in Dumfries
and Galloway, Scotland, will host its next race event, the Hydro X Prix, on
13-14 May 2023.
With legendary motorsport names involved in the series including Lewis Hamilton,
Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button, NEOM McLaren, Andretti and Carl Cox, the restored
former coal mine, which is about to undergo the next phase of its major transformation
into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm, will provide a
poignant backdrop for the sport which uses its platform to raise awareness
of climate change and global solutions.
Just 18 months ago world leaders met in Glasgow for COP26, aiming to secure
global net zero by the middle of this century. As an off-road rally series
which focuses on the promotion of electric vehicles and clean energy innovations,
the old mine is the perfect natural amphitheatre to showcase the necessary
industry transition to move from fossil fuels to clean energy futures. It
will also impactfully act as an example of the important role water can play
in future renewables and healthy conservation.
Alongside far flung racing destinations which have so far included Greenland,
the Atacama Desert, Saudi Arabia and Senegal, on the west coast of Africa,
the Hydro X Prix in Scotland represents an exciting return home for the sport
for purpose series as it delivers its third season, creating the opportunity
to highlight climate issues and solutions that are not just global, but also
right on our doorstep.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: Extreme E is a unique
sport for purpose racing series. We are thrilled to be headed to Scotland
in May for the Hydro X Prix, and we could not have found a more perfect racing
site than the former Glenmuckloch coal mine.
Extreme E uses its racing platform to tell inspirational stories of
global locations on the forefront of climate issues. Here in Scotland, our
race site will play homage to the much needed transition of an old coal mine
which is being given a new and exciting lease of life as a hydro-project which
will provide a fully renewable energy source for the region for centuries
to come.
Not only will this site provide one of the most dramatic and extreme
race courses we have seen in our global journey, it will tell a poignant story
about transition and the changing of courses that the energy industry and
communities must all take if we are to succeed in the fight against climate
change.
Extreme E offers an exciting wheel to wheel racing format and also provides
a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform, which sees men and women drivers
race equally for success.
Catie Munnings, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, said: It was really exciting
to be in Scotland to kick off the countdown to the Hydro X Prix in May. Its
always great to have a home event, and racing is Scotland is something I am
really looking forward to.
Theres always something unique about every Extreme E course but
racing in a location like this which is close to home will be something special
for me and the team.
I've heard the track will be a combination of both fast sections on
grass as well as drops into a quarry which will be really interesting to see.
The Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team have a lot to build on and we are more
hungry than ever to achieve a result that we deserve.
Jenson Button, JBXE Team Owner, said: It is brilliant that we will be
returning to the UK for Extreme E Season 3 and we are really looking forward
to the next round of the championship in Scotland. There is such a passion
for motorsport in the UK, and it is great that the series is returning to
its roots once again.
Ive been lucky enough to race on UK soil many times throughout
my career and those memories will always be incredibly special to me, while
the last time the series raced in the UK JBXE were able to pick up a podium
and so we will be aiming for similar at the Hydro X Prix.
Racing in Scotland will provide a totally new challenge for our team,
but I am confident we will be able to kick-start our season there.
Anna Fergusson, Estate Director of Buccleuchs Queensberry Estate, home
of Glenmuckloch said: Hosting Extreme E is a wonderful opportunity for
Buccleuch and the local community. Their commitment to the environment flows
through everything they do, and using the sport to highlight local and international
nature-based projects enables engagement on so many levels. For me, personally,
recognising gender equality sends an incredibly positive message, which is
important to recognise.
The project, which secured funding in 2022, will enhance and aid the balancing
of the UK power system, enabling the integration of more renewable generated
energy into the country.
Once constructed, the Pump Storage Hydropower plant will have a capacity which
can be delivered at a rate of 210 MW per hour, providing eight hours of storage
capacity. 1MW is enough to supply the average power requirement for 2,000
homes for an hour Utilising two 105 MW reversible hydro-turbines, the site
will store power during periods of excess energy supply and release stored
energy at times of peak demand.
The wind farm being built in conjunction with the plant will comprise of eight
4.2 MW turbines and will have the ability, via a direct connection, to power
the Pump Storage Hydropower plant.
Extreme E will also embark on a community led project of its own, as part
of its Legacy Programme, to implement a multi-stage project, focused on mitigating
climate change effects on local salmon stocks. From the impactful re-planting
of over a thousand trees, to using innovative technologies being implemented
by Official Technology Partner Vodafone Business to monitor water quality
and temperatures, Extreme E will focus on a long-term transformation of the
River Nith area that will protect the salmon stocks so important to local
industries.
On the sporting side, the racing in Scotland will be as exciting as ever with
a course currently being designed that will include the natural obstacles
of the Scottish terrain while putting the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 vehicle
to the test.
Extreme Es floating centrepiece, the St. Helena ship, which was built
in Aberdeen and went on to provide a vital lifeline to the island of St Helena
for over 30 years, will arrive in Glasgow in mid April to start unloading
its freight and vehicles ahead of the race event.
Being a sport which takes its impact seriously, many measures are in place
to keep Extreme Es event footprint to a minimum. These measures include
capping the number of team personnel and staff who can attend the event, remote
working, and crucially, not having spectators on site.
The racing action will be best viewed live on STV and ITV, in the UK, over
both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May to enable the best views. Outside of the
UK, please visit here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-28 A tale of two halves
for ABT CUPRA XE in opening double-header
t was a weekend of ups and downs for ABT CUPRA XE at the 2023 Desert X Prix,
as the team narrowly missed a spot on the podium in the Round 2 Grand Final,
despite a damaging crash during Round 1.
Off the back of their maiden victory in the Season 2 Finale in Uruguay, the
opening race weekend of Extreme E Season 3 was not without its problems for
ABT CUPRA XE. After a damaging roll in the first rounds Redemption Race,
the team faced a time-pressured night shift to get the car ready in time for
the next day of racing.
Nasser Al-Attiyah started the seasons campaign in Qualifying 1 Heat
1 on the Saturday. The Qatari fell to the back of the pack after contact with
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E. However, a roll for Andretti Altawkilat after
the Switch Zone meant the team were able to climb the order to finish fourth.
While Qualifying 2 Heat 2 was a much more measured drive for the team, with
flashes of speed keeping them in the mix throughout, Al-Attiyah and team-mate
Klara Andersson were unable to make up for the mistakes made in Q1 and had
to settle for a spot in the Redemption Race.
The Redemption Race was a chance to win some much-needed points, with Al-Attiyah
getting a clean jump off the line to chase down NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams
Tanner Foust in first. However, the five-time Dakar winner rolled following
an attempt to pass the leader, forcing an early DNF for the team.
The subsequent task to recover the teams ODYSSEY 21 was an arduous one,
as it soon became clear that the nature of the repairs meant ABT CUPRA XE
would have to switch to the championship car for Round 2.
It was an impressive shift and demonstration of true teamwork to get the ODYSSEY
21 prepared to race in the second half of the double-header, with Extreme
Es new race format offering a much-needed haul of points for the team.
The promise of a fresh start on Sunday initially looked at risk, when ABT
CUPRA XE faced a 30-second penalty for switching to the replacement car in
their first Qualifying Heat of the day.
To make the best of this poor starting position, the team chose a bold strategy,
choosing to hang back and take on the Continental Traction Challenge in clear
air. The tactics paid off as Andersson and Al-Attiyah secured the quickest
time through the sector and improved their chances of reaching the Grand Final
despite a P4 finish in the Heat.
This momentum was carried through to Qualifying 2, where Al-Attiyahs
aggressive overtakes meant he entered in Switch Zone in P1, 16.9 seconds clear
of the pack. Andersson took over from her teammate to defend the advantage
all the way to the finish. That Qualifying 2 win meant a sensational entry
into the Round 2 Grand Final.
With an offset strategy the ABT CUPRA XE duo almost staged another brilliant
comeback to claim a top three finish, but had to settle for fourth after missing
out on a podium by just half a second.
Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: I will keep the weekend in good
memory especially after everything that happened on Saturday. Our comeback
on Sunday with a win in the Qualifying race and a strong performance in the
Grand Final was at least a small reward for the guys efforts. We learned
a lot and will be racing for trophies and wins next time.
Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: The fact that we were able to race
at all on Sunday is a small miracle and only thanks to the mega guys in the
garage. We fought for a podium finish in the Grand Final until the last metre,
but unfortunately it wasnt quite enough. Were still proud of our
weekend and comeback and now come to the races in Scotland even hungrier for
a win.
With two races down, ABT CUPRA XE sits sixth in the championship standings
with 15 points total. It will be all to play for once more when the Extreme
E Season 3 action resumes on 13-14 May in Scotland.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-17 Consistency is key
for Rosberg X Racing as they bid for second Extreme E title
Despite Rosberg X Racing (RXR) making an impressive start to the season at
the Desert X Prix, the prized top-spot on the podium remained elusive. For
drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, however,
two third place finishes and a strong haul of points from Saudi Arabia sets
RXR up confidently for the remaining eight races of 2023.
Extreme E Season 3 promised to be the most closely fought in the series thus
far and Nico Rosbergs RXR did not have it all their own way in NEOM
having won on the championships two visits to Saudi Arabia.
In Round 1, Qualifying Heat 1 resulted in a shaky start, with RXR finishing
in fourth place, before rallying to complete an impressive comeback in Heat
2 finishing second to bag the crucial points required to secure a spot
in the first Grand Final of Season 3.
An incredible first corner from Kristoffersson, where he overtook four cars
to lead after Turn One, set the tone and some strong defensive driving to
hold off Veloce Racings Kevin Hansen ensured RXR led the field at the
Switch Zone.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky took over and crucially maintained the lead to bring
the car home first, however Nico Rosbergs outfit were soon to be denied
that all-important first win of the campaign.
A misjudgement by the Swede in the Slow Zone following an incident which left
GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racings RJ Anderson stricken ODYSSEY 21 stranded
out on course resulted in a 136-second penalty by race control for over speeding
and gaining an advantage.
This ultimately led to Veloce Racing claiming their maiden victory and RXR
dropping down to third place retrospectively when the penalty was applied.
Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: In the end, third place in Round One
was a good result. We began the day with a tricky start position in Q1. Q2
was better, and I had a good start in the Grand Final. I had a plan and strategy
and managed to execute it. I tried to be safe during the first lap, trying
not to make any mistakes as its difficult to overtake.
During the second lap, I tried to open up some breathing space for Mikaela.
Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication with the slow zone, so the penalty
meant we couldnt take home the win. Of course, It hurts a bit not to
win when you finish first, but thats how it is.
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Rosberg X Racing, said: Johan did an
amazing start, and the pace was good. Unfortunately, I had issues understanding
where the slow zone was regarding the Waypoints. But the team has done an
amazing job, and it was a good start to the season.
Despite the setback, the all-new racing format meant that RXR had a second
chance to fight for the win in Round 2. They certainly set a strong tone,
winning their Q1 Heat and securing second spot in Q2 to comfortably reach
their second Grand Final in Saudi Arabia.
After an initial false start in Q1, Kristoffersson delivered a superb start
once more by timing his ENOWA Hyperdrive usage perfectly to surge to the front
of the pack. After handing over to Åhlin-Kottulinsky, a nail-biting
two laps ensued, with RXR finishing in P1.
Q2 saw contact between RXR, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE and ABT CUPRA XE team following
a feisty start. Despite this, Åhlin-Kottulinsky fiercely stood her ground
to enter the switch zone in third. Kristoffersson then used his ENOWA Hyperdrive
on the shoreline straight, passing X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser McConnell
to finish the Heat in second.
The Grand Final saw RXR finish in third for the second time in two days
with the team embroiled in a race-long battle with Veloce Racing for second
place. It was the British outfit who came out on top in that battle, with
Kristoffersson and Åhlin-Kottulinsky settling for third and banking
a crucial podium.
Although the team would have wanted the victory, securing 31 championship
points and two podiums from the first event ensures RXR remain poised to continue
their success in the upcoming races.
With eight more races, the Extreme E Season 1 champions will have plenty of
opportunities to close the gap to the top of the standings.
Kristoffersson said: Both me and Mikaela had good starts this weekend,
and we had a great race craft, which was key to the result this weekend. This
terrain isnt mine or Mikaela's preferable surface compared to many of
the other races that are coming so, considering that, two podiums are a good
result.
Even though we werent always the fastest on track this weekend,
we still collected good points.
So many strong teams didnt make it to the Grand Final during this
X Prix, so we will take the points, regroup, and analyse this result with
the team ahead of Scotland and come back well-prepared.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky added: I felt like this wasnt my strongest
weekend as I struggled quite a bit to understand the terrain, but all things
considered, Im very happy to bring home two P3s! The team did a great
job with the car, and Im very happy to have Johan as my teammate. Hes
done an amazing job and was super quick. Im looking forward to Scotland
and the next doubleheader.
Kimmo Liimatainen, Rosberg X Racing Team Principal, concluded: Obviously,
we always aim for P1, but all in all, it was a solid and clean weekend. With
a double podium and good points in the bag, we will go home and analyse what
we can do better and find more pace.
"Im optimistic that we can strike back in Scotland.
You can see how RXR fare in their attempts to strike back in Scotland at the
next round of Extreme E Season 3 on 13-14 May.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-16 Focus shifts to Scotland
after challenging opening round for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E
As the first race of Season 3 got underway, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E
suffered a Desert X Prix beset by bad luck with the team coming away
from Saudi Arabia with just five points from the opening round.
The teams weekend had started well with Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen
looking to convert the promise shown last season into podium positions.
On Friday, the driver duo delivered strong performances in both Free Practice
sessions, collecting valuable data about the new off-road course and finished
second in both outings.
However, when the racing got underway is when the trouble began for the Andretti
Altawkilat Extreme E team. In Qualifying 1, Munnings chased Carl Cox Motorsports
Christine GZ hard for second place but in attempting an overtake bounced
on an unforgiving bulge in the terrain, unfortunately rolling her ODYSSEY
21.
It was then all hands-on deck for the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team in
the blistering desert heat, as they impressively got their car onto the start
line for their Qualifying 2 Heat. After negotiating a difficult start, Andretti
Altawkilat Extreme E took fourth and a place in the Round 1 Redemption Race.
However, once more they were unable to demonstrate their earlier Practice
pace in the Redemption Race as the team suffered another roll, this time with
Hansen behind the wheel, ensuring a tenth place finish from the first round
of the new season.
Catie Munnings, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team, said: The new race
format leaves a fair bit to chance, and weve been unlucky to start the
season this way. My incident from the first qualifying session meant we started
from grid slot five and the visibility was so poor for parts of the lap. It
also made it difficult to find any rhythm and pull back some time to the car
ahead.
Overall, Round 1 was not reflective of our pace from the Free Practice
sessions. I know that we are capable of a good result if everything aligns
for us, so thats what well focus on now.
Timmy Hansen, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team, said: "Round 1 was
probably one of the worst race days Ive had in many years. Two rolls
in one day pretty much sums up how things went for us. It just wasnt
our day today. In Extreme E, the margins are so tight, meaning one incident
may cause bigger problems for the rest of your day."
Round 2 offered a chance at a comeback with plenty of racing and points opportunities
on the table.
Hansen had a great launch off the line in Qualifying 1 and coming into the
Switch Zone the team clocked the fastest time and maintained the lead. However,
late overtakes by Veloce Racing and X44 Vida Carbon Racing ensured the team
finished third in their Heat.
Qualifying 2 also showed promise, yet an unfortunate landing from a jump after
exiting the Switch Zone ensured yet another roll for Hansen and the
teams third across the weekend. Fortunately, their ODYSSEY 21 had only
suffered minor damage, but resultant incident ensured the Swede and Munnings
would have to settle for another Redemption Race for Round 2.
In a scrappy final race of the weekend for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team,
they were able to finish third in the Redemption Race, and eighth overall,
to conclude what had been a frustrating opening X Prix of 2023.
Munnings added: "The Redemption Race in Round 2 was more like the Crazy
Race! I took over the car, but there were yellow zones and cars off from incidents
ahead. From the position that we had after losing a place in the Switch Zone,
there was not much I could do in the conditions but, hopefully, there will
be some valuable data from the race that we can use and learn more about the
car.
We know were far more capable of what weve been able to
show in Saudi Arabia. We always have to look at the positives and, as a team,
were strong at doing so. We know we have the pace, so weve just
got to be able to convert it now.
Hansen concluded: I think we had the pace when there was a clear track
but, unfortunately, we werent able to convert that into any results.
We had a couple of crashes that cost us on both days, which is not how we
were hoping to start the season.
Nonetheless, its been a great event in Saudi Arabia seeing
everyone from Altawkilat and getting the season started in this stunning location.
Weve got a good team behind us who have been with us since Season 1,
so well keep our heads down and focus on Scotland next on the calendar.
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E will have the opportunity to bounce back at
the next Extreme E round in Scotland on 13-14 May.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-14 Two new winners at
Season 3 opener hints at closest championship yet
Veloce Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team competitive season yet in the series,
with several teams showing signs of challenging for wins in 2023.
Having claimed just one podium from their first two Extreme E campaigns, for
Veloce Racing the Desert X Prix in NEOM was the culmination of a remarkable
turnaround.
Having finished 2022 tenth in the overall standings, the British outfit top
the Extreme E standings at the end of the first X Prix double-header having
taken a debut victory and a deserved second place from their desert excursions
in Saudi Arabia.
For drivers Molly Taylor and Kevin Hansen, their start to life at Veloce Racing
could not have been much stronger.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: As weekends go it couldnt have
gone much better. Everyone in the team has done such a great job and I dont
think I have ever had so much fun along the way.
A victory, a double podium and being inside the top two in every session
is not easy to achieve, particularly in this championship, so we can all be
delighted with the performance and look forward to the rest of the season.
The duo made their debuts for Veloce Racing at the Season 2 finale in Punta
del Este, Uruguay, where they became the first team outside of X44 Vida Carbon
Racing and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) to finish as top Qualifier.
It is evident that such momentum has been carried into the 2023, with the
team aiming to ensure their success in Saudi Arabia is not a flash in the
pan.
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: We have shown that we can lead from
the front, but we can also go wheel-to-wheel for position, as both Molly and
I have made up places during the weekend. Both of us believe so much in what
the engineers and mechanics are doing, so we feel so safe when we get in the
car. We believe in what we are going to drive, and I think that is also giving
some results.
We know we have the right package in place, and we look forward to taking
this confidence to Scotland in May.
Taylor added: I've obviously been out of the car for a little while
so you need confidence in yourself that you can deliver. But the team
have been so supportive and brilliant at bringing the best out of every aspect
that we look into.
Our Team Principal Luc [Alphand] knows what it takes to win. Having
that faith in someone like that, who's got the scores on the board, who knows
what you're feeling, and knows how to translate that into results, I think
that's a real advantage for us.
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team join Veloce Racing at the head of the Extreme E Season
3 standings with their debut win in Round 2 at the first X Prix of the year.
Although a contender throughout their time in Extreme E, their maiden victory
had been elusive up until the second leg in NEOM, where Laia Sanz and new
team-mate Mattias Ekström crossed the line first to secure that long
awaited win.
Having been so close to victory on a number of occasions, Sanz and Ekström
hope that this victory will take the team from front-runner to championship
contender in the series.
Although unable to drive for the team currently due to injury, the Spanish
outfit still has talismanic Carlos Sainz Snr. in their corner this term.
Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: "Finally! I think we did a
great job. Not only this weekend, but these two years with Carlos [Sainz Snr.]
and all the team. I think he really deserved this win and they deserve this
win and I'm super happy also with Mattias [Ekström] who has helped me
so much and played a huge part in the good results in Saudi Arabia.
This victory is for all the people on the team because they truly deserve
it for all the work we have done to be in this position, especially for Carlos.
I learned so much with him as my teammate and it is fantastic that he is with
us here, helping us and giving advice.
"Look how difficult it was to get to the Final that we won, though. For
us, it was really close. We felt we were strong throughout but then you can
see the other teams performing well and being strong it will be a long
season.
We can feel proud, but we must keep up the good work. To win the championship
we need to avoid big mistakes.
Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: It's always great
to be racing and to be on the podium, but I think this one is a little different.
It was a late c-all for me to join the team, and I'm really happy that Carlos
[Sainz Snr.] called me and trusted me to step in for him.
During the weekend, when you are not driving, it can be difficult to
keep looking at data and finding the motivation throughout the days to look
for details. But Carlos can do the same thing five times and he never get
bored. He can repeat, repeat, repeat thats so impressive and
crucial to our performance as a team.
We have had strong pace so far this season, though, with two very positive
days of racing. We can be happy with a lot of things in this championship
to date.
Such strong weekends from the aforementioned debut winners have indicated
just how competitive it will be in Season 3, and that X44 Vida Carbon Racing
and RXR may not have it all their own way in their pursuit of a second Extreme
E championship.
The pioneering series now looks towards its next race weekend in Scotland
(13-14 May), which will be just as closely fought as the opening round in
the desert of Saudi Arabia.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-12 Carlos Sainz's
team claim long-awaited victory at Desert X Prix Round 2
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secured their first ever win in Extreme E with a dominant
run in the Grand Final, finishing ahead of Round 1 winners Veloce Racing in
second and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in third on the sands of NEOM, Saudi Arabia.
Laia Sanz and Mattias Ekström, supported on-site by team owner Carlos
Sainz Snr., dominated the race from start to finish, establishing a comfortable
lead as Veloce Racing and RXR fought over the runners-up spot.
In fourth place were ABT CUPRA XE, having recovered well from a crash in Round
1s Redemption Race to make it to the Grand Final second time around.
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing finished fifth, marking two Grand
Finals out of two for the teams new driver-pairing of RJ Anderson and
Extreme E newcomer Amanda Sorensen.
Winners of the Redemption Race were X44 Vida Carbon Racing. Having tied fifth
in Qualifying with eventual Round 2 winners, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, Fraser
McConnell and Cristina Gutiérrez lost out on a spot in the Grand Final
due to a slower time in the Continental Traction Challenge.
X44 Vida Carbon Racing came back swinging, ending Round 2 with the quickest
time in the Traction Challenge on their way to victory in the Redemption Race,
securing a valuable 10 points in the championship battle.
The Desert X Prix double-header delivered two maiden victories, with wins
for Veloce Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. Whats more, with the
Round 2 podium featuring the same top three teams from Round 1, they will
be the ones to watch as the series heads into the next X Prix weekend in Scotland
on May 13-14.
Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: I am very happy, both for
myself and the team. We clinched our maiden win in Extreme E! I want to thank
Mattias for giving me the car with such a good advantage over the rest of
the field. I did a good stint and was able to keep the distance, so I am more
than satisfied.
"This victory is for all the people on the team because they truly deserve
it for all the work we have done to be in this position, especially for Carlos
Sainz. It was an honor that he called me to ask if I wanted to race with him
in Extreme E and I am trying to pay back his trust with all my motivation
and my willingness to improve even further. I learned so much with him as
my teammate and it is fantastic that he is with us here, helping us and giving
advice. Today we can feel proud, but we must keep up the good work.
Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: We had designed
a strategy for the Grand Final and I executed it as well as I could. I am
really happy that it turned out to be fruitful. It is always easier to race
in front and have a clear view in front than being behind another car and
having to deal with all the dust. I really enjoyed every corner. Laia drove
very well and managed the gap perfectly. It is a good victory for the team.
"It is also very special for Carlos. We have been teammates at the Dakar
Rally for the past two years, but ever since I joined ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team
he has been really caring. He has taught me many things, as a father would.
He is a great guy and it makes me really happy that we can dedicate this victory
to him.
Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, added: I am really happy
that the first victory of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team is finally here because
we have worked a lot of time to achieve it. Laia and Mattias were spectacular
and they already showed that they are one of the strongest driver pairings
in the Championship.
"We have grown steadily and so have our results. Starting the Championship
in this fashion is a good sign. We must keep up the good work and I hope the
team is able to keep the same trend in the next race because our goal is to
fight for the Championship. Today is also a day to be thankful to our sponsors,
like Acciona, Santander Private Banking, and Asterra because without them
it would be really difficult to achieve a success like this.
Grand Final
As the top five teams from Qualifying took on the Grand Final in Extreme E,
Ekström set the tone for the race as he charged into the lead for ACCIONA
| SAINZ XE Team.
Behind the Swede, Veloce Racings Kevin Hansen dug deep to get ahead
of RXRs Johan Kristoffersson to take second place, as the RXR machine
bounced sideways through the dips in the course.
Just as the front three got some breathing space from No.99 GMC HUMMER EV
Chip Ganassi Racings Anderson and ABT CUPRA XEs Klara Andersson
in fourth and fifth, respectively, Hansen accidentally hit the pit limiter.
The Veloce Racing ODYSSEY 21 dropped back into third while Hansen recovered
from the sudden loss of speed.
Ekström continued to extend his lead for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team as the
other teams lost time tussling for position, with Kristoffersson defending
hard against Hansen until the Veloce Racing driver took a wider line and completed
the overtake on RXR for second place.
Following the driver change, which saw Veloce Racings Molly Taylor and
RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky door-to-door as they exited the
Switch Zone, it was a comfortable run for Sanz in the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team
car.
The Spaniard kept a cool head to complete a clean run, while Taylor brought
her ODYSSEY 21 home in second for Veloce Racing.
RXRs Åhlin-Kottulinsky fended off Nasser Al-Attiyah in the final
stages of the race to claim the third step on the podium, with ABT CUPRA XE
finishing fourth after Al-Attiyah got past No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi
Racings Sorensen.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: "It was a really cool weekend for
us and a great way to start the new season! For me coming back in Ive
obviously been out of the car for a little while so you like to have
confidence and belief in yourself but then youve obviously got to get
out there and prove yourself.
"The new format means theres more racing which is a good thing
and more fun for sure. Weve seen how close everyone is. The teams that
were on the podium were fast but there were plenty of teams that were also
very fast and not on the podium."
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: "It has been great to kick off the
season like this and to get two podiums to start the year. For sure it was
a big challenge, and the ruts were almost the same height as the car at some
points in the finals but we managed to come through.
"It was a treat to start this way but there were the same three teams
up there on the podium so we can expect all the others to improve as well
before the next race and we need to do the same."
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Rosberg X Racing, said: "Getting a double
podium on a weekend like this is obviously great, but it has also been a tough
weekend. I found it hard to pick up pace and be in there, but Ive really
been struggling to improve and to get better.
"We are happy with P3 today and, of course, it was a shame about yesterday,
but its so important just to collect points. There are so many great
teams out there, so to be in the Grand Final every time and keep collecting
those points is what is going to get you the championship in the end."
Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing, said: "The track was very challenging
but was rewarding if you were prepared to take risks. In the final today,
I was a little bit too cautious and that allowed Kevin [Hansen] to pass me,
but I think the weekend wasnt too bad.
"It always feels a little bit like you left something on the table, especially
yesterday and maybe today with that overtaking from Kevin, but in the end
you know with the new format and tricky start conditions from both Q1s
Saturday and Sunday, to score important points is good."
Redemption Race
The remaining five teams fought it out in the Redemption Race in pursuit of
those all important sixth to tenth place championship points.
Carl Cox Motorsport looked to have taken an early lead in the race as Timo
Scheider pushed his ODYSSEY 21 to the limit, bouncing round the outside of
the opening right-hander. X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser McConnell,
however, stuck to his trusted inside line to jump to the front of the pack.
Behind them was Andretti Altawkilat Extreme Es Timmy Hansen, followed
by NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust in fourth, and JBXEs
Heikki Kovalainen in fifth, until Foust pulled out onto a wider line and cut
back in to overtake Hansen for third place.
Scheider kept just two seconds adrift of X44 Vida Carbon Racings McConnell
as the German ran in second for Carl Cox Motorsport. Meanwhile the front three
pulled away from Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E and JBXE, and as they approached
the Switch Zone Scheider was late on the brakes, making contact with McConnell
as they entered.
Carl Cox Motorsport managed to get the better of X44 Vida Carbon Racing at
the driver change, as Christine GZ emerged ahead of Cristina Gutiérrez.
The X44 Vida Carbon Racing driver soon retook the lead, however, as the NEOM
McLaren Extreme E Team continued a trouble free run behind.
The same cannot be said for Carl Cox Motorsports GZ and JBXEs
Hedda Hösas, though, as both suffered a roll during their stint. GZ was
able to crawl home in fourth, handing second and third place to NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Team and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, respectively, while JBXE
ended their Desert X Prix with a DNF.
Results:
Grand Final:
1. ACCIONA SAINZ XE Team 11:10.821
2. Veloce Racing +5.527
3. Rosberg X Racing +7.429
4. ABT CUPRA XE +7.987
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +22.321
Redemption Race:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 11:10.132
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +10.150
3. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +33.296
4. Carl Cox Motorsport +2:43.534 (PENALISED)
5. JBXE DNF
Championship Standings:
1. Veloce Racing: 46 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 46 points
3. Rosberg X Racing: 31 points
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 23 points
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 21 points
6. ABT CUPRA XE: 15 points
7. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 14 points
8. Carl Cox Motorsport: 8 points
9. JBXE: 5 points
10. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 5 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-12 Två pallplatser
i Extreme E-premiären
Två tredjeplatser blev facit för Rosberg X Racing i premiären
av Extreme E i Saudiarabien. Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky
körde stabilt och undvek misstag i den tuffa terrängen vid Röda
havet.
- När vi får smälta det här kommer vi nog tycka att det
var ganska bra, säger Johan.
Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky fick en tung start i lördagens
race med en fjärdeplats i sitt första kvalificeringsheat.
- Vi fick en dålig lottning och startade i ett svårt läge.
Jag tycker vi hade speeden på fria träningen, men det spelar ingen
roll om man inte startar på rätt ställe, säger Johan.
Bättre gick det i andra heatet, där en andraplats räckte till
sista platsen i finalen. Även där med ett knepigt utgångsläge.
- Vi hamnade längst ut igen. Jag hade valt en plan och satsade allt på
ett kort. Det gick vägen, berättar Johan, som mycket elegant tog
sig in från sitt ytterspår och svepte förbi samtliga motståndare
och upp i ledning.
- Därifrån försökte jag bara ta bilen säkert hem
till Mikaela. Det var ganska slagigt och svårt, men jag kunde i alla
fall öppna upp ett gap på några sekunder.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky tog sedan RXR-bilen över mållinjen som
etta, vilket skulle ha betytt tre raka premiärsegrar för teamet
i Extreme E. Men det stora segerjublet uteblev. RXR hade överskridit
hastigheten i byteszonen under Mikaelas runda och fick en bestraffning som
betydde nerflyttning till tredje plats.
- Det blev en miss i kommunikationen där. Tråkigt, men vi slutade
trea och fick med oss många poäng, så det var ändå
bra, menar Johan.
Till skillnad från första dagen inleddes andra dagens tävling
på allra bästa sätt. RXR tog hem Q1 efter att Johan än
en gång levererat en suverän start från ytterspår.
Den här gången hittade han vinnarspåret längst ut och
svepte hela fältet.
Mikaela skötte resten av jobbet och ordnade maximala tio kvalpoäng
till RXR.
- Gott att vi kunde gå in i Q2 med att redan ha säkrat tio poäng,
tycker Kristoffersson.
I andra kvalheatet var det Åhlin-Kottulinsky som inledde. Hon följde
teamkamratens exempel och levererade ett stycke startmagi fram till ledning.
Denna fick hon dock släppa efter tuff närkontakt från Nasser
al-Attiyah, men läget var ändå bra för Johan när
han gav sig ut och säkrade andraplatsen.
Med kvalplaceringarna 1-2 summerade RXR en andraplats totalt i kvalet, men
hamnade åter en gång långt ut i startspåren.
- Jag fick en bra start där också, men det går inte att göra
så mycket mer därifrån.
Johan kom ut som trea, tog sig förbi Kevin Hansen som strulade till det,
men bjöd tillbaka med ett eget misstag.
- Det var rejält slagigt där. I efterhand kan jag tycka att jag
var lite för försiktig, men det finns ett långsiktigt tänk
där man inte vill tappa poäng genom att köra sönder bilen.
Just säsongen som helhet finns med när Kristoffersson summerar första
tävlingshelgen, med två tredjeplatser och en tredjeplats totalt
i mästerskapet.
- Det är otroligt starka team som inte ens kommer till final någon
av dagarna. Så här kommer det att bli, att det svänger fram
och tillbaka under säsongen. Då är det viktigt att vara med
där framme så mycket som möjligt.
Och de sandiga dynerna i Saudiarabien är inte heller någon specialitet
för Rosberg X Racing-förarna.
- Det svider förstås lite att vi lämnade en del på bordet
åt de andra, men det är inte vare sig min eller Mikaelas favorit
att åka i sand. Nu säkrar vi ändå två tredjeplatser
och får med en bra säck med poäng hem.
- Fantastiskt bra jobb av hela teamet under helgen. Nu ska vi analysera det
här och ta nya tag i Skottland i maj!
23-03-12 Veloce Racing and
Rosberg X Racing win Q1 Heats in Desert X Prix Round 2
Veloce Racing and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) secured a strong start to Round 2
in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, with wins in their respective Qualifying 1 Heats.
Having both made the Final in Round 1 of the Desert X Prix, with Veloce Racing
taking their maiden victory in the series, the two teams continued their impressive
form in an action-packed Q1.
Qualifying 1 - Heat 1
As the five teams charged towards the opening corner, it was the Hansen brothers
who made the best start. Timmy chose the inside line for Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme E as Kevin charged around the outside for Round 1 victors Veloce Racing.
As Veloce Racing slotted into second, X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser
McConnell was close behind in third, followed by Timo Scheider in fourth for
Carl Cox Motorsport.
ABT CUPRA XE dropped to the back of the pack at the start, with the team set
to serve a 30-second penalty in the Switch Zone for using the championship
car, following damage to the chassis of their own ODYSSEY 21 when Nasser Al-Attiyah
rolled in Round 1s Redemption Race.
They made the most of their situation, however, hanging back to take on the
Continental Traction Challenge with clear air ahead of them. This bold strategy
paid off as the team went fastest through the sector, which could prove crucial
if they tie on points with another outfit in Round 2s overall Qualifying.
Up ahead the front four remained tightly packed, as Veloce Racings Hansen
put pressure on his brother for first and Carl Cox Motorsports Scheider
attacked X44 Vida Carbon Racings McConnell for third.
The teams approached the driver change in these pairs, but problems for Carl
Cox Motorsport in the Switch Zone saw Christine GZ stuck in her bay as the
team suffered another Qualifying DNF.
Exiting the Switch Zone, Veloce Racings Molly Taylor set her sights
on Catie Munnings in the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E ODYSSEY 21. The Australian
refused to play it safe, pushing Munnings from the very start of their two-lap
stint.
Behind them X44 Vida Carbon Racings Cristina Gutiérrez closed
the gap as the drama continued to build, with Taylors bonnet flying
clean off as she attempted an overtake. Taylor made use of her ENOWA Hyperdrive
to complete the pass on Munnings and claim the lead for Veloce Racing on the
shoreline straight.
Gutiérrez held on to her ENOWA Hyperdrive until late on, timing it
perfectly as she stole second place for X44 Vida Carbon Racing as the teams
approached the finish line. Munnings tried to recover but ran out of course,
thus finishing third just 0.293 seconds behind Gutiérrez, with ABT
CUPRA XEs Al-Attiyah bringing the car home safely in fourth.
Veloce Racing and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E had initially received penalties
for speeding in the Switch Zone giving X44 Vida Carbon Racing the win however,
following a review, these were rescinded ensuring the on-course finishing
positions were retained.
Qualifying 1 - Heat 2
After an initial false start the Heat got going at the second attempt, with
RXRs Johan Kristoffersson sandwiched between the JBXE and ACCIONA |
SAINZ XE Team cars as the teams approached the first corner.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust pushed for the lead as he
charged up the inside line, but despite being squeezed Kristoffersson timed
his ENOWA Hyperdrive perfectly to surge to the front as No.99 GMC HUMMER EVs
RJ Anderson picked up the fight for second with Foust.
Mattias Ekström was close behind for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, and gained
a position as Foust tussled with Anderson, the former dropping to fourth in
the melee for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team.
All five teams remained congested, but only JBXEs Heikki Kovalainen
had held onto his ENOWA Hyperdrive, which the Finn used to take fourth place
from Foust as the front three pulled away.
Anderson tried new lines as he tried take the lead for No.99 GMC HUMMER EV
Chip Ganassi Racing, but RXRs Kristoffersson shut the door repeatedly
as the teams approached the Switch Zone.
Laia Sanz and Amanda Sorensen were side by side as they exited their bays,
but Sanz soon slotted into third for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team behind the No.99
GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing car.
A nail-biting two laps ensued, with the frontrunners close together as they
approached the end of the race.
As Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky crossed the line in first for RXR, Sanz
attempted to steal second with her ENOWA Hyperdrive. The Spaniard fell 0.619
seconds short of pulling off the overtake, placing ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team
third behind No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racings Sorensen.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team came fourth, despite a penalty for speeding in
the Switch Zone, after Emma Gilmour managed to get round JBXEs Hedda
Hösas who finished a close fifth.
With Qualifying 2, the Redemption Race and the Grand Final all still to come
today, find out where you can watch the action here.
Qualifying 1 Results:
Heat 1:
1. Veloce Racing 11:25.061
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing +2.777
3. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +3.070
4. ABT CUPRA XE +1:09.044 (PENALISED)
5. Carl Cox Motorsport DNF
Heat 2:
1. Rosberg X Racing 11:27.999
2. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +0.996
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +1.615
4. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +12.047 (PENALISED)
5. JBXE +12.342
Overall Qualifying 1 Standings:
1. Veloce Racing: 10 points
2. Rosberg X Racing: 10 points
3. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 8 points
4. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 8 points
5. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 6 points
6. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 6 points
7. ABT CUPRA XE: 4 points
8. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 4 points
9. JBXE: 2 points
10. Carl Cox Motorsport: 0 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-11 Veloce Racing claims
maiden victory in Desert X Prix Round 1
Veloce Racing secured their first ever victory in Extreme E following a penalty
for on course winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in the Grand Final of the opening
round in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor put in a consistent drive for the Desert X Prix
Round 1 Grand Final, and while it looked like an outright win was within their
grasp they ended the race in second behind Nico Rosbergs outfit.
After crossing the finish line in first place, RXR received a penalty for
speeding under a yellow flag, dropping the team from first to third and ensuring
Veloce Racing took the top step on the podium for the first time. ACCIONA
| Sainz XE Team finished third on course, but jumped up to second after RXR
received their time penalty.
Winners of the series first Redemption Race were the NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Team having seen off championship debutants Carl Cox Motorsport. Tanner
Foust and Emma Gilmour came out as best of the rest in a race of two halves,
as the session was red flagged following racing incidents for Andretti ALTAWKILAT
Extreme E and ABT CUPRA XE.
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: It feels great. To come back to Saudi
Arabia and get my first Extreme E win with this new team, with Molly, and
in the country that I had such a career changing accident, this is such a
highlight.
Both of us believe so much in what the engineers and mechanics are doing,
so we feel so safe when we get in the car. We believe in what we are going
to drive and I think that is also giving some results.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: I think all of us in the team clicking
right from the beginning and developing and improving. We were able to start
at a really good level in Uruguay form there they've been really good at bringing
the best out of every aspect that we look into.
Our Team Principal Luc [Alphand] knows what it takes to win. Having
that faith in someone like that, who's got the scores on the board, who knows
what you're feeling, and knows how to translate that into results, I think
that's a real advantage for us.
Grand Final
As the top five teams from Qualifying took on the first ever Grand Final in
Extreme E, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Mattias Ekström seemed to have
the better start of the group.
As the Swede swung round the outside, RXRs Johan Kristoffersson stayed
closest to the apex of the corner, and the inside line paid off as he charged
to the front of the field.
Veloce Racings Hansen slotted into second place behind Kristofferson
after an impressive move on the outside saw him pass Ekström and No.99
GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganssi Racings RJ Anderson. The American then dropped
to the back of the pack behind Fraser McConnell in the X44 Vida Carbon Racing
ODYSSEY who took fourth.
The front four were nose-to-tail with no team gaining an advantage having
all used their ENOWA Hyperdrive at the start. As the Swedish trio broke away,
Hansen refused to let Kristoffersson go as Ekström also held them both
in his sights.
McConnell began to reel in the cars in front as he pushed his ODYSSEY 21,
with No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing out of contention having come
to a stop on course. The race was soon over for X44 Vida Carbon Racing as
well, as technical issues denied Lewis Hamiltons outfit a shot at the
podium.
Up ahead the drama continued, with Ekström beginning to drop off the
pace as Kristoffersson continued to shut the door on Hansen in the Veloce
Racing ODYSSEY 21 as the teams entered the Switch Zone.
Following the driver change, Veloce Racings Taylor took up the chase
as she looked to take the lead away from RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.
The Australian looked in with a chance, until she ran wide and dropped time.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky crossed the line in first, with Veloce Racing finishing
second and Laia Sanz coming home in third for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. Celebrations
were interrupted, however, when Nico Rosberg;s outfit were penalised
for speeding in a yellow flagged zone. The 136-second penalty saw the team
drop to third, handing Veloce Racing their maiden victory in Extreme E.
Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: We have had a good start to
the championship so I think in the end it was a great day!
We showed good pace in Qualifying and we got the Traction Challenge
points so we are happy as we showed that we can win some races. But the level
is crazy and everyone fights so hard so it will be difficult.
Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: We are really happy
to have finished second today! Im happy for myself on getting the call
from Carlos [Sainz Snr.] but even more happy for him as team boss being here
to see us finish second.
It was all going well until I came to RJs [Anderson] car which
was a misunderstanding on my part with the slow zone but I will take that
lesson with me.
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Rosberg X Racing, said: The team did
an amazing job, there were tough fights out there in Qualifying 1 and 2 but
the team put the car back together amazingly.
We were happy to make it the Final. Johan made an amazing start but
then I made a mistake in the slow zone. I thought it was 18 for the slow zone
not 17, so that was unfortunate of course but in the end a good job from the
team.
Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing, said: Its always nice
to be on the podium but its never the nicest thing to cross the finish
line first and not win!
Given that the track is so rough, its impressive that no cars stopped
because of the hard impacts from the bumps so thats well done to Spark
for making the cars so reliable and also well done to our team.
Redemption Race
The remaining five teams fought it out in the Redemption Race to determine
sixth to tenth place in the Desert X Prix Round 1 standings.
A strong start from eventual race winners NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team saw
Tanner Foust take the lead ahead of ABT CUPRA XEs Nasser Al-Attiyah
and JBXEs Heikki Kovalainen, whose impressive Extreme E debut showed
no signs of faltering.
An incident at the back of the pack saw the Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E
ODYSSEY 21 endure its second roll of the day. As Al-Attiyah shut the door
on Carl Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider, the German veered into Timmy
Hansen sending his ODYSSEY 21 into a spin and Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme
E out of the race.
This was the first of three DNFs in the race, as Al-Attiyah also rolled his
ABT CUPRA XE ODYSSEY 21 over the top of the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team as
the Qatari attempted to undercut Foust for the lead.
The remaining trio still on the move avoided the wreckage, with Kovalainen
taking the lead in the chaos, and pulled into the Switch Zone as the leader
as a Red Flag stopped the race.
As the action got back underway, Gilmour used her ENOWA Hyperdrive immediately
to close the gap on Hedda Hösas, but the JBXE team soon dropped to the
back before retiring from the race with technical issues, meaning the New
Zealander crossed the finish line first ahead of Carl Cox Motorsports
Christine GZ.
Results:
Grand Final:
1. Veloce Racing 11:56.291
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +16.709
3. Rosberg X Racing +2:08.041 (PENALISED)
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing DNF
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing DNF
Redemption Race:
1. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team 28:55.292
2. Carl Cox Motorsport +5.552
3. JBXE DNF
4. ABT CUPRA XE DNF
5. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E DNF
Championship Standings:
1. Veloce Racing: 26 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 21 points
3. Rosberg X Racing: 15 points
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 13 points
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 11 points
6. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 8 points
7. Carl Cox Motorsport: 6 points
8. JBXE: 4 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 2 points
10. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E: 1 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-11 X44 Vida Carbon Racing
and GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing win Q1 Heats
Defending champions X44 Vida Carbon Racing and Season 2 title contenders GMC
HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing secured the perfect start to their Season 3
campaign with wins in their respective Qualifying 1 Heats.
Despite both outfits fielding a debutant they secured the top spots in a dramatic
Q1, which saw a roll for Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme Es Catie Munnings
and multiple ODYSSEY 21s missing some bodywork.
Qualifying 1 - Heat 1
As the five teams charged towards the opening corner, it was RJ Anderson in
the lead for GMC HUMMER EV, ahead of Extreme E returner Mattias Ekström
in the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team car.
Carl Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider slotted into third, with Timmy Hansen
and Nasser Al-Attiyah rounding out the pack after the ABT CUPRA XE driver
made contact with the back of the Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E car.
Out in front Ekström soon closed in on Anderson, pulling up alongside
the American but falling short of the overtake as Anderson clung onto the
inside line.
Anderson held off multiple attempts by the Swede before entering the Switch
Zone in first, with Scheider, Hansen and Al-Attiyah maintaining their track
position not far behind the leading pair.
As Laia Sanz took over the wheel for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, she tried an
alternate line, putting the pressure on Extreme E newcomer Amanda Sorensen
as they approached the shoreline section.
The move proved too much as the Spaniard ran wide into the water, giving Sorensen
the breathing room she needed to take a win on debut for GMC HUMMER EV Chip
Ganassi Racing ahead of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team in second.
Klara Andersson suffered a similar fate to Sanz, running wide onto the water
as she pushed to close the gap from fifth for ABT CUPRA XE. Ahead of the Swede,
a tight battle ensued between Carl Cox Motorsport and Andretti ALTAWKILAT
Extreme E as Chirstine GZ and Catie Munnings fought hard for third and those
all important points for a place in the Grand Final.
As the tussling pair left the shoreline, Munnings made an aggressive move
on the inside of GZ but rolled as her ODYSSEY 21 bounced on an unforgiving
bump in the terrain.
The incident put Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E out of the race, ensuring a
comfortable third on debut for Carl Cox Motorsport and fourth place for the
recovering ABT CUPRA XE team.
Qualifying 2 - Heat 2
Heat 2 was no less action-packed, as the new sporting format delivered excitement
from the outset.
NEOM McLaren Extreme Es Tanner Foust emerged at the front of the pack
initially, closely followed by Rosberg X Racings (RXR) Johan Kristoffersson
as the pair took a wider line into the first corner.
In their rear view mirror, X44 Vida Carbon Racing debutant Fraser McConnell
stuck to the inside line of the tight right-hander, and cut through from fourth
place all the way to first.
A steady start from JBXEs Heikki Kovalainen saw the Finn in third, behind
Foust and ahead of Kristoffersson in his first Extreme E race.
Having followed the same line as McConnell, Veloce Racings Kevin Hansen
was cut off and left to chase down Kristoffersson from fifth place. Hansen
soon passed his fellow Swede, making use of his ENOWA Hyperdrive on the shoreline
straight.
Up ahead a confident drive from McConnell saw the Jamaican extend his lead,
though only just over six seconds separated the pack from front to back. The
wheel-to-wheel action behind him resulted in contact between Kovalainen and
Hansen as the latter tried to make the overtake.
Returning to the shoreline straight on the second lap, Foust lost time as
he dipped a wheel into the water, opening the door for Kovalainen to surge
into second place as NEOM McLaren Extreme E dropped to third in front of Veloce
Racing and RXR.
The teams entered the Switch Zone in this order, but Veloce Racings
Molly Taylor managed to leapfrog Emma Gilmour in the NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Team car. As that tight-knit pack launched out of the Switch Zone, Taylor
then got the better of JBXEs Hedda Hosås to take second place,
forcing the Norwegian to take the alternate, and ultimately slower, line.
Behind them RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky stole fourth place
from Gilmour right by the waters edge. The NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team
driver then made contact with the RXR ODYSSEY 21 as she tried and failed to
take back the position.
X44 Vida Carbon Racing pulled clear to take the win, followed by Veloce Racing
in a comfortable second place after a tricky opening. JBXEs Hosås,
coming under pressure from RXRs Åhlin-Kottulinsky, made use of
her ENOWA Hyperdrive to hold onto that all important third place in the Heat
ahead of RXR and NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team in fifth.
With Qualifying 2, the Redemption Race and the Grand Final all still to come
today, find out where you can watch the action here.
Qualifying 1 Results:
Heat 1:
1. GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 11:32:914
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +3.384
3. Carl Cox Motorsport +18.663
4. ABT CUPRA XE +2:09.126 (PENALISED)
5. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E DNF
Heat 2:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 11:32.993
2. Veloce Racing +8.734
3. JBXE +19.100
4. Rosberg X Racing +20.980
5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +28.728 (PENALISED)
Overall Qualifying 1 Standings:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 10 points
2. GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 10 points
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 8 points
4. Veloce Racing: 8 points
5. Carl Cox Motorsport: 6 points
6. JBXE: 6 points
7. Rosberg X Racing: 4 points
8. ABT CUPRA XE: 4 points
9. NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 2 points
10. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E: 0 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com