London (Motorsports news): Extreme E, the electric motorsport series designed to raise climate change awareness, has today announced the Rookie Invitational test as it seeks to welcome the next generation of off road racers.

The Rookie Invitational will start on Monday 25 October 2021 after the fourth round of the inaugural Extreme E season in Sardinia, Italy. Each of the nine Extreme E teams, will be allowed to test two drivers at the Rookie Invitational, one male and one female, in a bid to give more drivers the opportunity to advance in the world of professional motorsport and also join the electric racing revolution.

Each team will have the choice of the drivers it brings and those selected will join up with their respective teams for the duration of the Island X Prix in Sardinia to take part in the event. They will get to grips with the unique nature of the series and immerse themselves amongst the Extreme E paddock.

Also read: Five car final confirmed by Extreme E for Arctic X Prix

Drivers taking part in the Rookie Invitational will be given practice time in the car ahead of completing timed course laps. In between time out on the course, Extreme E will conduct a number of workshops focussed on careers in professional motorsport from drivers in the series, including 2001 Dakar Rally winner and ABT CUPRA XE driver Jutta Kleinschmidt.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “I’m delighted to announce the Rookie Invitational at the penultimate X Prix of Season 1. It aims to offer drivers interested in competing in Extreme E the opportunity to not only get behind the wheel but immerse themselves in our unique series.

“The idea came about from various conversations with our teams that identified a gap in talent – particularly female drivers – so we wanted to organise this testing day to give more racers the opportunity to throw their hat into the ring and get behind the wheel of our all electric ODYSSEY 21. I’m looking forward to seeing which drivers the teams select, and the wealth of driving talent out there that just need that chance to show off their skills.”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT CUPRA XE driver and President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Cross Country Rally Commission said: “I’m super happy that so many female drivers have the chance to race in Extreme E. The series is the only motorsport event where men and women are mixed 50/50.

“Through the series, and now the Rookie Invitational, we have the chance to discover even more female talents. It is a huge chance for all drivers dreaming of competing in Extreme E that want to prove their skills and talent. I'm very excited and looking forward to seeing a lot of applications. It is an honour to be part of the test programme and have the chance to share my knowledge from my years of experience.”