(Motorsports news) Extreme E is delighted to announce its partnership extension with Bosch, who will continue as the Championship’s Official Power Tool supplier for Season 2. One of the world’s leading providers for power tools, power tool accessories and measuring tools, the German brand will continue to provide their professional equipment to service Extreme E’s electric SUV, the ODYSSEY 21.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I’m thrilled to extend the partnership with Bosch.Continuing our hard work from Season 1, Bosch provided us with the essential tools that helped us deliver Extreme E’s inaugural campaign and I look forward to building upon this relationship for Season 2, especially through our first legacy project collaboration together in Senegal.”

Bosch provides mainly cordless tools that are critical to the sport-for-purpose championship, can withstand the toughest Extreme E racing locations and and are forward-thinking in the wider technology and innovation sectors.As part of the partnership extension, Bosch tools will specifically be used to assist in construction of X Prix event sites, which are held in the most remote corners of the planet to highlight the climate crisis.

The Bosch ethos is ‘by acting in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner, we want to improve people’s quality of life and safeguard the livelihoods of present and future generations’. This ranges from environmental protection – reducing their ecological footprint to creating more sustainable products that help conserve natural resources. These are all values that Extreme E embodies in its environmental purpose to highlight the issues currently facing the planet to inspire action.

Henk Becker, CEO of Bosch Power Tools, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Extreme E. Our professional power tools are made for the toughest applications – very similar to those conditions and challenges Extreme E is taking on. We fully support the championship’s purpose to raise awareness for climate change and share its dedication towards innovation and performance.”

Also read: Rivalry continues between Nasser Al-Attiyah and Carlos Sainz Snr.

(Motorsport) Tensions were high between Carlos Sainz Snr. and his long-time Dakar Rally rival Nasser Al-Attiyah at the Extreme E season opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, after the pair’s collision during Qualifying. In the first of the new five-car Heats, series debutant Al-Attiyah passed Sainz Snr. on the inside, but the ABT CUPRA XE driver’s pace caused him to miss a checkpoint flag. In recovering, the Qatari collided with Sainz Snr. as the Spaniard brought his damaged ODYSSEY 21 back to the Switch Zone before retiring from the Qualifying heat.

After the Stewards reviewed the collision, ABT CUPRA XE were penalised for missing a way point and for colliding with an opponent. The team were deducted two Intermediate Classification points and classified last of the four runners in the Heat, with Veloce Racing unable to contend following Christine GZ's accident the day before, leaving ABT CUPRA XE to battle it out in the Crazy Race for a spot in the Final.

Sainz Snr. and his ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team had the last laugh despite the heavy collision though, as alongside team-mate Laia Sanz they finished second overall in the Desert X Prix for their best result in Extreme E so far.

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, said: “I didn’t have much to say to Nasser after the clash. He ran wide and missed a flag; I was on the line and he hit me hard. Physically I was fine, my hand and neck were a bit painful, but I took some anti-inflammatory, and all was good. I am used to so many hits with this kind of off-road racing that I always keep good medicines in my bag!"

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: “It was a nice week for me. I learnt a lot, but I did make a few mistakes at the beginning. I’m sorry for my little mistake in the first qualifying session, but I’ve learned a lot and soaked up every minute in this new championship. We know what we’re capable of and we’re looking forward to the next race. We showed the speed, and this is very important, and I am sure in the next race we can be strong and do a much better job.”

This isn’t the first time the two drivers have been at close quarters on track, with both battling out for supremacy in the Dakar Rally for more than a decade.

Following the first X Prix of the season, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team sit in second place with 18 points after a strong performance in the Desert X Prix Final. Meanwhile a second-place finish for ABT CUPRA XE in the Crazy Race sees the team down in eighth place with four points. With the remainder of the season to come, this rivalry will be one to keep an eye out for.

Also read: Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to remain on Formula 1 calendar until 2025

(Motorsport) Rosberg X Racing (RXR) won 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."

Also read: Extreme E announces hydrogen off-road racing Championship

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

(Motorsport) Extreme E 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. Among 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 utilise 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.

Also read: Extreme E reveals Desert X Prix course ahead of Season 2

(Motorsport) With the Desert X Prix in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, just days away, the Championship has revealed 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).

Also read: Extreme E Season 2 is set to get underway in Saudi

(Motorsports news) After building on the success of its debut season 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

Extreme E Season 2 begins in the deserts of NEOM, a region in the northwest of Saudi Arabia where lies the largest global giga-project that is taking shape. NEOM has breath-taking landscapes that include the most  diverse terrains from expansive red sands to spectacular sandstone formations. It will also contain hyperconnected, cognitive towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centres, sports and entertainment venues, and tourist destinations. Extreme E will visit Saudi Arabia, as Season 1 Championship’s winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) will look to retain the title

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 they 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 emphasise 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.”

Also read: JBXE announces Molly Taylor as Kevin Hansen's teammate

(Motorsports news) JBXE 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 inaugural season, and has 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 from 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. The remaining three X Prix saw 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 stood third in the constructors 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.”

 

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 regular fixture in the  FIA World Rallycross Championship for several years, securing event wins and multiple podiums for Team Peugeot-Hansen. 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. This year he will hope that he can replicate the same form and win the extreme E championship for Jenson Button’s team

 

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)

 

Also read: Carlos Sainz Sr. and Laia Sanz continue with ACCIONA Sainz XE

(Motorsport) Formula 1’s second most successful team McLaren have become the fourth team to launch their 2022 challenger, referred to as the MCL36 which will be driven by Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo in the upcoming season. Revealing a bold and updated livery, McLaren will hope to close the gap between themselves and rivals Ferrari as well as mount a challenge for teams like Red Bull and Mercedes. The car was unveiled at McLaren’s Technology Centre base and revealed that the MCL36 is ready for pre-season testing.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said “We wanted something that was very vibrant. The livery changes we did last year - both in Monaco and in Abu Dhabi - we got a lot of great fan reaction and they like to see a lot of energy. I think it's got speed and elegance to it that we thought would go on top of the fast race car that hopefully we've designed this year." Alongside the MCL36, McLaren also revealed their IndyCar and Extreme E car which will be making its debut this year. "This is a first for us as a team, and in the wider world of motorsport," said Brown. 

McLaren finished behind Ferrari in fourth place in the 2021 season and are expected to face a tough test from the Italian manufacturers this time around, especially considering that Scuderia Ferrari has spent considerable time and resources for the 2022 car (yet to be revealed). McLaren’s 2021 season featured their highest points total since 2012 and the team will look to build on that momentum and eventually compete for World Championships. Despite being ready for pre-season testing, MCL36 is still undergoing infrastructure upgrades with a new wind tunnel and simulator in the development.

McLaren’s technical director James Kay said “With a blank sheet of paper, the team here at McLaren have been working hard to establish a competitive platform for this and future seasons. However, we know we've only just begun to unlock performance from this regulation set, and that one of the key features of the 2022 season will be the intense development war as teams assess each other's designs and innovate new ways of generating downforce through ground-effect." 

Lando Norris recently signed a long term contract with McLaren and his partnership with eight-time F1 race winner Daniel Ricciardo could be a winning combination for the 20 time World Champions. At the car launch, Norris said “Last year was my best in Formula 1 so far, and I'm really proud of what I achieved as a driver, and what we achieved as a team. But I know the best is yet to come, and my aim is to carry the positive momentum we built up over the last year and take that with me into this exciting new era of Formula 1.” 

Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo said “There's always a nervous excitement around the start of the new season, but that's turned up to 11 when you enter a new era of regulations. Heading into my second year with McLaren feels great and I feel like we learned a lot as a team in 2021, which will help us as we take on this new challenge." McLaren will begin their pre-season testing in Barcelona on February 23-25 another three-day test in March followed by the Bahrain GP on March 20.

Also read: Formula 1: Aston Martin unveil 2022 car with updated livery

(Motorsports news) ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team have retained their driver line-up for the forthcoming campaign as legendary rally car driver Carlos Sainz Sr. and Laia Sanz are 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.

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 at 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."

Also read: Defending champions RXR getting ready for Extreme E season 2

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."

Chennai, Feb 5 (MotorSports News) Veteran Rajini Krishnan of RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate won the title in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc category at the National Motorcycle Racing Championship here on Saturday.

Though he finished third after a crash, the 41-year-old Krishnan from Chennai did just enough to claim his 10th national title and his first in a decade on the concluding day of the fifth and final round here.

Also winning the national title was 19-year old Chennai collegian Alwin Sundar (AS Motorsports) in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category despite finishing second behind Allwin Xavier (Sparks Racing) who thus completed a triple crown.

In the girls category, Ryhana Bee (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate), also from Chennai, marked her comeback season after a year’s absence due to injury by winning her fifth consecutive race.

She had sealed the championship after Round 4, but ensured that she closed the season on a winning note.

Jagan Kumar (TVS Racing) had assured himself of the national title, his 10th, on Friday after finishing third in the Pro-Stock 165cc category. In the second race on Saturday, he cruised to fourth.

KY Ahamed led a 1-2 finish for TVS Racing with Deepak Ravikumar, while Rajiv Sethu (Idemitsu Honda SK69 Racing) came in third.

Krishnan, who needed just four points to win the championship going into the final round, had a roller-coaster weekend, marked by crashes in both the races.

In the first outing on Friday, he crashed to finish 12th, and without a point. In the second race on Saturday, starting from P12, he moved to second but hit an oil patch on the last lap.

However, he jumped back on to finish third behind Rahil Shetty (Gusto Racing) and Anish Damodara Shetty (Race Concepts) to earn 15 valuable points.

Anish Shetty crossed the finish line first, but he dropped to second following a five-second penalty for an infringement, elevating Rahil to the top of the podium.

Krishnan, who had made his National Championship debut in 2003, topped the leaderboard with 183 points and six wins, followed by Anish (164) and Rahil (156).

Youngster Sarthak Chavan from Pune, dominated the NSF 250R category in the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup with a double which followed four consecutive wins over the previous two rounds.

However, he finished second in the championship, seven points behind Chennai youngster Kavin Quintal who had won the first four races of the season.

Kozhikode’s Amarnath Menon took the title in the Open (Apache RR310) category of the TVS One-Make Championship with four wins from 10 starts. 

Also Read : Defending champions RXR getting ready for Extreme E season 2

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news) Rosberg X Racing (RXR) , the champions of the first edition in Extreme E are back for Season 2 with a change in driver line-up as they aim to retain their crown in 2022. Johan Kristoffersson, who was with RXR in the inaugural Extreme E campaign will continue to drive for the German outfit and is joined by Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky to mark an all-Swedish driver pairing.  Nico Rosberg’s team bids to become back-to-back winners, Åhlin-Kottulinsky replaces Australian Molly Taylor at RXR.

 

Åhlin-Kottulinsky previously competed for JBXE, driving alongside Jenson Button and later Kevin Hansen, claiming third place in the first-ever Extreme E season. Åhlin-Kottulinsky was with Rallycross in the beginning of her career, before moving on to the circuit to become the first woman to win a race in the German Scirocco R-Cup in 2014. Four years later she made history with a race win in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship as the first female driver to participate in the series. Last year, she finished second in the STCC Championship. 

 

In 2019, Åhlin-Kottulinsky joined as a test driver for Extreme E’s founding partner Continental, helping to develop the CrossContact tyre for the series’ ODYSSEY 21 e-SUVs. Kristoffersson, who had three wins for RXR en route to last year’s Championship alongside Taylor, is the most successful FIA World Rallycross Championship driver in history and won the World Rallycross crown in 2021 for the 4th time. Since joining World Rallycross in 2014, Kristoffersson has picked up 27 victories and 41 podium finishes. Kristoffersson’s pace in multi-car, off-road racing was there for all to see in Extreme E Season 1. 

 

Alongside his Extreme E and World Rallycross achievements, Kristoffersson’s career includes trophies in circuit racing, displaying his versatility behind the wheel. These highlights include title success at national and regional level via the Swedish Touring Car Championship alongside the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia.

 

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, said: “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 [Rosberg] and Johan [Kristoffersson], 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 RXR 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, RXR, 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 Åhlin-Kottulinsky 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.” 

 

Nico Rosberg, Rosberg X Racing Founder and CEO,  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 Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, 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.”

 

Also read: Red Bull Racing to become first F1 team to launch 2022 car

(Motorsports news) Extreme E has announced that it is teaming up once again with AFC Energy for Season 2, where it will be using it’s zero-emission fuel cell and pioneering hydrogen power generation technology.

In a world-first, Extreme E is the first ever event organiser to utilise hydrogen fuel cell generators for power generation, and the decision supports Extreme E’s goal of being sustainable and creating minimal local impact on the environments in which it races. This innovative solution from AFC Energy offers a completely sustainable fuel production process. The system uses hydrogen (produced from water and sun) to generate power which is then used across all the ODYSSEY 21 E-SUVs on the grid.

AFC Energy’s zero-emission, hydrogen power generator was successfully deployed at all five races in the inaugural 2021 season to generate power for the Championship’s ODYSSEY 21s in a variety of harsh operating conditions ranging from Saudi Arabia to Greenland.

The new contract ensures the zero-emission fuel cell system will once again be used to generate power for all Extreme E vehicles at each of the five X Prix in the 2022 season, which will include races in South America for the first time, with the only by-product being water for utilisation elsewhere on site across the campaign.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Working with AFC Energy has enabled Extreme E to be the world's first sporting event to use zero emission power generators. From the outset, our vision of using battery powered race cars could only be truly fulfilled if we could generate power for them in a completely sustainable way. AFC Energy has enabled us to do that, and we are delighted to be using their technology again for the 2022 season.

“We are setting the standard for clean fuel provision in any situation – we have proved it can be done and hope that our example will now be followed by other sporting events.”

Adam Bond, CEO of AFC Energy, said: “We are delighted to be extending our collaboration with Extreme E into 2022.  The inaugural race season enabled us to demonstrate the possibilities of AFC Energy's zero-emission power generators while operating in high pressure, high-profile and extreme environments.  This world first showed what can already be achieved in moving the world to zero-emission technologies.

“Last year the use of our fuel cell by Extreme E prevented a significant amount of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere. In 2022, at each race we expect to provide enough clean energy to power over 1,000 U.K. homes. This contract is just one in a strong pipeline of system sales and lease opportunities which will underpin future revenue growth as we seek to capitalise on our leading position to displace diesel generators within the next decade.”
 

Also read: Ferrari name 2022 Formula 1 car F1-75 in honour of first production car

(Motorsports news) The deserts of NEOM, Saudi Arabia's giga-project featuring cognitive cities and a premier visitor destination and inspirational location for all adventure sports is set to host the 2nd season opener of Extreme E.

Saudi Arabia is working on world-leading investment in sustainable technologies and protecting its unique natural resources. Vision 2030 aims to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and includes a deployment plan of renewable energies, particularly solar and wind. The opportunity to host Extreme E, where male and female drivers use electric SUVs, supports NEOM's vision of building a high-performance ecosystem to attract the world’s best events and athletes, while using sport to drive sustainability and diversity, leaving a major impact.

 

NEOM aims to become a global adventure sports hub using sports tech and innovation, increasing the region's adventure sports landscape with a strong eye on sustainability. The sport infrastructure in NEOM will include all varieties of sports, from grassroots to high performance. In addition, NEOM's sport ambitions include environmental conservation in line with the project's plans to preserve 95% of its natural environment.

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. We now look forward with great excitement to continuing this run of successes with the return of Extreme E next month.”

 

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.”

 

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “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.”

 

An area of 26,500-square-kilometres in northwest Saudi Arabia, NEOM has been made from the ground up, setting examples for new models of urban sustainability, powered by 100% renewable energy. NEOM's wind and solar energy profiles provide an ideal environment for developing renewable energy projects, utilising green technology in building water capabilities and maximising usage efficiency. Clean energy and clean water in NEOM are driving components for the world’s most ambitious project, leading the next wave of energy transition, with plans underway for large-scale production of green hydrogen (H2) at competitive costs. 

 

NEOM is on its way to become a launchpad for adventure sports that are sustainable and fully adaptive while also educating audiences on environmental awareness. 

 

Agag went on to say: “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."

 

NEOM's geographical location in northwest Saudi Arabia has diverse terrains including long beaches, valleys, and deserts as well as cool winds from the Red Sea. Its terrains include 468 kilometres of coastline, magnificent islands, and scenic, snow capped mountains that reach more than 2,500 metres.

 

Also read: Singapore signs contract with Formula 1 to host races for next seven years

(Motorsports news)19 January 2022, London: With the first season of Extreme E just finishing, it is now one month to go until Extreme E’s sport for purpose campaign is back with new faces, a 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 another 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 groundbreaking 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) cross country 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 renewable 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 the 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 math (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.

Also read: Maserati joins Formula E from the 2023 season

 

(Motorsports news)17 January 2022, London: X44 have become the winners of the first ever Extreme E Sustainability Award after topping the standings in the series’ inaugural Count Us In Challenge aimed at tackling the climate crisis.

 

Extreme E and Count Us In came together ahead of Season 1 to launch the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge - a campaign using the power of sport and the excitement of motor racing to inspire fans to take practical steps on climate change.

 

The sport for purpose series asked fans to take real pledges to lead a less carbon intensive lifestyle to reduce their footprint and, in doing so, urge governments, cities and businesses to accelerate progress on climate action. 

 

The Extreme E Count Us In Challenge includes a variety of actions available to fans to contribute towards a greener future, including not using single-use plastic, walking and cycling more, eating more plant-based foods and driving an electric vehicle. Each step is attributed to the fans’ favourite team, and the team with the most steps at the end of Season 1 would win the inaugural Extreme E Sustainability Award. 

 

This was achieved by X44, who claimed the award with 792 steps pledged, with JBXE (749 steps) and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) (422 steps) completing the top three. In total, the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge inspired 1,231 fans to take 3,207 steps saving 1,241,223 KG CO2.

 

The Extreme E Count Us In Challenge will return for Season 2 with fans once again urged to take climate action through their passion for the sport.

 

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to present X44 as the winners of the Extreme E Sustainability Award via the series’ first-ever Count Us In Challenge.

 

“Sport is an incredible platform to not only raise awareness of the climate crisis, the single biggest threat to our planet today, but also inspire action to tackle it. 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.

 

“Our first season working with Count Us In has been a huge success and I am looking forward to us building on this momentum for Season 2 to go further in taking climate action.”

 

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “I was very happy to learn 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, and 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!

 

“To know that our fans have come on this journey with us and are making their own commitment to have a positive impact on the planet is inspiring and I feel good about what we can achieve when we work together.”

 

Shivani Rudra, Count Us In, said: “Through the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge, teams and their fans have demonstrated their commitment to a cleaner, healthier, thriving future for all.

 

“By taking meaningful, simple steps in their own daily lives, Extreme E fans have not just reduced their own carbon emissions, but they’ve added up to a growing movement of people and communities showing leaders it’s time to accelerate progress on climate action.

 

“Huge congratulations to X44 and its fans for their engagement in Season 1! We look forward to continuing to work with Extreme E and the teams in Season 2 to further their legacy through their passionate fanbase.”

 

Extreme E aims to accelerate the adoption of clean and electrified transport to help protect people and the planet, with the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge also supporting the UN's Race To Zero campaign.

 

In 2022, Extreme E will continue to race across the world’s most remote environments to demonstrate the performance and benefits of electric vehicles and clean technology, whilst highlighting the impact that climate change is already having on these ecosystems, such as melting ice caps, deforestation, desertification, retreating mountain glaciers, and rising sea levels.

 

Extreme E Season 2 begins in Neom, Saudi Arabia (19-20 February), before heading to Sardinia, Italy (7-8 May), Senegal or Scotland (9-10 July), Antofagasta, Chile (10-11 September) and Punta Del Este, Uruguay (26-27 November). 

Also read: Honda's Quintanilla takes runner-up spot in the Dakar Rally, Hero finishes with best-ever performance

(Motorsports news) Veloce Racing is now ready for Extreme E driver line-up Season 2, with the returning Lance Woolridge signed to partner Christine Giampaoli Zonca (GZ) for the forthcoming campaign.

 

Woolridge made his first appearance for Veloce Racing at the season-ending Jurassic X Prix in December 2021, where he made an impressive comeback in Semi-Final 2 in Dorset, UK, raising eyebrows across the Extreme E paddock.

 

As a double South African Cross Country Series title winner in 2018 and 2019, the 30-year-old’s much valued off-road experience in championships akin to Extreme E should help the team. In addition, Woolridge is already very familiar with Veloce Racing having been the team’s Reserve and Development Driver for Season 1. 

 

Lance Woolridge, Veloce Racing, said: “This is a great opportunity to continue with the team after a really promising race in Dorset at the end of last season. Although we didn’t make it to the Final, I think it was clear to see that the pace was there, and we have some solid foundations to build on in 2022.

 

“Veloce Racing is a great team with a really dedicated group of people behind the scenes so I’m happy to be working with them again. Christine (GZ did a great job last season so I’m confident that we can achieve great things together at Veloce.” 

 

Rupert Svendsen-Cook, Team Principal, Veloce Racing, said: “As with any motorsport series – and especially Extreme E due to its unpredictable nature – it’s important to have some level of consistency from one season to another, so it’s great to have Lance onboard after a really impressive showing in Dorset for us last year. We’ve both had to be patient with each other and I want to recognise Lance’s commitment to Veloce throughout his time as reserve driver for us, where we’re very happy to finally honour him with the full time race seat. 

 

“This year promises to be the team’s biggest yet and with Lance and Christine onboard, we’re excited to see the heights Veloce Racing can reach on the course as Extreme E prepares for another thrilling season.”

 

Also read: India's Harith Noah placed 26th overall after Stage 8

(Motorsports news) As the series celebrates the end of its inaugural season, Extreme E has its attention firmly fixed on 2022 as it unveils its Season 2 calendar.

 

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.

 

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “After a spectacular opening season we are thrilled to be in a place where we can announce our Season 2 calendar.

 

“All of us here at Extreme E are looking forward to revisiting some of the amazing race locations from the 2021 season to see for ourselves the positive impact our electric series has had and to see what more we can bring to the communities there. We also very much hope to add South America to our list of continents, and with visits to both Chile and Uruguay planned, it is shaping up to be another exciting season.”

 

The third race of the campaign, set to take place in July,  has the possibility that the electric off-road series will take place in either Scotland or the more familiar Senegal. With agreements on process, updates on the third slot in the Extreme E race calendar will be released soon.

The St. Helena – the former Royal Mail Ship – provides the championship’s floating centerpiece – carrying the series’ vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure. They are also host to scientific research with its on-board laboratory which is to lower the impact of the travel logistics compared to air travel.

 

Head-to-head races, known as an X Prix, take place over two days, within an area less than 10km2, as the team will field a male and a female driver who can complete a lap of the race course, including a Driver Switch situated midway. Course designers have been assigned with selecting course options, which can provide the most challenging, exciting action, using already present obstacles and features with elevation changes and jumps, in order to lessen the environmental impact.

 

Race organisers will go thorough environmental, social and economic assessments of each location with a local third party, overseen by EY in order to follow the environment protocols, social inclusivity and fair practices. These reports have played a role in the way Extreme E operates from water consumption, waste management and lighting on-site through to land management and to make sure the series races without a trace after the X Prix has finished.

 

Extreme E works with local experts, governments and NGOs to implement positive legacy initiatives dependent on specific regional needs. Examples of Legacy Programmes in Season 1 have included; the funding of a turtle conservation project along the Red Sea coastline; the planting of one million mangroves with NGO TO.org and Oceanium in Senegal; cocoa agroforestry and Amazon conservation with The Nature Conservancy in Pará state, Brazil; and the creation of a climate education syllabus for over 3,500 school children across Greenland with UNICEF.

 

Also read: Mick Schumacher named Ferrari’s reserve driver for 2022 season

(Motorsport) Mick Schumacher is set to combine his race seat at Haas with a role as Ferrari’s reserve driver for the 2022 season. The 22 year old who is the son of seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher will serve as Ferrari’s reserve driver alongside former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi. The Italian will fulfill his role as reserve driver for 12 races in the 2022 season before participating in the Formula E while Mick Schumacher will fill in for the other 11 races and will represent the Ferrari if either Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz are unable to race.

If Schumacher is needed by the Ferrari team, Haas will replace his seat with Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi temporarily until the German is ready to resume his duties. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of a reserve driver is more important than ever before and it will be interesting to see Mick Schumacher in the Ferrari red colours just like his father before him. Giovinazzi, who was racing for Alfa Romeo for three seasons has lost his seat in Formula 1 this year as Guanyu Zhou, China’s first Formula 1 racer and former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas will represent the Italian team.

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said “He (Mick Schumacher) is a Ferrari driver. We should not forget that. He has been part of the academy and the reason we have an academy is to identify who can be the next Ferrari driver for the future. If I look at the last races he was a lot closer to the cars ahead even though Haas did not really develop the car at all. So the fact he was closer showed he had a good improvement on the speed itself." 

Speaking at Ferrari’s pre-Christmas news conference, Binotto also said that he was hoping to negotiate an extended contract with Carlos Sainz before the start of the 2022 season. Having joined Ferrari on a two year deal, Sainz has had an impressive debut season where the Spaniard finished above Charles Leclerc by five and a half points. "With Carlos, we will discuss through the winter time the extension of his contact," Binotto said. "He worked very well during the season. I'm very happy with the way he integrated and has been performing on track."

Despite Ferrari finishing third in the Constructors Standings in the 2021 season, it was evident that the most successful team in Formula 1 history were very far apart from both Mercedes and Red Bull. While the Italian team can be relatively happy with their standings considering the 2021 car was not developed because the focus was on the development of the 2022 Ferrari, Binotto has said he "cannot be confident" of challenging for the championship next year either. 

"The gap to the lead is still significant showing that those teams are very strong," Binotto said. "So the fact we have put a lot of effort on 2022 and making that the priority was a necessity, because we knew if we had not done that it would have been difficult to have a good car, a competitive car in 2022. The new regs are a clear opportunity. The hope is to be competitive, which means being in a position to win races. Does it mean we can fight for a championship? I think if I look at today, the gap is too big. But for Ferrari, what is important is to be capable of fighting at least in some races for the pole position and the win."

Also read: Rosberg X Racing crowned first Extreme E champions
 

(Motorsport) Rosberg X Racing have been crowned champions of the inaugural Extreme E season after securing the title in the season ending Jurassic X Prix in Dorset, United Kingdom where they finished fourth. Despite the fact that Rosberg X Racing finished with 155 points, equal to X44 who won the Jurassic X Prix, Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor were crowned champions because they won more X Prix’s over the course of the season with three wins from five events.

For X44, Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez finally achieved their first Extreme E win at the Jurassic X Prix and won five extra points for being the fastest through the Continental Traction Challenge but fell short of winning the title. Jenson Button’s JBXE and Andretti United Extreme E reached the podium places in the final race of the season, finishing second and third respectively while ACCIONA | Sainz finished fifth, behind the new champions Rosberg X Racing.

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR: “It’s fantastic; this has been a new racing series, new team, and new locations but we’ve worked so hard to get here, and to be champions really feels amazing. Molly [Taylor] drove excellently today, managing the challenging conditions and I knew that all that remained for me was to not make any mistakes and bring the car home safely. We’re delighted to be champions and look forward to celebrating with the team.”

Molly Taylor, RXR: “It feels amazing to be the first-ever championship winner of Extreme E. This season has been brutal, racing in some of the most remote parts of the world in truly extreme conditions but we’ve worked together as a team and we’re delighted with this result. The nerves were definitely there today but Johan [Kristoffersson] and I kept our eyes on the final prize, and the whole team effort across many months has brought us to this point today.”

Nico Rosberg, RXR Founder and CEO, said: “We are so delighted to be crowned the inaugural Extreme E Champions and I am really proud of the entire RXR team. The team has worked so hard all season and performed consistently, racing in some of the world’s most remote locations. To be Champions is such an honour.

“A massive congratulations to our drivers, Molly Taylor and Johan Kristoffersson, who have been excellent all season. We came into Extreme E to raise awareness of climate change, and promote sustainability, but also as a racing team, we want to win and so we will remember this feeling forever.”

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are really happy with the first Extreme E season. It has not been easy in the middle of a pandemic, but we have delivered five X Prix events, and the Finale in Dorset produced some spectacular racing. Since our first event in Saudi Arabia we have had a lot of eventful and incredible moments ending in a brilliant title decider today.

“I must say congratulations to RXR – they did a great job in winning the first ever Extreme E Championship. I must also say well done to X44 who were the victors at the Jurassic X Prix today and really deserved the win after being the fastest qualifiers at every X Prix this season. We are now looking forward to what we hope will be a fantastic Season 2.”

Also read: ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team quickest ahead of Extreme E Season Finale

The Jurassic X Prix started off with X44 getting the perfect start ahead of Molly Taylor from RXR while JBXE’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s Laia Sanz fighting for position behind. X44’s Gutiérrez managed to pull away from the pack while Molly Taylor lost places from Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Munnings, slipping into fourth position. It was a risky situation for Rosberg X Racing who could only win the title if they finished above fourth position in the final race.

The third place battle was equally fierce as JBXE and Andretti United Extreme E fought a heated battle and there was drama involved during the driver switch as the cars collided, sending Munnings into a spin. However, she could manage to get her car in control and retained third place, ahead of RXR and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team. Sebastian Loeb maintained X44’s lead over JBXE’s Kevin Hansen after the driver switch while Andretti United Extreme E’s Timmy Hansen was third.

Carlos Sainz Sr. and Johan Kristoffersson fought hard for the fourth position but the Rosberg X Racing team gained an advantage during the driver switch when ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team encountered some problems. This proved to be the turning point in Rosberg X Racing finishing in fourth position and guaranteeing themselves of the title as celebrations began when Kristoffersson crossed the finish line. 

Sébastien Loeb, X44: “This has been a challenging championship for us, but this weekend was the best so far. We came first in Qualifying in every X Prix, but we kept having bad luck in the Finals so to end on equal points with RXR after the season they’ve had is incredible and shows what we can do. 

“I’m confident we will do even better next year, but for now we will be celebrating with the team!”

Cristina Gutiérrez, X44: “I am so happy - finally we have won an X Prix! I’m very proud of Seb [Loeb] and everyone in the team. It has been a tough year, but they all worked really hard and today it paid off. 

“A first place race finish and second in the championship is amazing, and of course congratulations to RXR for such a great season. I can’t wait to come back next year and see what else we can do!”

Kevin Hansen, JBXE: “As soon as I stepped into the team Mikaela [Åhlin-Kottulinsky] and I have done everything we can to be as fast as possible because with all the cars being the same the driving is the biggest part. To be competitive on four very different courses as part of such a young team that joined late to the series, means that I am super proud of our performance.”

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, JBXE: “It is incredible that we have been on the podium in the last four rounds. I want to say thank you to the team because we have been making a step forward at each round and that has brought us here. I did teach Kevin [Hansen] to drift on ice when he was about 13 and that was key to this year!

“It is all about details when it comes to performance and since we speak the same language we can get those nailed and we work together really well.”

Timmy Hansen, Andretti United Extreme E: “It was actually one of the more simpler weekends of the season and it was straightforward where the line would be. Of course there was the mud, but it was more about being in the right place on the track. I enjoyed that and the level of the drivers around this paddock, male and female, has been really high. We pushed each other hard. I went over the limit in Qualifying 2 yesterday, so it has been challenging but enjoyable.

“It has been very exciting and it looks like in the world of motorsport it is going more and more electric.”

Catie Munnings, Andretti United Extreme E: “It was a crazy Final! The visibility was quite poor on the course. I got pushed a couple of times, and coming into the Switch Zone I kind of had the line and was then pushed into the ditch, which was really disappointing when we were fighting for third in the Championship. 

“But it was always going to be a crazy race with the amount of water and mud here, and actually following one of those cars you realise how fast it is and how on the limit we all are.”

Final Result

1. X44 (Sébastien Loeb / Cristina Gutiérrez) 3 laps (9:20:609)

2. JBXE (Kevin Hansen / Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky) (+3.613)

3. Andretti United Extreme E (Timmy Hansen / Catie Munnings) (+9.735)

4. Rosberg X Racing (Johan Kristoffersson / Molly Taylor) (+15.798)

5. ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team (Carlos Sainz Snr. / Laia Sanz) (+31.101)

New Delhi, Dec 17 (MotorSport News) India has lost its seat on the FIA's all powerful World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) for the first time in more than three decades.

Incumbent Gautam Singhania lost in the elections held for 14 WMSC seats reserved for titular members. The development came on the day when Mohammed Ben Sulayem replaced Jean Todt as the next FIA president.

The WMSC members also include the president, deputy president and seven vice-presidents.

Indian motorsport body FMSCI had only nominated Singhania to contest the WMSC elections and he was on the presidential list of Graham Stoker, who lost the FIA presidency election to Sulayem.

Apart from Singhania, the past Indian representatives on WMSC include K D Madan and Vijay Mallya. Former FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok, who played a crucial role in getting Formula 1 to India back in 2011, said the federation should have sent at least two nominations.

Chandhok remains on FMSCI's eight-member governing council which is headed by president Akbar Ebrahim.

"It's highly unfortunate that the FMSCI council decided by majority to send only a single nomination for the post of the FIA WMSC candidature while it could have sent multiple nominations," Chandhok told PTI.

"President Ebrahim had proposed to the Council to send two names who would figure on the preferred presidential lists of the two candidates for the FIA Presidency which was shot down by a majority vote. Only one name was sent which was for the list of Mr Graham Stoker according to the nominee.

"No second name was sent on the list of Mr Mohammed Ben Sulayem who has been elected the FIA President today in a landslide victory. Unfortunately India which has been represented for over three decades in the past now goes unrepresented in the WMSC.

"I would like to congratulate my good friend Mohammed on his election as the FIA President which is unprecedented & shows that diversity has gained momentum," added Chandhok.

FMSCI president Ebrahim said the federation has a good relationship with the FIA and expressed confidence that India's interests will not be impacted even without any WMSC representation.

"It would be much better if we were represented on the WMSC but we have a good working relationship with the FIA for a long time and we also have good relations with the new president," said Ebrahim. 

Also Read : ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team quickest ahead of Extreme E Season Finale

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport news) 16 December 2021, Dorset: The action got underway in Dorset today as the nine sides took the Jurassic X Prix course for the first time ahead of Extreme E’s Season 1 Finale.

The 3.8 kilometre course has a unique set of challenges for the Extreme E grid, with a mixed surface of clay, sand, gravel and mud dominating the terrain in Dorset, giving the teams a good amount of variables to overcome if they are to get big points in the final X Prix of the campaign.

The potential threat of showers, a sight so common across the United Kingdom at this time of year, may offer a further challenge for those out on the course.

After a brief shakedown session, the pace setters in Free Practice were ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team who posted a combined time of 10:10:006 to head the standings. In second were ABT Cupra XE, nine seconds adrift and continuing their recent good form out on course.

Championship challengers X44 were third quickest, just over 10 seconds behind ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team’s leading time, and 13 seconds faster than title rivals and Championship leaders Rosberg X Racing who finished the session in fourth.

XITE ENERGY RACING enjoyed a trouble-free session to complete the top five. Veloce Racing had a new driver line-up this weekend in the form of returning Jamie Chadwick and debutant Lance Woolridge, but showed no signs of slowing their speed to finish sixth fastest.

Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team: “Many things can happen in every race, but we need to be confident. We have been a bit unlucky this season so I am hoping for more good luck this weekend.

“The season has been great, but challenging – I came from two-wheel racing and everyone else has plenty of experience on four wheels. I think I am improving, though, and definitely feel like I have the best teacher in Carlos [Sainz Snr.].

“The start will be crucial on Sunday and I hope we can continue to do well for Qualifying.”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT Cupra XE: “It’s completely different out there, but it is Extreme E after all – we have to face many conditions.

“The challenge has been to find the right speed, particularly over the Knife Edge section, and that will be key. If the wipers are not working you might not see anything!

“We had a good Free Practice session, though, and we’re looking forward to Qualifying.”

Sébastien Loeb, X44: “It felt really muddy out there, but the car coped well which was great.

“It feels like a rally stage with fast and slow corners, with big jumps, and overall the course looks great.

“We don’t have a lot to lose – mathematically the Championship is still possible so we just need to concentrate, push hard, and then we will see. Hopefully this weekend we can pull everything together to finish the season as well as possible.”

Molly Taylor, Rosberg X Racing: “It has been great to experience so many incredible places this season. We are excited to be here and it has been a great adventure to this point. We just need to keep our heads down and keep doing the job.

“The terrain is very different to the other courses, mainly down to the mud! It is cool we have experienced so many different terrains throughout the season. It’s a lot of fun out there, though, with a lot of sliding around – it has a bit of everything.

“We need to have a solid weekend – there is all to play for and we are looking forward to it.”

Oliver Bennett, XITE ENERGY RACING: “I’ve actually driven here before – one of my first ever rallies took place here so it is a little bit familiar.

“The mud is deep and slippery, so it is very easy to go off-line, and that makes it a bit like a home from home!

“From what we have seen so far it is going to be entertaining.”

Jamie Chadwick, Veloce Racing: “Its good to be back and feels like a long time since I was in the paddock.

“It has definitely helped my driving to compete in different series – when I went back to W Series earlier this season I really felt the benefit of competing in the opening two X Prix.

“I think we can enjoy the weekend. Lance and I are racing without pressure and a fresh mindset. We’re going to enjoy it and take what we can.”

Lance Woolridge, Veloce Racing: “It is great to finally be here. I’ve been working closely with the team for the past year and I am really looking forward to Qualifying now.

“We’ve set a goal of getting into the Final this weekend and hopefully that can lay some solid groundwork for Season 2 next season.”

There was disappointment for JBXE, Andretti United Extreme E and SEGI TV Chip Ganassi Racing, though, who finished the session in seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively, with all three teams encountering difficulties out on the course.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, JBXE: “I expected it to be muddy, but the start-line was insane!

“Nevertheless, I have been really impressed with how the ODYSSEY 21 handles the conditions – it should make for an interesting race. Visibility will be a big challenge and the start will be really tough.

“We want to have a good weekend – our team is based in the UK, while our team boss Jenson [Button] is also here. We came in late to the series and did no testing before the season started and so I am really proud of what we have achieved together. We are now just looking forward to a fun weekend trying to take the car over the finish line.”

Catie Munnings, Andretti United Extreme E: “It’s a home race for me and for the team, which is really special for everyone. It’s certainly been a year to remember.

“Its pretty high-speed out there and quite narrow, which reminds me of rallying. It’s really fun to drive. The conditions improved as the Free Practice session went on so Qualifying will be interesting, but I think everyone just wants to have a good race to end the year now.

“You might see a different approach from me when attacking the Knife Edge, though!”

Kyle LeDuc, SEGI TV Chip Ganassi Racing: “It’s a good layout and a fairly trouble-free course, although we did have a couple of issues in practice.

“We’ve got to get people excited and this track should be something for the fans to tune into. There should be some good spots for racing to get people hyped.

“The start is going to be massively crucial for us.”

The Finals will be shown in more than 200 countries by 85 broadcasters including ITV, Sky Sports, BBC digital channels and BT Sport in the UK,  FOX Sports in the USA, Prosieben MAXX in Germany, Mediaset in Italy as well as Eurosport across most European Markets.

A full list of broadcasters can be found here.

PLEASE NOTE ALL TIMINGS ARE GMT

Saturday 18 December 

1000 – 1200 GMT      Qualifying  Round 1

1300 – 1500 GMT      Qualifying  Round 2

Sunday 19 December

1000 – 1130 GMT       Semi Finals

1200 – 1400 GMT      Final

Also read: Extreme E reveals Jurassic X Prix course ahead of final race

(Motorsport) The final race of Extreme E’s inaugural season, which also marks the Championship’s return to the UK since St. Helena departed over nine months ago, will take place at the British Ministry of Defence Base at Bovington in Dorset.

As the electric off-road series closes out Season 1, the Jurassic X Prix finds itself running on a 3.8 kilometre course that once again provides a completely new set of challenges for the nine teams and 18 world-class drivers.

The final event of the 2021 Championship will take on a different racing format, with the teams battling it out over three laps instead of the usual two. The first in the driving seat will complete two laps before pulling into the switch zone and handing over to their team-mate who will cross the finish line.

For this X Prix, Extreme E has decided which drivers will start each round. Free practice will see all teams starting with their female driver, with their male counterpart taking on the start of the next round. The drivers will continue to alternate in this way, resulting in an exciting all-female starting grid for Sunday’s Jurassic X Prix Final.

A mixed surface of clay, sand, gravel, and mud dominates the course in Dorset, making grip, or the lack of it, a key feature for the first time this season. With rain always likely in the UK in December, the course in Dorset should be a formidable test of the driver’s throttle control as they search for that all important grip.

A fast downhill start will allow for multiple cars running side by side with some tight fought battles as drivers consider their Hyperdrive strategy here. Decisions will have to be made quickly as the wide-open space soon narrows into two tight left and right 90-degree turns. A second expanse offers another opportunity for Hyperdrive before once again becoming a bottleneck, narrowing down to single car width along the tree-lined course.

A long, uphill right-hand turn follows, with the expectation that the ODYSSEY 21 will be drifting sideways throughout before greeting a short jump that marks the start of two long, fast straights. As the cars venture towards the farthest point of the course, looming into view will be the most striking feature of the X Prix.

Also read: Max Verstappen formally crowned F1 2021 World Champion

The 5.4-metre-high ‘Knife Edge’ demands respect as the drivers approach it head on. With a 23-degree slope, go too slow and it will mean losing precious time, but go too fast and it could end up being a bumpy ride.

With only a quarter of the course remaining, there are still crucial strategic choices to be made as the cars head across the last open area. This could be the final opportunity to use Hyperdrive and steal track position on the fast downhill.

The undulating course then splits and offers two parallel uphill chutes. Left or right, drivers will make their choice and hope it proves the right one as the finish line of the final X Prix of Season 1 looms just over the top of the hill.

Championship Driver and course advisor Timo Scheider, alongside fellow Championship Driver Tamara Molinaro worked with the team on the course design and have also been testing the course ahead of the racing getting underway.

Timo Scheider said: “This is the first time of the season that we’ve had super deep and muddy track conditions. Already right at the start we have very deep mud from left to right, so I think it’ll be quite important to have a good starting spot. Extreme E has prepared the start line a bit, but sooner or later this will be destroyed, especially with the drivers doing three laps instead of two.

"The highlight will definitely be the knife edge, which is the big jump. It looks like a wall when you’re going up there and the ODYSSEY just shoots through the sky. If you are too quick you will take a long time to land, so there you have to figure out that if you take a lower speed then you can land sooner and get the traction again."

Chennai, Dec 9 (Motor Sports news) The MRF MMSC FMSCI National Car Racing Championship 2021 will resume after a break of nearly three months with Covid-19 safety protocols in place at the MMRT near here on Friday with a 12-race programme scheduled for the weekend.

There are around 100 entrants in the fray across various categories in the championship, a press release said.

The MRF F1600 will headline the weekend card with a triple-header, while the Formula LGB 1300, the Saloon Cars (Indian Touring Cars, Super Stock, Indian Junior Touring Cars) and Volkswagen Polo will have two races each.

In the entry-level MRF Saloon Cars category, featuring Toyota Etios, which made a debut in the National championship last season, there would be a grid of 25 cars representing two teams – the Red Line Racing India and Quest Motorsports.

The MRF Saloon Cars skipped the first round in September this year, and will offer nine races spread over three rounds.

MMSC president Ajit Thomas, while welcoming the participants for the second round, said: "At the outset, we need to celebrate the fact that we are able to conduct the championship during this challenging period of the pandemic. It is even more heartening that despite current situation, an increasing number of youngsters are taking to motor racing if one were to go by the spike in entries with each round." Two youngsters had done well in the first round- Shahan Ali Mohsin of Agra and Bengaluru’s Ruhaan Alva. Shahan won two of the three races in the MRF F1600 category while Ruhaan (MSport) was adjudged "best rookie" in the Formula LGB 1300.

The saloon car races are likely throw up some exciting finishes, notably in the premier Indian Touring Cars class where Race Concepts’ Arjun Balu from Coimbatore, the defending champion, will be again up against Rayo Racing pair of Anindith Reddy and Jeet Jhabakh (both Hyderabad).

Also Read : Extreme E announces Jurassic X Prix legacy programme with National trust

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news) Extreme E will be with the National Trust for its Dorset Legacy Programme in an effort to improve biodiversity in the UK.

The National Trust is a 126 year old charity that aims to protect and conserve important landscapes, habitats and historic sites. As one of the largest landowners in the UK, almost 250,000 hectares and 780 miles of coastline fall under the Trust’s protection and care to help people and nature thrive.

Purbeck Heaths in Dorset is where the National Trust has worked in partnership with six other landowners to create the UK’s first ‘super’ National Nature Reserve. Spread across 8,231 acres, the reserve brings together 11 essential wildlife habitats and includes iconic reserves such as Hartland Moor, Arne, Brownsea Island and Studland and Godlingston Heaths.

The National Trust is hoping to reintroduce beavers to Purbeck next year, in the wetlands at the heart of the Studland’s dune system. This is just one of a number of projects across the reserve aimed to restore natural ecological processes and help this already special landscape become even richer in nature. 

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO at Extreme E, said: “Through our Legacy Programme and the Jurassic X Prix, we aim to highlight the issues surrounding biodiversity in the UK. We are delighted that our work in Dorset will see us support the National Trust, who are planning to reintroduce beavers to the area.

“We have made it to the final race of the very first season, which will take place on MOD land at Bovingdon, and I think I speak for everyone at Extreme E when I say how proud I am of all that we’ve achieved this year, both on and off the course, with support for important projects such as this.  

“I’m excited to see what we can achieve alongside an organisation with such high standards of conservation and curatorial care which has been recognised throughout the world.”

Biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem is critical for human existence, economic prosperity, and a good quality of life. And yet, biodiversity is currently dying at an alarming rate than at any time in human history.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with 10 per cent globally and in the bottom among the G7 group of nations. Only 50.3 percent of biodiversity remains in the UK, with 15 percent of the species remaining said to be in danger of extinction.

David Brown, Landscape Partnership Manager at the National Trust, said: “Next year we hope to release three pairs of beavers in the wetlands around Little Sea, to improve the biodiversity of Studland’s dune system and the surrounding area.

“Beavers are nature’s water engineers. Once introduced they would open hundreds of hectares of wetlands that have been in ecological decline for decades, restoring freshwater fen and pool habitats for other wildlife. As they naturalise watercourses that have been canalised over the centuries, they would improve water quality and carbon storage while reducing flood risk.”

Extreme E’s efforts with the National Trust to install protective measures to make sure the beavers will not negatively impact local people, businesses or farmers, and to carry out engagement programmes in coordination with the local community.

Also read: Formula 1 team Mercedes and Kingspan mutually end controversial deal

New Delhi, Dec 2 (Motor Sports news) Indian racer Jehan Daruvala feels 2022 could be the make or break year for his childhood dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver.

The 23-year-old from Mumbai is two rounds away from completing his second season in Formula 2, a stepping stone to Formula 1.

The Red Bull junior driver finished 12th in standings in his rookie season and is currently seventh after impressive outings in Monza and Sochi where he qualified on the front row.

He wants to do another season in Formula 2 next year to have a crack at Formula 1 in 2023 and for that, he is hoping to retain his seat in the Red Bull junior driver program.

Speaking to PTI, Jehan said he might have to look beyond Formula 1 if he doesn't reach that pinnacle in 2023.

"It's a hard situation to be in, but you know realistically if it's not 2023, it's very difficult after that.

"I've had two good weekends (in F2), so that will help me (in contention) in terms of being on the market for a good seat and sort of keeping my F2 seat for next year. I hope to get more clarity over that soon," said Jehan in an interaction arranged by broadcaster Eurosport.

He will be racing this weekend in Saudi Arabia after a two-month break. Rookie Oscar Piastri is leading the championship.

A driver is bound to attract more attention from the Formula 1 paddock if he does well in his first season in the feeder series, something current F2 graduates Charles Leclerc and George Russell were able to do.

Asked if a third season in Formula 2 can negatively impact his chances of reaching Formula 1, Jehan said: "I think honestly in Formula 2, there have been a few sensational rookies like Oscar, Charles, Lando (Norris), George but once you are in your second year or third year, you know the difference is a lot less than it is from your first year to a second year.

"You already have had a year of experience so it doesn't make too much difference if you're in your second or third year. If I do end up doing Formula 2 next season, it is again going to be a very hard competitive season," said Jehan who has secured four podiums so far in the season including a win at Monza.

His teammate at Carlin Racing, Dan Ticktum, will be competing in Formula E next season.

Jehan has not yet explored racing in other series.

"I have not really considered anything else apart from F2 for next year so that my focus remains on Formula 1, but if not, you know, just have a career in motorsport and earning a living there will be a priority," he said.

Talking about his second season in Formula 2, Jehan said he wanted to be more consistent considering it was only an eight-round affair this year.

"I started off well in Bahrain, had a couple of bad weekends in Monaco and Silverstone, practically didn't score in any of them. And I think those two weekends were big setbacks.

"Also, I wasn't qualifying as well as I wanted to in the first half of the season so it was a big concern in terms of not being as quick as I would have wanted to.

"I always knew that I had the potential and when I do a good lap it's normally always good enough to be in the top four or five.

"So, it was good to turn that form around. Monza and Sochi, qualifying twice on the front row, or be actually on provisional pole both times was definitely a massive step forward for me," he added.

Also Read : Extreme E joins hands with Project Everyone to raise awareness of The UN's global sustainability goals

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news) Sport for purpose championship Extreme E has partnered with not-for-profit creative communications agency Project Everyone to raise awareness of The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), better known as the Global Goals.

Co-founded by filmmaker Richard Curtis to drive adoption of the 17 Global Goals, Project Everyone creates advocacy campaigns, content, programmes and events - narrating stories that help a number of sectors engage with the Goals and ensure more and more involvement from civil society, corporations, educators, philanthropists, activists and politicians.

As part of Extreme E’s commitment to raising awareness of the climate crisis, all nine teams will have the Global Goals logo on their cars in the Jurassic X Prix next month in Dorset, UK. The Global Goals logo is a wheel representing all 17 Goals, which are made to eliminate extreme poverty, to reduce inequalities, and to combat the threat of climate change by 2030.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to be working together with Project Everyone, who share our view that we must take impactful steps if we are to tackle the climate crisis. Having the Global Goals wheel on every all-electric ODYSSEY 21 for the Season 1 finale is significant and symbolic – we should all work together to deliver on these Global Goals to ensure we create a sustainable future for all.

“Our championship has shown that solutions are available and need to be implemented on a global scale if we are to have any chance of succeeding and saving the planet. By partnering with Project Everyone, we want to raise awareness even further and take bold action to address the urgency of climate change.”

Richard Curtis, film writer, director, UN SDG Advocate, and co-founder of Project Everyone, said: “The 17 Global Goals are the definitive to-do list for our planet and the people on it. Sport has a tremendous role to play in raising awareness and inspiring us all to action and I am so thrilled that the brilliant team at Extreme E is going to be working with the Goals to highlight the crucial changes that need to happen before 2030 to fix and save our world.” 

The leaders of all 193 members of the United Nations agreed on the Goals on 25 September 2015, in a ceremony at the U.N headquarters in New York. Unlike previous UN Goals, which were intended to target action in developing countries, the SDGs are universal and apply to all countries equally. 

Also read: Saudi Arabian GP: Formula 1’s penultimate race of the season set to be a high stakes battle between Verstappen and Hamilton

Nevertheless, these 17 Goals are an ambitious roadmap to address poverty, inequality and climate change, and every single one of us has the power to make a difference. Extreme E is supporting many of them - for example, goal five, gender equality via its gender equal racing format, a world-first in motorsport. Plus, oal nine - industry, innovation and infrastructure - by showcasing new technologies that can help accelerate the shift to clean energy. Goals 14 and 15 - life below water and life on land - through its various Legacy Programmes that leave long-lasting positive impacts in the locations in which the series races, right through to goal 13 - climate action - one of the biggest driving forces behind the championship.   

All 17 of the Goals are for everyone, everywhere just like Extreme E they reach all parts of the planet, from icecaps to islands, deserts and deep oceans. As we enter the uncharted territories of our planet’s future, the Goals provide the framework to address our biggest challenges, aligned with Extreme E’s motto to inspire people, communities and governments all over the globe to take action and start on our greatest journey yet.

Each Goal has a series of targets, giving all of us – from individuals and civil society to governments and businesses – a list that reminds us what we need to do, to achieve this world changing plan. 

The annual Sustainable Development Goals Report provides an overview of the world’s implementation efforts to date, highlighting areas of progress and areas where more action needs to be taken to ensure no one is left behind.

Extreme E will showcase this partnership at its Season 1 finale in Dorset, UK from 18-19 December 2021.

Coimbatore, Nov 20 (Motor Sports news): Amir Sayed of Kerala won his first race in the Formula LGB4 class in the second round of the 24th JK Tyre FMSCI National racing championship at the Kari Motor Speedway in Chettipalayam near here on Saturday.

It wasn’t easy for the youngster from Kottayam. He had to battle hard right through before stamping his class. Starting fourth on the grid, he got off to a great start. Pole sitter Arya Singh was right up there and so was Sandeep Kumar and Tijil Rao (all from Dark Don). The safety car, which came out thrice, further added to his pressure, but he withstood it all to take the checkered flag ahead of Tijil and Sandeep.

Anish Damodara Shetty of Hubli ruled the roost in the JK Tyre presents Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup after having dominated the practice and the qualifying sessions under the morning skies.

For MSport’s Ruhaan Alva of Bengaluru, it was another memorable day as he finished on top of the podium in the opening race of the JK Tyre Novice Cup. The 15-year-old, who started on pole, cracked into the lead straight away before the race was red-flagged in the very first lap. He did not allow that to bother him and kept a cool head, as he always does, to win the race from lights to flag.

Jaden R Pariat of Guwahati made it extra special for team MSport finishing a creditable second. Chennai’s Aadithya Parasuram of Hasten Performance had to rest content for the third place.

Also Read : Inaugural edition of electric off-road racing series Extreme E coming to an end

News Source : PTI

(Motorsports news): It's just 30 days until Extreme E’s Season 1 finale and the crowning moment of the first ever Championship team in this sport for purpose series, taking place in Dorset, UK from 18-19 December 2021.

 

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO at Extreme E, said: “We are now just weeks away from completing our inaugural season, and what a season it has been!

 

“Already, there has been great racing on some epic courses, and the route for Dorset is really coming together. It will offer a variety of surfaces, natural obstacles and challenges with no doubt lots of rain so expect a wet and muddy course this time round.

 

“More importantly, though, throughout our first year we have raised awareness of the climate crisis facing us all. We’ve left behind positive impacts in each location and Dorset will be no different as we work alongside local organisations to implement a programme in the area.”

 

The course is all set and will once again provide completely new challenges from the previous races to date. With races in Saudi and Senegal over, the glacial plains of Greenland and the hard-baked features of Sardinia. A mixed surface of clay, sand, gravel, and mud dominates the course in Dorset, making grip, or the lack of it, which will be a tough task as rain is always likely to fall in the UK in December. There will be a variety of fast downhill sections, narrow twisty areas and wide-open spaces providing options for different lines and overtaking.

 

Although Rosberg X Racing (RXR) has topped the leaderboard throughout it has not all been plain sailing and the Championship title will go down to the wire, with Lewis Hamilton’s X44, Andretti United, and Jenson Button’s JBXE, all battling for podium positions.

 

Off the course, the series is developing a Legacy Programme to assist the local community and its natural surroundings. Full details of the project will be out in the coming weeks.

 

As with all Extreme E races, spectators allowed to attend as part of the championship’s goal to reduce its event footprint, but are can witness the action from the comfort of their homes by watching the races through a host of global broadcasters (available here) including ITV 1, Sky Sports, BT Sport and BBC digital channels in the UK, and via the virtual FanWorld. 

 

The Championship’s floating centrepiece, the St. Helena is going through its final leg of 2021 to arrive in the UK ahead of the Jurassic X Prix. Once landed, all of the series’ cargo will be moved to the Dorset event site ready for a pre-Christmas racing spectacle.

 

Also read: Guanyu Zhou becomes first Chinese driver to feature in Formula 1, will partner Bottas at Alfa Romeo for 2022 season

(Motorsports news) The action got underway in Sardinia today as 18 drivers had their first taste of the 7-kilometre Enel X Island X Prix course, it was the most anticipated and challenging experience so far this season.

Solid rock bases and water splashes were the new challenges in the Extreme E field, and being able to master these difficult conditions quickly ensures there is a lot of scope to improve in the series’ inaugural European round.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We love this location and it’s great also to see St. Helena from the course. It’s really great to be in Europe and the response we have had to the race has been fantastic.

“I would like to thank our hosts, the Italian Army, and the region of Sardinia which is truly an amazing place. It is also great to have the Island X Prix’s title sponsor, Enel X, here this weekend. We have a very long relationship with Enel X, first from Formula E and now with Extreme E.

“Sardinia has proven to be a very different setting to our last race in the Arctic in Greenland. It’s been great watching the cars out on the course, especially as it’s really tough here. We will have to see how it is with the dust and if we have rain over the weekend. We have many things in motion, and so we will have to see how it is tomorrow and during the racing on Sunday.”

Michele Cecchini, Head of E Motorsport at Enel X, said: “We at Enel X are very proud to be here as part of this championship. It’s extremely fascinating in terms of sustainability and how we can improve motorsport, and we are super excited to be a part of that.

“We want to develop technologies, we want to develop effective solutions and we believe that in motorsport we can really define what the real requirements are. We like the idea of accelerating what we are doing with motorsport, particularly in Sardinia. 

“It has been hard to see what has happened here in Sardinia, and so alongside developing sustainable solutions we are very pleased that we have been able to be part of the recovery programme here.”

A brief Shakedown session was followed by Free Practice, seeing the cars back on the course for the first time since August certainly set the tone for tomorrow’s qualifying runs and Sunday’s all-important Finals. 

Championship challenger X44 was the fastest out of the blocks in the Free Practice session, posting a total time of 11:53:421 to lead the field. SEGI TV Chip Ganassi Racing were second quickest, just under 20 seconds off X44’s pace. Behind them were the early Free Practice pace-setters Veloce Racing, who ensured they finished third fastest. XITE ENERGY RACING enjoyed a solid start to the weekend and ended the session in fourth ahead of Championship leaders Rosberg X Racing who completed the top five in the practice session.

The top-two last time out in Greenland endured a troubled start to the Enel X Island X Prix. Both Andretti United Extreme E and JBXE suffered significant damage in Free Practice which meant they were unable to complete their respective runs, with both squads in a race against time to get their cars fixed ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying sessions.

Sébastien Loeb, X44, said: “I have some good memories from Sardinia in WRC, so I like this surface to drive on. It is a bit different from what we had in the other events with a lot of sand and big ruts, so you know it is hard. It is a bit more like a rallying style of driving, with more routes and some tight corners.

“Hopefully it will be fine for us and hopefully the other teams will find the solutions to the different problems they had so we will have a good fight this weekend.”

Sara Price, SEGI TV Chip Ganassi Racing, said: “I like this kind of terrain – it reminds me of home and also the Baja. It is going well so far and we just want to keep it that way, so we’re going to go out there and do the best we possibly can.”

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team said: “In terms of driving I really like the course. It is very complete – you have low, medium and high-speed elements and I would say it is a complete course. It is challenging and that’s good.

“We are hoping for a good weekend, but we have unfortunately not started well. We had an issue in practice which meant we couldn’t complete the run – we lost our power steering which meant that I nearly lost the car on the course. It is a pity, especially for Laia [Sanz] being unable to get a true feel for the car. It means we go into qualifying with a lot of unknowns, but hopefully we can prepare well and have a good run tomorrow."

Molly Taylor, Rosberg X Racing, said: “You have to take every corner as it comes. It is interesting because you can see that there is a lot of attrition and typically on a course like this it is more of an endurance course, but then you only have 7-kilometre of it so it is also a sprint. Managing that is certainly a challenge here. We just need to take every corner as it comes and see where we’re at and put our best foot forward.”

Catie Munnings, Andretti United Extreme E, said: “When I did the course walk, I was really nervous about it as it’s really rough and bumpy. I would say it’s one of the hardest courses we’ve had in the championship, especially after coming off smooth Greenland - but I’ve actually really enjoyed it. I thought it would be one of those things where you are trying to survive, but I managed to get in the flow with it.

“Timmy [Hansen] touched a rock on his run and that broke a rear damper. It wasn’t a perfect run for me either, but the sectors were fast and we’ll look to build on that tomorrow.”

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, JBXE: “We had a rough start. Neither Kevin nor I managed to do a lap in free practice so it is going to be tough for sure for tomorrow. But we had a good weekend in Greenland, we showed good pace, and we just want to keep going that way. 

“We have been watching the others, though, so we will try to figure out what are the best lines and then just drive after what we see. It is a challenging course, so I think it is about pushing where you can push and keeping it safe where you have to keep it safe.”

Qualifying for the Enel X Island X Prix gets underway tomorrow and will be shown across a number of broadcasters including Mediaset in Italy, Fox Sports in the USA, ITV, Sky Sports, BBC digital channels and BT Sport in the UK, Teledeporte in Spain, Prosieben MAXX in Germany, as well as Eurosport across most European Markets. 

Also read: Setanta Sports to broadcast Extreme E in Ukraine

All times CEST
 
Saturday 23 October
1100 – 1300 CEST      Qualifying  Round 1
1600 - 1800 CEST      Qualifying Round 2
 
Sunday 24 October
1200 – 1330 CEST     Semi Finals
1600 – 1800 CEST     Final 
 

(Motorsport news) Radical off-road electric racing series, Extreme E, has today expanded its coverage in Ukraine with Setanta Sports

As part of the series’ growing expansion in Ukraine, Setanta Sports will show Extreme E’s full debut season, including the live race feed, highlights, preview, review and magazine shows on its Setanta Sports and Setanta Sports + channels, as well as on-demand on its digital outlet: https://www.setantaplay.tv.

With its population becoming more and more aware of the negative impact of air pollution caused by fossil fuel, Ukraine’s electric car market has shown major growth in recent years. In 2020, the number of electric cars on the roads grew by 375 per cent since 2018, and the country currently boasts the biggest number of public charging points compared to its nearest EU countries – with more than 8,500 (a 57 per cent increase compared to the same period two years ago).

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing Setanta Sports as our latest broadcaster. As a sport for purpose championship which is committed to amplifying the benefits of electrification, it is important to further the exposure of Extreme E in a market where EV sales are continuing to increase.

“There is an even greater purpose to our championship than the radical racing on show, with the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat the climate crisis, something which Ukraine has clearly recognised. As we expand our coverage in Ukraine by partnering with Setanta Sports, I am confident that there will be continued interest in the action-packed wheel-to-wheel racing delivered by Extreme E, as well as the wider storytelling around electrification, the environment and the series’ gender equal platform.”

Also read: Stage set for JK Tyre National Racing championship; Continental GT Cup set for debut

Following the races in Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Greenland the series now goes on to visit Sardinia (23-24 October 2021). The locations that the championship visits are all, in some way, affected by environmental issues such as desertification, deforestation, melting ice caps, plastic pollution, and rising carbon emissions. By holding races in areas that are suffering at the hands of the environmental crisis, the aim is to raise viewers' awareness and interest in environmental issues.

(Motorsport news) With Extreme E’s Enel X Island X Prix on the horizon - which has been supported by the Automobile Club Italia (ACI), Regione Sardegna and Esercito Italiano - the electric off-road series is excited to reveal a thrilling course that brings the nine teams and 18 world-class drivers to the shores of Sardinia.

The Mediterranean island will present one of the toughest challenges to date for both the drivers and the ODYSSEY 21. Coming off the back of a hot Italian summer, which saw a record high of 48.8 degrees centigrade in Sicily, the dry terrain will be baked hard compared with the relatively forgiving sands of Saudi Arabia and Senegal.

Inland from the coastal town of Porto Pino on Sardinia’s southwest coast, the undulating course sits within the Capo Teulada training area. The elevation change is not as dramatic as Saudi Arabia or Greenland, with a modest change of 28 metres, but it is the rutted terrain that will provide the toughest challenge.

The start of the course provides a unique opportunity for the drivers, with a multi-lane section offering very different approaches before the cars rejoin and resume battle. Doing their homework on the course will form a crucial part of team preparation, as the optimal combination of speed and distance could prove elusive.

Having rejoined the main course, the drivers will take a sharp left and traverse a more open, but bumpy plain. Another left followed by a right will take the all-electric SUVs over one of the small inland hills, before a fast, downhill section leads them into the first of two water splashes. Small trees and bushes form the scenery of the next section of the course, which the cars will carve their way through before dipping their Continental tyres in the water for a second time.

The course then winds its way through narrow turns and over more inland rises, before heading out to one of the fastest sections. This long, flat run down to a tight ninety-degree left turn will provide a good opportunity to exploit Hyperdrive.

More carefully navigated turns bring the drivers to the last section of the lap. A short, twisting portion is soon followed by a fast trip over the largest inland hill, where the ODYSSEY 21s are likely to go airborne. The drivers will then need to hit the brakes for a short but steep ten metre drop and another ninety-degree left-hander.

Also read: United States GP Preview: Six points gap, six races to go as title race heats up between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

A fast and flat section leaves just a final right turn to go, finishing off the striking seven-kilometre course of the Enel X Island X Prix.

Championship Drivers Timo Scheider and Tamara Molinaro have been testing the course ahead of racing getting underway this weekend.

Timo Scheider said: “The challenge is really high this time. It will be totally different to what we’ve seen in the entire season. We have a solid rock base here and water splashes which are brand new to the challenges we’ve had so far this year, but for me the biggest challenges in Sardinia are the hidden bumps.

“We have some medium to high speed corners so weight transfer is very crucial, you have to be super sensible on the surface, the hidden bumps will create trouble I’m sure so for people watching it at home, it will be mega. The drivers will have to be very focused.”

Tamara Molinaro adds: “Like always in Extreme E, for sure it’s very difficult,” she said.

“It’s really tricky in some places with bumps and compressions that you can’t really spot from being in the car, so it will be an interesting weekend. We have a really hard compact gravel, which has a different grip level compared to the surfaces we’ve seen so far.”

Shakedown and Free Practice are set to start tomorrow with Qualifying on Saturday and Finals on Sunday. A number of global broadcasters such as Mediaset in Italy, ITV, BT Sport, Sky Sports and BBC digital channels in the UK, Eurosport throughout Europe, FOX Sports in the USA will be broadcasting the event.

London (Motorsports news): Extreme E has announced its upcoming event which will be known as the Enel X Island X Prix, as they will be receiving title support from its Official Smart Charging Partner.

Italian-based Enel X joined hands with Extreme E earlier this year, using the series to develop and test new innovations by providing charging technology as well as the JuicePump 40 Race Edition. The company is the innovative business line of Enel and has a strong past in the energy industry working across sustainability, digitalisation and innovation.

 

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I’m delighted Enel X has extended our partnership to become headline sponsor of this event. The brand is already supporting the series through its charging technology, which is invaluable as we showcase new innovations in electric motorsport.

 

“It made perfect sense to select our first European event in its home country to bolster its support for the series. As a brand, Enel X is at the forefront of charging technology, which is essential for the planet if we are to reduce carbon emissions, 30 percent of which is attributed to travel.”

 

Francesco Venturini, CEO of Enel X, said: “As title sponsor of the Island X Prix, we at Enel X are pleased to support Sardinia with legacy projects as evidence of our commitment to making concrete contributions to the region, which Enel X is paying particular attention to through its projects aimed at encouraging the electrification of energy use.

 

“We will continue to bring our technological expertise to help explore the full potential of electric mobility, a key element in our mission to fight climate change and accelerate the energy transition.”

 

The Enel X Island X Prix will take place in the Army Training area at Capo Teulada in Sulcis-Iglesiente, an historic area in the South-West of Sardinia. It will feature two action packed days of racing from some of the biggest names in the sport including Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz Snr., the Hansen brothers of Rallycross fame, Catie Munnings, Molly Taylor, Laia Sanz plus motorsport heavyweights behind the scenes in the form of team owners Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button.

 

The championship’s Legacy Programmes will target green and coastal blue carbon, which is the carbon captured and stored by terrestrial ecosystems and vegetated coastal ecosystems respectively, working with MEDSEA, including the recovery response to this year’s devastating forest fires in Sardinia, as well as restoration and conservation of Posidonia Oceanica (seagrass).

 

In addition, leading scientists including local and global will be involved in a series of seminars highlighting climate change issues and solutions, one of which is decarbonisation, which Enel X is at the heart of with its chargers for electric vehicles of today and the future.

 

The Enel Group is also coming to the championship with the Group’s non-profit organisation Enel Foundation, which has been one of Extreme E’s Founding Scientific Partners since July 2020.

 

Also read: Season 1 finale ‘the Jurassic X Prix’ to be held at UK

(Motorsports news) London: Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric off-road racing series, has today said that its Season 1 finale, ‘the Jurassic X Prix’ will take place in Bovington, in the UK’s South Coast county of Dorset, on 18-19 December 2021.

 

Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO, said: “I’m very excited by this race location – our first event on UK soil. This move is a poignant shift in our mission to race in remote, far-away places to highlight the effects of climate change, as more increasingly, the issues we talk about are literally happening in our backyards so it felt like the right time to bring the spotlight home, and help the army reduce its own carbon footprint.

 

“The world needs to move forward when it comes to the combustion engine and many other practices, and what better way to symbolise that than with a Jurassic themed X Prix. Unless we push forward with climate and sustainability action, certain species risk becoming extinct, and that is something we simply cannot ignore any longer.”

 

Bovington is a famous British Army military base and is just off the Jurassic Coastline. Extreme E is working intensely with the British Ministry of Defence and Army which has recently revealed its climate change and sustainability strategy. The strategy combines the mitigation of environmental impact while at the same time maintaining military output. It will do this by reducing emissions and charging up the transition to renewables, thus contributing to the UK’s aim to be net zero by 2050. The changes have already been implemented with the Army piloting electric armoured vehicles and carbon efficient accommodation.

 

Major General Simon Hutchings OBE said: “The British Army prides itself on its ability to conduct operations in all environments, adapting and developing its skills as required. The opportunity to work alongside Extreme E who are world leaders in electrification of vehicles and sustainable energy production is very exciting. It will enable us to share innovative ideas which will allow the Army to continue to gain technology advantage globally, whilst also contributing to our climate and sustainability targets.” 

 

The race will be thrilling as ever with a course designed to include natural obstacles putting the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 through its paces to be the best in the eventual winning combination of car, team and driver. Each team has both male and female drivers who will complete a lap each with a Driver Switch built into the format. With points up for grabs throughout the race weekend, some of the best drivers in the world in addition to the instant speed of all-electric mobility, the concluding X Prix is set to be a showstopper.

 

Jenson Button, JBXE Team Principal said: “It is brilliant news that Extreme E's Season finale will be held in the UK. I’ve been lucky enough to race on UK soil a number of times throughout my career and those memories will always be incredibly special to me.

 

“Heading off-road at Bovington will be a totally different experience but equally as special as I’ll be the one watching and supporting Kevin and Mikaela and the rest of the JBXE team as we push for a strong finish to the season. After back-to-back podiums, if we can carry that form into Sardinia and put ourselves in the mix for the final race then we could be in store for an amazing finish!”

 

Extreme E is a partner to the UN’s Race to Zero campaign as well as Count Us In, which challenges its fans to take actions which reduce their own carbon footprints. These collaborations are all focusing on tackling the global climate crisis and with road transport currently accounting for 75 percent of the global emissions. Accelerating the move to clean mobility by 2030, in line with government goals, is key to success. 

 

Nigel Topping, UK High Level Champion for Climate Action at COP26, who also leads Race to Zero, said: “Extreme E provides an incredible platform for accelerating  the clean mobility transition and driving awareness for the climate solutions we can, and must all adopt. 

 

“The Jurassic X Prix follows COP26 and provides further opportunity for the UK to keep crucial momentum, which is imperative if we are to succeed in our goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C. The shift to zero emission vehicles will hugely help reach that goal and Extreme E demonstrates the capabilities of electric vehicles, but also their associated technologies. It also uses the powerful platform of sport to engage its fanbase to take steps to reduce their own carbon footprint.”    

 

Extreme E will continue with its Legacy Programme format which will try to leave a long-lasting positive impact in each country in which it races, with exact details to be released in the weeks leading up to the end of year event. Not only that, the thought leadership workshops are set to continue, and will be there to view online once the event is over.

 

Also read: Sustainability Title goes to Extreme E at Leaders Sports Awards

(Motorsport news) Mercedes AMG’s Valtteri Bottas ended his 2021 drought with a dominant performance at Istanbul Park that saw the Flying Finn lead in almost every lap of the race and finish first past the chequered flag, comfortably ahead of 2nd place Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was 2 points behind Lewis Hamilton approaching the race weekend but his 2nd place finish while Hamilton finished 5th means Verstappen is now 6 points ahead of the seven time World Champion with six races to go.

Hamilton started the race in 11th place after incurring a grid penalty for exceeding the engine replacements but was in a respectable third position before being called in to pit by Mercedes with eight laps to go. The British racing driver had earlier refused to pit and had the aim of finishing the race with the same set of Intermediate tyres he had to maintain his grid position. However, Mercedes’ call for a pit stop cost Hamilton two places as both Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc finished above Hamilton who was struggling to keep Pierre Gasly at bay once he rejoined the race.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari also attempted to finish the race in the same set of Intermediate tyres but the wet conditions of Istanbul Park meant that the Monegasque driver struggled with grip and was easily overtaken by Valtteri Bottas. The Ferrari driver then pitted, only to be overtaken by Sergio Perez for the final podium finish while Leclerc finished fourth. Pierre Gasly finished sixth despite having a five second penalty for a collision with Fernando Alonso in the first corner. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz put up a majestic performance as the Spaniard started in 19th position due to an engine penalty but finished in eighth.

Sebastian Vettel and Aston Martin had a bizarre pit stop strategy in which a set of medium tyres were installed and struggled with grip in the wet conditions of Istanbul Park. The German was then forced into the pits again for a set of wet tyres which resulted in the four time World Champion finishing the race in 18th position. Esteban Ocon was the only driver on the grid who finished the race on the same set of Intermediate tyres and finished in a respectable 10th position despite struggling towards the end of the race.

With only six more races to go, Formula 1 will now move to the United States Grand Prix on 25th October from 12:30 am IST onwards.

Also read: Sustainability Title goes to Extreme E at Leaders Sports Awards

London, (Motorsports news): Extreme E, the pioneering sport for purpose, have been rewarded with The Sustainability title at the prestigious Leaders Sports ceremony held at Twickenham Stadium.

 

The category is set out to recognise organisations that use sport as a catalyst to promote and combat environmental and ecological issues within society, using sport as a vehicle to spread awareness and initiate changes.

 

This is something central to Extreme E which, in its first season, has successfully shown a new way to deliver motorsport events in a sustainable fashion through all-electric vehicles and zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell car charging. The championship also powers its paddock with a second-life battery, utilising a ship to transport its freight in order to reduce carbon emissions all while inspiring fans to take actions to reduce their carbon footprint through its Extreme E Count Us In Challenge.

 

Julia Fry, Head of Communications at Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to win this accolade from Leaders Sports, an organisation which recognises the strongest players in the industry. As our first award, in our inaugural season this will always be very special, and we are honoured to receive this huge endorsement for our efforts to create the most sustainable motorsport championship possible.

 

“Our thanks must go out to our supporting agencies at Aurora Worldwide Media, North One, NEP, Interstate Creative Partners and MPA Creative, who have all played a huge role in our success. I would also like to thank our partners for their faith and vision at the beginning of the championship journey, with special thanks to Philipp von Hirschheydt of Continental, Rodrigo Barjas Amado of Niobium, Tommaso Buti of LUISAVIAROMA, Marc Coltelli of EY and Julien Tornare of Zenith, for believing in this series from the start.

 

“This is just the start of the journey and there is far more to come yet.”

 

The series was up against some tough competition including Formula One, Southampton Football Club, and Formula E.

 

Extreme E has future targets around climate change, they are planning to raise awareness of the issues faced globally and inspire action, while also promoting the benefits of clean mobility. It works with its own Scientific Committee made up of world-renowned academics that inform the series and help select long-lasting positive Legacy Programmes at each race location, and  have included planting one million mangroves in Senegal. In addition, climate education in collaboration with UNICEF in Greenland.

 

The penultimate X Prix, the Island X Prix will take place in Sardinia, Italy from 23-24 October.

 

Also read:  Extreme E releases their calendar for 2022 season

(Motorsport news) Lewis Hamilton overtook Max Verstappen in the Drivers Championship with a lead of two points after winning the Russian GP. Lando Norris, who displayed exquisite performances throughout the weekend was very unlucky to not win at the Sochi Autodrom as his dry tyres simply didn’t give him the grip required when the heavy rain hit to keep Hamilton at bay. The 21 year old British-Belgian racing driver would be heartbroken to finish in seventh place after leading for the majority of the race.

Verstappen, who started the race at the back of the grid after incurring a penalty due to the collision with Hamilton at Monza and an engine change put up an impressive display to finish in second place with 18 points. Carlos Sainz and Ferrari finished in third place ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso after being second fastest in the qualifiers.

However, it was Lando Norris who may not have won the race but definitely won all the hearts as Britain’s youngest ever pole sitter who was also set to become the youngest British driver to win a Formula 1 race. Questions will be raised about the strategy employed by McLaren and Norris, who was in the lead with eight laps to go when rain started getting increasingly heavier. McLaren and Norris’ decision to remain on slick tyres in hindsight was the wrong one and eventually led to a catastrophic spin in the 51st lap out of 53, which was immediately capitalised by Hamilton.

With this result in Russia, Lewis Hamilton became the first Formula 1 driver to win 100 races, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 last year. The British racing driver is now the most successful F1 racer in history, having won 7 World Championships, 101 poles and 100 wins. "It has taken a long time to get to 100 and I wasn't even sure if it would come," said Hamilton. "It is a magical moment. I could only have dreamed of still being here, to have this opportunity to win these races, and to drive with such phenomenal talents this late on in my career.

"I am so proud of everything we have done with Mercedes, on and off the track, and this is a special moment for everyone that has been part of it. My dad called me last night and he has always been that one to reassure me and to continue to support me. I feel incredibly grateful for the amazing support that I have had."

In an interview with Sky F1, Toto Wolff said "I think we are witnesses of a career that is just amazing. The 100th race victory is just mind-blowing. I think if you were to be in awe that would be the wrong working relationship and friendship. But we realise that we are being part of a journey that no other sportsman in Formula 1 has done so far and that is beyond the races that we have won or the championships - from the human aspect it is something special."

The next Formula 1 race will take place at Istanbul Park in Turkey with just two points separating Hamilton and Verstappen. Be sure to catch all the action LIVE on Sunday, 10th October from 6:30 pm IST. 

Also read: Extreme E releases their calendar for 2022 season

(Motorsports news) The electric off road racing series is at the midpoint as it celebrates its first season as Extreme E has its eye on the future as it unveils the provisional Season 2’s calendar in 2022.

The electric racing series 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 and desertification, whilst promoting sustainability and the adoption of electric vehicles to help protect the planet.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, explained: “We’ve had a hugely positive response to Extreme E throughout this opening Season, from governments to NGOs, who see great potential, not only for utilising our purpose driven sports platform to educate on climate issues, but also to showcase the solutions that they and the wider global community can all be part of.

“As we approach the tail end of our first Season, we wanted to be transparent about how our second season is shaping up in order to help enable our teams, drivers and partners to prepare. We’ve had lots of interest, both in retaining events in locations we’ve visited in Season 1, and from new locations and we are currently at a stage where we have multiple options for some of our races. As an engaged championship which aims to put fans at the heart of decision making, we are also keen to hear input and opinions on where we should go in future Seasons too.”

Provisional Extreme E Season 2 calendar (2022):
February 19-20:  Saudi Arabia
May 7-8:  Senegal / Egypt / Tanzania
July 9-10:  Greenland / Iceland
September 10-11:  Brazil / Argentina / Uruguay / Italy / Costa Rica   
November 26-27:  Chile

St. Helena, the former Royal Mail Ship will provide the championship’s floating centrepiece as they will carry the series’ vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure as well as playing host to scientific research with its on board laboratory. This is done in a bid to lower the impact of the travel logistics compared to air travel.

Head-to-head races, known as an X Prix,  will take place over two days as the area is no larger than 10 km2, with each team fielding a male and a female driver to compete in the race, including a Driver Switch incorporated midway. Course designers have carefully selected course options, which provide the most challenging, exciting action, using obstacles and features with elevation changes and jumps, to entertain the audience and also raise environmental awareness

Race organisers undergo thorough environmental, social and economic assessments of each location with a local third party, as they oversee the environmental protection, social inclusivity and fair practices. Extreme E in a systematic manner as they operate from water consumption, waste management, lighting on-site through to land management and ensuring the series races without a trace after the X Prix has finished. 

Additionally, in each location, Extreme E works alongside governments and NGOs to implement positive legacy initiatives dependent on regional needs. Examples of Legacy Programmes in Season 1 have included; the funding of a turtle conservation project along the Red Sea coastline; the planting of one million mangroves with NGO TO.org and Oceanium in Senegal; cocoa agroforestry and Amazon conservation with The Nature Conservancy in Para state, Brazil; and the creation of a climate education syllabus for over 3,500 school children across Greenland with UNICEF. 

Professor Carlos Duarte, Extreme E’s Climate Change Scientist said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of Extreme E this year and very much look forward to continuing our good work into Season 2.
“The legacy and scientific aspects are a true cornerstone to the series and already this year I’ve been able to conduct research in Saudi Arabia and collect ice samples from the Russell Glacier with Extreme E. This championship gives me and my peers the opportunity to reach people outside of our usual networks, it gives us a voice to reach the masses and educate on climate issues and the solutions we can all be a part of.”

As well as providing a platform for climate and environmental awareness, Extreme E provides strong economic impact to the host countries. YouGov Sport, calculated the series’ inaugural event in Saudi Arabia contributed more than €47 million local value. These figures include employment of local personnel, logistics, transportation, local food ,beverage, provisions and hotel stays.
The  media exposure of the Desert X Prix majorly factors in the overall economic impact. Extreme E’s broadcast in 190 broadcasting markets as they cater to 18.7million audiences which has resulted in an unprecedented media value of almost €32 million for the championship.

Extreme E has already surpassed its end of Season 1 targets on social media hitting 100 million video views, a 400 per cent increase in engagement plus more than one billion impressions across all digital platforms.

Also read: ABT CUPRA XE announces new design in IAA Mobility Show at Munich
 

(Motorsports news): CUPRA, the Spanish automotive brand, today unveiled its Tavascan Extreme E Concept, set to be released into its ABT CUPRA team racing vehicle in the all-electric off-road racing series.

The concept launch was premiered at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich and was presented together with ABT Managing Partner Hans-Jürgen Abt, ABT Sport Marketing boss Harry Unflath, along with Jutta Kleinschmidt, race driver for the ABT CUPRA Extreme E team.

The all-electric off-road racing car is the next project in the brand’s Extreme E adventure, which also hints at the design language to be used in the upcoming series production CUPRA Tavascan, the brand’s second 100 per cent electric model, and first electric SUV, which will be designed and developed in Barcelona and will enter Europe and overseas markets in 2024.

“We strongly believe in the Extreme E project as a whole,” said Antonino Labate, Director of Strategy, Business Development and Operations at CUPRA. “Electrification, sustainability, gender-balance and diversity are common values between CUPRA and Extreme E. The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is clear proof of the hard work that we’re doing at CUPRA in order to be able to compete next season.”

“Almost exactly a year ago, we announced our partnership with CUPRA and unveiled the design of our e-CUPRA ABT XE1. Since then, we have generated a lot of attention together, both on and off the track,” says Thomas Biermaier, CEO of ABT Sportsline. “The development of our own bodywork by the designers and engineers at CUPRA is the next step in our close and successful collaboration. The Tavascan Extreme E Concept simply looks mega, right down to the smallest detail. Now it’s our job to score the first trophies with it soon.”

The design of the front and rear is considerably different from the vehicle competing in the current Extreme E season. LED technology ensures greater freedom to produce a vehicle with CUPRA DNA; the headlights in three triangle groups on either side provide a more imposing look.

And the lighting is set into a 3D printed frame, a technology chosen to give the CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept an edge over the others. The 3D printed parts save time as they can be manufactured in just six hours. That means the team can adapt to changes very quickly; whether it’s because of an incident or changes to the light position, the components can be modified quickly without the need for cumbersome and expensive tooling.

However, the Extreme E racing series is about increasing environmental awareness and the CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is pushing the limits here, too, making the vehicle even more sustainable.

Constructing as much of the body structure as possible from flax fibres extracted from the flax plant means that the carbon fibre components can be replaced, reducing the vehicle’s influence on the environment. And there’s no problem in terms of  performance; the material can be worked in the same way, achieving the same shapes and radii required by engineers. It is already a technology that could easily be adapted to production vehicles.

“The car is the next evolution with even more CUPRA DNA and a design that hints at the future direction of the brand,” says Xavi Serra, Head of Technical Development at CUPRA Racing. “The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept uses flax fibres throughout the body for even more sustainability and 3D printed elements that can be recreated quickly.”

The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept’s revitalised body is finished with a livery that will help it stand out whether it’s racing in the arctic, desert, glacier or ocean locations.

The all-electric off-road racecar is finished with copper accents, a time honoured CUPRA mark parametric texturing and dynamised lines to help the exterior glow and move as the vehicle shifts through the landscape and an overlapping CUPRA logo to bring out a powerful 3D effect.

“The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is looking incredible and in addition to being fully electric, it is now even more sustainable, using recyclable and organic materials such as flax fibres,” said Jutta Kleinschmidt, CUPRA driver. “I cannot wait to compete with this newly designed version!”

The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept comes in with a 54-kWh battery, placed behind the cockpit to produce a real rear weight distribution and can go from 0-100 km/h in about four seconds complying with the race series’ regulations.

CUPRA has been part of Extreme E from the outset. It was the first automotive brand to announce its participation, joining forces with ABT Sportsline as the team’s main partner. The Extreme E series is increasing CUPRA’s electrification research while promoting electrification, sustainability, and gender equality.

The precise date for when the new generation car is to be deployed into Extreme E is yet to be confirmed, but the suspense is already building. “The CUPRA Tavascan XE is a truly stunning design. I can’t wait to see it make its racing debut,” says Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of the series. “This move also supports our goal of establishing Extreme E as a global marketing showcase for partners. Congratulations to this future-thinking and visionary team.”

After its appearance in Greenland at the end of August, Extreme E will host its next race which is the Island X Prix in Sardinia on 23/24 October.

Also read: Top five performers of the Formula 1 2021 season so far
 

Kathmandu, Aug 31 (Football news): Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri is expecting a tough outing in their two upcoming friendly internationals against Nepal.

India are scheduled to play Nepal on September 2 and September 5 in two away games.

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to improve as a team. Given the current circumstances, it wasn't easy to get a friendly game," Chhetri told the All India Football Federation.

"The Nepal federation and government invited us to play, and we thank them for the opportunity and the gesture.

"Nepal are a very tough side, especially when they play against us, and we are aware of the extreme challenge the two matches present us," he added.

Other than Chhetri, Pritam Kotal and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, none of the players of the current team have been to Nepal with the senior side.

The trio was there in 2015 when India qualified from the play-offs to the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.

For Chhetri, this is his fourth visit to the Himalayan nation.

Head coach Igor Stimac said, "I just hope that it doesn't rain heavily." Coincidentally, the preparatory camp in Kolkata had also witnessed heavy downpours, but not extreme enough to become a concern.

Also read: 17 years since Manchester United signed an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney from Everton

News Source: PTI 

(Motorsport news) With the Arctic X Prix just one day away, the series has revealed another exciting course with nine teams and 18 world class drivers facing new challenges across different terrain.

The course has been designed at the edge of Russell Glacier, just outside the town of Kangerlussuaq. The terrain is a combination of different sizes of rocks, glacial sediment and sand dunes. The start of the course is 123 meters above sea level, with a mixture of compact sediment and small rocks.  A wide-open section where drivers will have a myriad of different routes to take through the sandy mogul field brings them out at the bottom of the first climb up the sand dunes. The course briefly heads back downhill on to the plain for a short section, before turning back up into the dunes to the farthest northerly part of the course.

At this point, the course disappears to the far side of the dunes and around a small glacial water lake before winding its way up to the highest point on the dunes measuring 180 metres, before dropping out of the sandier section and reconnecting with the open plain, which will likely bring higher speeds. While it appears flat from a distance, the wind and water flows have shaped the floor, so expect the all-electric ODYSSEY 21s to dance across this area – it is certainly not flat out.

Winding its way to the farthest westerly point, the course drops twice into the huge riverbed with steep drops down and then jumps back up onto the plain. This is also home to the Super Sector - a section of the course where the fastest driver over the weekend will earn five points for their team.

Following the back straight, the course turns back towards the Switch and Finish areas. The slowest and perhaps most technical part of the course ventures across a small ‘rock garden’, littered with medium to large rocks. The drivers will have to be patient as they slowly pick their way through this unique and very technical part of the course.

The route back towards the Start and Switch zones now begins across the bumpy plain, finishing off the spectacular 6.68 kilometre course of the Arctic X Prix.

Also read: Fernando Alonso extends contract with Formula 1 team Alpine for 2022 season

Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO said: “The Arctic X Prix course offers a true spectacle and a brand-new challenge for teams and drivers. To be racing on an area which was once a glacier up until its suffering at the hands of the climate crisis is very special and I’m sure through the racing and our broadcast product, we will heighten fans’ awareness of what is happening to the planet.

“This course is like nothing the motorsport world has ever seen as we are the first series to ever go racing in this location, which means teams will have to get to grips with the setting pretty quickly. I can’t wait to see what prevails this weekend, and who will take the top step on the podium.”

The Arctic X Prix takes place this weekend (28-29 August) and can be watched via a host of global broadcasters available to view here. In the UK, the series airs on ITV, Sky Sports, BT Sport and BBC digital channels, plus FOX Sports in the USA, Eurosport across Europe and KNR in Greenland.

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.”

London (Motorsports news): Extreme E, the full electric off road racing series  today announced a slightly updated sporting format for the upcoming Arctic X Prix in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland which will have a five car Final.

The changes start at qualifying, which spreads over two sessions in which the first one will be in the morning and second one in the afternoon on Saturday 28 August. Each team will have to race two laps of the course, one lap per driver with a driver switch, and the times recorded across the morning session will equate to classification points meaning first place receives 9, second place 8, third place 7 points and so on. The cycle repeats itself  in the afternoon with classification points awarded on the same scale.

The combined overall of these classification points will provide the intermediate standings, which is noted on points instead of times as seen in Saudi Arabia and Senegal, meaning a fairer opportunity for all racers to progress, particularly if a poor time or DNF for example is recorded in a particular session.

Also read: Mercedes AMG driver Nyck De Vries clinches the Formula E title

It is important to note, the classification points do not come under  overall Championship points, these continue to be awarded in the same way as per previous rounds at the end of Qualifying as follows:

1st - 12 points, 2nd - 11 points, 3rd - 10 points , 4th - 9 points, 5th - 8 points, 6th - 7 points , 7th - 6 points, 8th - 5 points and 9th - 4 points.

From the Qualifying rounds teams in first, fifth and sixth place will proceed to Semi-Final 1, with second, third and fourth spots advancing to Semi-Final 2 and teams finishing in seventh, eighth and ninth will proceed to the Crazy Race.

Greenland will provide Extreme E’s first five car Final, made up of the top two teams from Semifinals 1 and 2, plus the winner of the Crazy Race, offering every single team on the grid an opportunity to reach the final race of the Arctic X Prix on Sunday 29 August.

Following the Final, Championship points will be awarded as follows:

1^st - 25 points, 2^nd - 19 points, 3^rd - 18 points, 4^th - 15 points, 5^th - 12 points, Semi-Final 1 3^rd - 10 points, Semi-Final 2 3^rd - 8 points, Crazy Race 1^st - 6 points and Crazy Race 2^nd  - 4 points.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E said: “As a series we are always ready to evolve in order to create the absolute best result, and we believe these changes to the sporting format will offer greater competition and even more exciting racing for our global fanbase.

“I can’t wait to witness some of the biggest names in racing take part in the first motorsport event ever hosted in Greenland, and see who will take the top step on the podium. The course itself looks incredible and I’m sure it will offer some close battles, but it is important to note we are racing on an area which was once a glacier, but has retreated at an accelerated rate due to the climate crisis.”

With only 10 days to go, the Arctic X Prix and preparations are almost complete for holding this world first event in Greenland. Following this, the series will move to Sardinia in Italy for the Island X Prix taking place from 23-24 October.

(Motorsports news): Tanner Foust from USA is one of the most popular and successful names in  the world of rallycross, will drive for the McLaren Extreme E team next year, McLaren Racing announced today.

Tanner is known as a versatile, multi talented driver famous for his top class car control and track record of podiums, national championships and world records.

A four time and defending U.S. rallycross champion (2019, 2012, 2011, 2010), Tanner has won four X Games gold medals (2013, 2010, 2007), alongside two Formula Drift championships (2008, 2007).

McLaren Racing will announce Tanner’s teammate, who will be the first female McLaren Racing driver, in the near future.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, commented “We are thrilled that Tanner has joined the McLaren Racing family of drivers. He is a top class off-road competitor with a wealth of experience and a winning record. Alongside his driving prowess he’s a fantastic personality, who will help us connect with new fans around the world and bring the purpose and important messages of Extreme E to the fore.

“We’re looking forward to announcing Tanner’s teammate and our first female McLaren driver, to complete our exciting line up.”

Tanner Foust, McLaren Racing Extreme E driver, said “To be able to race for McLaren is every driver’s dream and the opportunity to compete for the team in this innovative and imaginative racing series makes it even more special. The concept is unique and the challenge compelling. It will enable me to draw on all my experience and skills, while being part of a positive cause addressing key issues for our planet and society.”

Also read: Mahaveer tests F1 car in Hungary

About Tanner Foust

Tanner has been on top  in rallycross since the sport was first introduced to the United States in 2010. His varied race experience includes many years of open wheel competition, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, rallying, sports car racing and the famous Baja. He has also represented his country  in the annual Race of Champions three times (2010, 2009, 2008).

He is the only American driver to win a round of the European Rallycross Championship and  also finished in the top three in both 2011 and 2012.

Tanner has also held numerous world records, including the incredible Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare,  in which he drove a car through a 66 foot loop. He achieved the indoor speed record for TV’s Top Gear USA and set a distance jump record with Hot Wheels when he made a 332 foot ramp to ramp leap in a truck at the Indy 500 back in 2011.

Off the racing track, Tanner demonstrates his impressive car control and driving talent on camera as host for Top Gear and is a stunt driver of huge repute, bringing his remarkable driving capabilities to films, TV shows, and commercials. His movie credits include The Fast and Furious, The Bourne Ultimatum and The Dukes of Hazzard. He also competes in ice racing and has a degree in molecular biology.

London, Jul 26 (Motorsports) Mahindra Racing recorded their fifth win in Formula E history at the London E-Prix here.

It was an impressive win for Mahindra's Alex Lynn, who was born in Romford, East London, just ten miles from the race track.

The win came on the back of a podium for the British driver the day before in the first of the two weekend's races, when he finished in third place.

Rounds 12 and 13 of the Formula E World Championship took place on a brand-new circuit in London, which uniquely is the first indoor/outdoor racetrack, snaking through the ExCeL centre and the streets around.

In Saturday's qualifying session, Lynn put his M7Electro racing car through to Super Pole for the sixth time this season, and went on to score his first three points of the weekend for going on to secure Pole Position.

In the race, he led for the first half and eventually crossed the line in third position to take his second Formula E career podium. His team-mate Alexander Sims was hit on the first lap and was forced to retire due to accident damage.

Also read: Extreme E teams up with award-winning sustainable brand GROUNDTRUTH

Alex continued his stellar qualifying form on Sunday, collecting the first point of the day for setting the fastest lap in group qualifying and securing his seventh Super Pole appearance.

Starting from third on the grid he executed the perfect race to be crowned winner on his home turf. The result marked his first Formula E race victory and third podium, all of which he has achieved with Mahindra Racing this season.

The weekend's points haul elevates Alex to sixth in the driver's standings, just 17 points off championship leader Nyck De Vries, with all to play for in the season finale in Berlin on 14-15 August.

News source: PTI

Extreme E, the pioneering electric SUV racing series, has announced that its hit magazine programmes – How to Build a Race Car, Electric Odyssey and Climate Changers have been included by British Airways for its exclusive in-flight entertainment channel, High Life.

High Life entertainment has been made accessible to passengers on all of British Airways’ long journey flights and gives the  best choices of movies, sport, TV shows and interactive games.and other forms of entertainment. Tapping a potential audience of up to 1.4 million per month, High Life is considered to be one of the top and most widely watched in-flight broadcasting channels and boasts a multitudes of up-to-the-minute blockbuster movies together with classic TV favourites and jaw dropping documentaries.

The Extreme E is best suited for individuals who have the hunger for adventure and excitement. With exclusive behind-the scenes access to the creation and progression of this ground-breaking motorsport series, the program takes the viewers on a trail all the way from the championship’s beginning through to the mind-blowing race action, the people and brains behind the brilliant concept, as well as the stories of climate change, science, exploration and passion evolving around the series. 

Also read: Extreme E teams up with award-winning sustainable brand GROUNDTRUTH

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are delighted that British Airways has chosen Extreme E’s magazine shows for its prestigious High Life entertainment package. Our sport for purpose championship has so many fascinating stories to tell – everything from the creation of the incredible ODYSSEY 21 electric race car to life on our ocean centrepiece, the St. Helena. These programmes add so much additional depth to the championship and extend the conversation outside of the racing itself.

“Extreme E’s plethora of behind-the-scenes content which includes the fascinating people, the technology, the science and the legacy initiatives, all make for compelling viewing not only for lovers of motor sport but for anyone with a sense of adventure and care for the environment and I’m confident they will delight and entertain BA’s discerning traveller.”

In Motor Sports news, Extreme E  - a sport for purpose races in remote locations damaged by the climate crisis, and in each of those areas targets to make a long-lasting positive influence through its Legacy Programmes. The series is supporting turtle conservation along the Red Sea coastline, an educational programme in Greenland in collaboration with UNICEF and mangrove planting in Senegal.
 

Motorsports News, 21 July 2021, London

GROUNDTRUTH, The 2021 Extreme E event team will be supported by a line of backpacks manufactured from 100 percent recycled plastic and newly innovative collected CO2 - exclusive to the bag market - from the award-winning brand that creates sustainable backpacks, accessories, and expedition kits.

GROUNDTRUTH was founded by sisters Georgia, Nina, and Sophia Scott, and is motivated by Georgia and Sophia's years of travel and experience as documentary filmmakers on the front lines. Their video work exposed them to a variety of harsh conditions, from drought to conflict.These firsthand experiences inspired them and their sister Nina, a textile specialist, to form a company that could provide beneficial answers for the environment.

The sisters have developed their own sustainable materials using cutting-edge technology. A unique ballistic weave cloth manufactured from plastic garbage gathered from landfills, rivers, and oceans around the world is one of them. A total of 120 plastic bottles are used to make each GROUNDTRUTH backpack.

GROUNDTRUTH is now leading the way in building circular lifecycles with their technological partners Carbon Upcycling Technologies. They are moving the fashion and industrial industries forward by combining recycled polyethylene, i.e. domestic plastic trash, with nanoparticles containing solidified atmospheric CO2 obtained from the air.

Sophia Scott said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Extreme E as we share the vision for actively helping to protect our planet. We are excited to be able to showcase these backpacks and our new CO2 developments on this fascinating world stage. We are constantly exploring the planet for new technologies to remain at the forefront of green innovation.”

Extreme E Chief Marketing Officer, Ali Russell said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with GROUNDTRUTH - they are a truly inspirational company who share our ambitions to promote a carbon zero future.  We are showcasing this through our racing and entertainment platform and they are demonstrating how our waste of today can be used to create functional and stylish products.  We will certainly enjoy exposing the backpacks to the variety of extreme environments and locations through our Extreme E events.”

Also read: An in depth look at the Extreme E battery that powers the ODYSSEY 21

Sophia Scott of GROUNDTRUTH will be part of an all-female team of athletes, sailors, scientists, and storytellers sailing from Iceland to Greenland to test the newly developed material made from CO2 gathered while monitoring the Arctic's ever-changing climate and pollution. TEAM UMIAQ, a six-person team, will create a documentary on the trip and their subsequent learnings. At the end of August, their boat will arrive at Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, at the same time and location as Extreme E's third race event (27-29 August).

This fortuitous coincidence will give their new collaboration a big boost, allowing their united messages to be documented for a massive global audience as well as the on-site attendance at this incredible race event.

The name Williams is held in the highest esteem in the world of motorsports. With nine F1 constructor championships (second only to Ferrari), Williams has been the leading engineers and racing protagonists with its sister company Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) being considered a major force in electric motorsports.

In an interview with Craig Wilson, Williams Advanced Engineering CEO and Glen Pascoe, WAE Principal Engineer, the two spoke about how the Extreme E battery is made, an in depth look at the WAE facility and the challenges they faced in creating a battery that powers the ODYSSEY 21 at some of the most remote and extreme locations around the world.

Q 1) XE: First of all, how did the Williams and Extreme E relationship begin?

Craig Wilson, “Williams had already been involved with Formula E as we were one of the original battery suppliers to the championship when it began in 2014. The technology was relatively young then and we were all learning a great deal – but it was hugely exciting to be part of the electric revolution and to be there from the start and we still are.

“Following the on-track successes we’ve had at Le Mans (providing engineering support for Porsche’s sports car racing programme), through the hybrid F1 era, then four seasons supplying batteries to the first-generation Formula E grid (and due to supply the Gen 3 batteries), together with being technical partner for Jaguar Racing, we have learned a lot about how to extract the highest levels of performance from a battery.

“Having proven our capabilities with Alejandro Agag, SPARK and the team in Formula E, we were then in a good position to pitch for the Extreme E sole developer role in 2019.”

Q 2) XE: What steps did Williams take to create the battery?

Glen Pascoe, “In Extreme E, the challenge is arguably even greater than for other series as we are taking battery technology away from the traditional race circuit and into hostile environments, where humidity, dust, extremes of temperature, shock and vibration will play a huge part and to that end, the batteries have had to be uniquely tailored for the environment.

“And with races being head-to-head over short distances, the batteries are sized to manage high intensity operation over a shorter time than in other e-racing series, but in a far harsher environment. As a result, we have developed a whole new module that can produce 400kW peak power in a bespoke battery construction along with an entirely new pre-race conditioning system to maximise robustness and minimise mass.

“Simplicity, serviceability and modularity were all critical design requirements. Commercially available cells were selected and designed into a pack in conjunction with the series to align both with the race format and the vehicle performance duty cycle. Working with limited space in the car, we had to meet tough power and mass performance targets and deliver a bespoke battery pack design in under 12 months!”

Q 3) XE: How has the battery performed in the first two X Prix’s of Extreme E’s debut season, Saudi Arabia and Senegal, and what were the challenges that you faced?

Glen Pascoe, “The biggest challenges in Saudi Arabia were definitely sand and the temperature! Thin air was also an issue.

“The first run simulation took part at the hottest time of the day and a battery rebuild we carried out was intensive and not helped by strong winds and even a sandstorm providing an unwelcome interruption, which covered all battery parts and electronics with a fine grit. We broke out the vacuum to begin a deep clean for all components. Eventually, the batteries were ready, and it was time for the team-wide shakedown on Friday 2 April.

“The first qualification session saw two major impacts - Stephane Sarrazin in the Veloce Racing car and Claudia Hürtgen in the ABT Cupra XE – and after the driver’s safety was checked, we were delighted to see that both batteries remained absolutely intact, safe and damage-free, showing the green light all the way through the car recovery process.

“The Senegal event brought a mixture of similarities and differences to Saudi in the challenges we faced at the track. Whilst not as hot as Saudi Arabia, ambient temperatures remained high and were accompanied by 90%+ humidity levels. This brought its own unique challenges in ensuring we were actively managing the battery temperature both during the on-track action and between races.

“Alongside this the Senegal event showed the cars tackling a very demanding, technical and aggressive track. The batteries were constantly punished with heavy impacts and harsh vibrations as the cars bounced around the dunes and deep ruts. Ensuring battery health throughout the weekend was key to ensuring a successful event.

“Both of the first two races offered humidity, dust, extremes of temperature, shock and vibration!”

Glen concludes, “To break it down, we came away with the knowledge that...

The batteries performed flawlessly even with the severe impacts that happened in the Desert X Prix as well as the intense head to head battles we saw in the Ocean X Prix. Working on the batteries on location went really well, which is a reflection of all the design work and that went into them

Servicing and maintaining the batteries throughout the events went well, which is a reflection of all the design work that went into them

Again, the batteries performed well in Senegal, a 6km long harsh, technical course, through woods and on the beach

480 KM mileage was recorded in Senegal and 1070 km across the 2 races

1120KWh energy discharged in Senegal and nearly 2000kWh across both events

Over 12 hours of on-track running

Q 4) Have you made any improvements since then?

Glen Pascoe, “Refinement of BMS models to extract maximum performance. And we have optimised the rate at which we log and collect data during an event to ensure most efficient learning.”

Also read: Sport TV Portugal confirms deal with Extreme E for debut season

Q 5) What are you expecting when you go to the next X Prix in Greenland in August?

Glen Pascoe “No more sand!! But yes, we’ll have to adapt and optimise to the vastly different climate and track conditions. The very new challenges of snow and of course water and mud. There will be stone impact and less grip resulting in more drift and vertical impact.

“In addition to the physical challenges, the remoteness of the location means we need to forward plan for every eventuality before arriving on location as there will be no opportunity for late deliveries or freight, no additional transport available or indeed, supplies!”

Q 6) How do you see the battery developing further as Season 1 progresses?

Glen Pascoe, “Unlocking further vehicle performance as we gather more data on the battery and the overall powertrain.”

Q 7) What are the options for the battery at the end of Season 1?

Glen Pascoe, “Batteries have been designed for multi-season use, so WAE will inspect, re-test and go again.  Any incremental improvements available will be implemented during the turn-around. Once batteries reach the end of their final racing season, the cells can be easily removed as module ‘building blocks’ and configured into a suitable second life application. Some components are targeted for reuse in alternative applications, and some will be recycled in order to recover valuable raw materials.”

Q 8) How important are collaborations like this for race to road transfer?

Craig Wilson, “They are a key part of transferring technology to road cars, specifically in areas such as fast charging, battery management and software development. Essentially, affordability comes with volume production. By pioneering and showcasing EV technology in a series such as Extreme E, manufacturers will be able to “carry over” technology into road cars and in doing so, enable the technology to become more affordable.”

Q 9) How is Williams’ technology implemented in cars we see on the road today?

Craig Wilson, “As mentioned previously the key technology areas will likely be improved energy density, lifecycle, durability, power capability and fast charging. In addition, there will probably be a greater than ever emphasis on software in order to unlock more of the potential of the battery chemistry using advanced algorithms for increased performance, safety and reliability.”

Apart from all that, are you looking forward to racing Greenland? What are you most excited about?

Glen Pascoe, “Snowball fights in August of course!!

“No seriously, this is huge as no previous international motorsport events have ever been held in Greenland, so the WAE team are proud to be supporting this unique and ground-breaking event. Seeing the cars go head-to-head in a challenging new climate for the drivers will also be so exciting to watch. We can’t wait!”

In motorsports, Extreme E, the world's first electric SUV race series, has signed a new broadcast deal with Sport TV in Portugal. Sport TV, based in Lisbon, is broadcasting the entire Extreme E X Prix, as well as race highlights, on its linear channels in both English and Portuguese. The championship's spectacular race action is also available to watch live on Sport TV's digital platform.

Sport TV, with five premium channels and one sports news channel, is Portugal's main sports-oriented cable and satellite television network. The station's broadcast reach also extends to African countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, So Tomé and Principe, and Equatorial Guinea, where Portuguese is the official language.

As part of its agreement with the European Commission, Portugal, like many other countries, is under pressure to dramatically reduce harmful carbon emissions. One way it has done this is by expanding access to electric-powered public transportation, a move that has already helped to reduce CO2 levels substantially, primarily in urban areas.

Extreme E aspires to showcase electrification and performance while raising awareness, promoting action, and emphasizing the consequences of climate change through its top-tier broadcast package. By focusing on the environment through racing, consumers are encouraged to choose electric transportation as a way to decrease their personal carbon footprint and contribute to the shortening of the climate emergency.

“Extreme E is happy to be joining Sport TV's existing and wide-ranging sporting line-up in Portugal, as well as the Portuguese-speaking regions of Africa,” said Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E.

“Extreme E’s mission to race without trace whilst simultaneously raising awareness of climate issues, means it is vital that our series reaches as many audiences on as many platforms as possible throughout the world. Working with Sport TV not only provides viewers in Portugal and its African regions with a thrilling and innovative motorsport championship, but also helps convey the benefits of electrification through our brilliant and entertaining broadcast package.”

Extreme E is a competition that not only features short, swift, exciting wheel-to-wheel racing, but also has a larger purpose that revolves around the environment, which is regrettably under jeopardy. This year, the series travels to five different locations, all of which are afflicted by environmental challenges such as desertification, ice melting, plastic pollution, and rising carbon emissions.

Extreme E is a sustainable motorsport that uses a number of strategies to lower its carbon footprint, from racing electric SUVs to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell car charging, but it goes even farther and wants to be net-carbon zero by the end of its inaugural season.

On the 28th and 29th of August, the Arctic X Prix will be held in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Sports News: Seven Network has confirmed that it will broadcast Extreme E an innovative electric series on its free to air network and on 7plus, a market-leading BVOD platform. It is a part of Seven West Media. Seven Network will air Extreme E programmes throughout leading cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisban, Adelaide, Perth, and regional Queensland.

Seven will air Extreme E’s one-hour highlights programmes which will feature the best electric-SUV race action from remote places across the planet that are affected by the climate crisis. The championship has been to Saudi Arabia’s deserts in April and the beaches of Senegal in May. Their next stop is Greenland in August where Molly Taylor and Johan Kristofferson along with off-road legends will battle it out for racing honours on the edge of the ice cap. The aim is to bring the focus on the effects of climate change in that part of the world.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Australia is a hugely important territory for Extreme E and so we are delighted that its premier network Seven will be broadcasting our excellent highlights shows.

“Australia is undoubtedly way ahead of the curve when it comes to concern for the environment so I am confident that audiences here will really identify with what is at the heart of Extreme E. Our mission to race without trace whilst simultaneously raising awareness of climate issues, means it is vital that our series reaches as many people as possible throughout the world.

“Working with Seven not only provides viewers in Australia with a thrilling and innovative motorsport championship – and one that Australian female superstar Molly Taylor happens to be  leading – but also helps convey the benefits of electrification through our entertaining broadcast package.”

Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said: “We’re rapt to add Extreme E to Seven’s unrivalled motorsport line-up, starting with the highlights of next month’s Arctic X Prix in Greenland. Extreme E is an exciting new format fans will love and the Aussie public will get right behind Seven motorsport’s own Molly Taylor as she bids to take out the inaugural championship.”

“It adds to a massive year on Australia’s Home of Motorsport, which already includes the Supercars Championship – headlined by October’s iconic Bathurst 1000 – and the TCR Australia Series.”
 

Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric racing series, has announced the launch of Morocco's SNRT to its broadcast lineup.

This year's championship, as well as highlights, previews, reviews, and SNRT's 20-part magazine programme, the Electric Odyssey, will be broadcast live and in full in both Arabic and French by Société Nationale de Radiodiffusion et de Télévision, Morocco's major state broadcasting service. Extreme E's X Prixs will also be accessible to watch on arryadia.com, a digital platform.

SNRT's headquarters are in Rabat, and the company employs 2,300 people across its various media outlets. SNRT is noted for its proactive approach to environmental issues as well as a strong endorsement of gender-equal opportunities inside its organisation, in addition to its diverse menu of sporting and lifestyle programmes.

In early April, Extreme E made its debut in the Saudi Arabian desert, followed by the Ocean X Prix in Senegal in May. Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz Snr., Johan Kristofferson, Mikaela hlin-Kottulinsky, Molly Taylor, and Catie Munnings competed for race honours in enormous 550bhp ‘ODYSSEY 21’ electric SUVs, which wowed audiences around the world. Johan Kristofferson and Molly Taylor, driving for Rosberg X Racing, won both thrilling Finals.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “SNRT and its associated channels are a great fit for our electric racing championship, and we are delighted to have secured this deal.  Apart from being able to extend our excellent broadcast package to the Moroccan region, SNRT shares many of Extreme E’s core values such as gender equality and concern about the world’s climate crisis - both of which are key pillars behind our sport for purpose series.

“Extreme E’s X Prixs in Saudi Arabia and Senegal were overwhelming successes and the feedback from fans has been resoundingly positive. We cannot wait to bring more thrilling action to viewers when we race in Greenland at the end of August.”

Hassan Boutabssil, Head of Arryadia, Moroccan Sports Channel /Sports Rights Manager at SNRT added: “Extreme E is a future facing sport with the environment, entertainment, equality and electrification at its core. Morocco has moved to renewable energy solutions and we love the way sport for purpose resonates with Extreme E.”

Extreme E has proven to be not only a must-see event for motorsports lovers, but also a new era of racing that prioritises environmental concerns.

The series now moves on to Greenland after races in Saudi Arabia and Senegal (28-29 August). The goal is to promote viewers' knowledge and interest in environmental concerns by organising races in locations that are suffering from the environmental crisis, such as deserts and the Arctic.

In order to limit the championship's carbon footprint, races are held without spectators. In addition, the championship ferries race equipment by sea on the St. Helena, the event's floating centrepiece.

London: In the latest motorsports news, Extreme E, the electric motorsport series has announced today that National Geographic will broadcast its magazine programmes - ‘How to Build a Race Car’, ‘The Electric Dream´and ‘Climate Changers’ - along with all of its debut season X Prixs on a delayed basis in its region of Latin America. The programmes will be televised in both Spanish and Portuguese.

In its debut season, this very entertaining ‘sport for purpose’ series has already got off to a rocking start with two amazing events – the first in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in April followed by the most recent in Dakar, Senegal.

Millions of fans around the globe sat glued to their screens as motorsporting stars like Sara Price, Kyle LeDuc, Jamie Chadwick, Mattias Ekström, Molly Taylor and Johan Kristoffersson, took on the championship in their monster ODYSSEY 21 race cars on gravel, rocks and stunning sand dunes – not only with the objective of taking home the prestigious Extreme E trophies, but also with the goal to create awareness regarding the adverse effects of climate change on these fragile locations.

Alongwith the racing, the Extreme E team also implements Legacy Programmes within the areas it visits with a view to bring about positive change.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “Extreme E is delighted to have secured National Geographic as a broadcaster. The channel is famed for its brilliant and fascinating documentaries on science, adventure, nature and environmental topics, all of which are subjects close to the heart of our championship.

“As well as our great racing, Extreme E is in essence, a ground-breaking adventure for all of us. I believe that the stories behind the series, the people involved, our legacy projects and even the history of our floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, will delight and inspire National Geographic’s audiences. Coupled with our on-going scientific research into the effects of climate change and what can be done to lessen the terrible damage that its causing, makes for a broadcast that is as captivating as it is eye-opening and we want to share this with as many people as possible.”

Following the first two X Prixs in Saudi Arabia (3-4 April) and Senegal (29-30 May), Extreme E now moves on to Greenland (28-29 August) with the last two race venues to be confirmed. By holding races in locations that are suffering due to the environmental crisis, such as deserts and the Arctic, the objective is to increase viewers' interest and awareness in environmental issues.

London: In the latest motorsports news, the electric off-road racing series, Extreme E today announced Tamara Molinaro as its Championship Driver, following the news of predecessor Jutta Kleinschmidt racing for the ABT CUPRA XE for the remainder of  this 2021 season.

Tamara started her racing career at the age of 11 and the Italian born gradually made her way up to the U27 European Rally Championship winning the Ladies European Rally Champion title as the second-youngest after Andretti United Extreme E’s Catie Munnings – in 2017 after trumping four of the eight rounds and topping the board in 40 stages.

In 2018, Tamara headed into the WRC2 class in the World Rally Championship and in 2019 dovetailed a second season on the WRC support bill with a Titans RX Rallycross Championship campaign – the only women in the series – with wins at several qualification races and finishing 5th overall.

In 2020, the 23 year old competed in the Italian Gravel Championship, finishing at number two in the U25 standings, and first in the Ladies standing. This year, Tamara continued to contest in the Italian Gravel Championship, recently completing the San Marino Rally in seventh position, putting her sixth in the overall standings.

Tamara Molinaro joins the series as Championship Driver alongside Timo Scheider, supporting the Extreme E in both an advisory role and as a back-up driver in case any of the sides require a replacement during an X Prix, as owing to the nature of the race locations, the sides won't have a reserve driver on site.

James Taylor, Chief Championships Officer, Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tamara to Extreme E. She has a great pedigree already at such a young age in both rallying and rallycross, and we think she will bring a lot to Extreme E, and be the perfect replacement should any teams require her at our upcoming X Prixs.

“But her role is much wider than that, and we are looking forward to having her in Greenland with us for the Arctic X Prix and receiving her input on the course alongside Timo [Scheider]. Having spent time as both a driver and co-driver she has a fantastic perspective on racing, so her feedback will be crucial to creating another spectacular X Prix.

“Finally, our thanks and appreciation go out to Tamara’s predecessor Jutta Kleinschmidt who played a big part in the success of our opening two events. We now look forward to watching her race for ABT CUPRA XE for the rest of the Season.”

Tamara Molinaro, Extreme E’s newly appointed Championship Driver, added: “I have been working really hard to try and get involved in Extreme E over the past few months as I’ve followed the series with huge interest since the beginning. I think it is one of the most exciting and fair racing formats ever and the thought of being able to race with a purpose gives me extra motivation.

“My goal has always been to make it to the top of the motorsport ladder so the opportunity to work within Extreme E as a Championship Driver is a dream come true, and I will put all my efforts into doing my job in the best way possible. I can’t wait to get started in Greenland!”

In motorsports news, with Extreme E’s Arctic X Prix less than two months away, the electric off road racing series have completed their latest recce in Kangerlussuaq for it’s very first motorsport event.

In a press release, James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E said, “It has been a fantastic trip out to Greenland and the team continues to work closely with the Greenlandic Government, the people of Kangerlussuaq and our production partners to ensure we can put on a truly spectacular event.

“I’m really excited by this X Prix for a variety of reasons: bringing the very first motorsport event to Greenland, working with UNICEF to educate youngsters on climate change, the breathtaking landscape and the racing it will offer, plus of course the fact we will be at the heart of the climate crisis, where you can see with your own eyes the devastation being caused by global warming.

“I can’t wait to return in August and use our racing platform to educate on measures we can, and must, all take to help against the biggest challenge of our time – climate change.”

The electric off-road series are not just looking at the race course but the operational and logistical aspects as well. Championship driver Timo Scheider, who was entrusted with the task of developing the course alongside the sporting team had this to say, “I was really, really excited to go to Greenland as it’s one of the few places in the world I haven't seen so far, and after facing the glacier so close and more or less touching it, it was pretty special for me, and also racing right next to it was an outstanding feeling.

“The course will include elements which we have haven't seen so far in Extreme E, so that's why I'm excited to see again what the drivers will see and how they will like it. It’s different in terms of innovation and the surface we have, so we will face some areas with sand, gravel, stones and even drops, which will be exciting for everyone. I’m really looking forward to the race weekend.”

Also read: Extreme E announce Eleven Sports as latest broadcaster

Despite its picturesque settings, the race will be held in Greenland to highlight the climate crisis. Scientific research has led to an understanding that the Arctic is warming at three times the global average due to climate change resulting in a loss of sea ice.

Professor Peter Wadhams, Head of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, said: “The loss of sea ice has serious implications for the climate of the planet. But even more serious in many ways is what we will be investigating in Greenland - the accelerating melt of ice from the Greenland ice sheet, which is leading to a much faster rise in global sea levels.

“The ice sheet is melting at a record rate in summer. When we were last in Kangerlussuaq in August two years ago we encountered a record loss of ice from the ice sheet in a single day – 12.5 billion tons of water melted and of course ended up in the ocean, causing faster sea level rise.

“This record may get beaten this year, given the extraordinary air temperatures which we have been experiencing. The melt, and the rise in sea level, are accelerated even more by the fact that the ice surface is dirty with sediment, dust and plankton. This is left behind when the ice crystals melt, to produce what is called "black ice", which absorbs radiation very effectively. We will be studying the origin and nature of black ice and its power to speed up ice melt.”

Hjörtur Smárason, CEO at Visit Greenland, said: “Extreme E is a perfect match for Greenland. The innovative mindset and focus on sustainability fits how Greenland aims to develop as a tourism destination. With its grand glaciers and the Ice Sheet, Greenland offers a­­­­­­­­­­ chance to explore climate change in action, giving guests an opportunity to unplug into nature and experience pure silence in an otherwise busy world.” 

The Arctic X Prix will be held on 28 - 29 August and will be broadcasted globally through ITV, Sky Sports, BT Sport, BBC, Fox Sports amongst many others.

London: In the latest Motorsports News, Extreme E, the Off-road electric race series on Wednesday announced its partnership with global media group Eleven Sports to take the championship’s X Prixs to motorsports lovers in multiple markets.

Eleven has gained the rights to the series's live race coverage along with its behind-the-scenes magazine programme, preview, and review shows for its new global streaming platform ElevenSports.com and for Eleven Sports Belgium. Eleven’s coverage will be available in languages like English, French, Flemish and German.

ElevenSports.com is all set to reach millions of fans annually and stream thousands of hours of sport. The partnership will deliver Extreme E to audiences in over 140 nations worldwide, on a non-exclusive basis.

Eleven Belgium is the major sports platform in Belgium and Luxembourg, with a rights portfolio that features the Belgian Pro League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, NBA, UFC, and more.

Eleven subscribers in Belgium and Luxembourg will be able to enjoy all the latest action from the Extreme E series via Eleven Belgium’s award winning OTT and linear channels.

Also read: Our hard work paid off in Saudi but we are fully focused on X Prix in Senegal - Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing

The opening Extreme E X Prixs from Saudi Arabia and  Dakar, Senegal, have already mesmerized audiences around the globe. Eleven will now further strengthen the coverage of the Championship. The aim of the game - to showcase the benefits of electrification through motorsport, along with shining the spotlight on the adverse effects of climate change.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “We are delighted to have extended Extreme E’s viewing reach globally with Eleven Sports. Our opening races have delighted audiences around the world with the thrilling new race format and high drama. We have proven that Extreme E’s sport for purpose is not only a must see for fans, but it also marks a new era of racing that highlights the benefits of electrification whilst at the same time shining the spotlight on the climate crisis with the storytelling around the championship.”

Guillaume Collard, ELEVEN Belgium & Luxembourg Managing Director and Group Chief Rights Acquisition Officer, added: “Extreme E is already proving itself to be a hugely exciting competition, with a vital climate change message at the heart of the race. We’re delighted to be bringing the competition to our audience in Belgium and Luxembourg as well as using our transformational digital platform elevensports.com to provide passionate motor sport fans in over 140 markets with the opportunity to enjoy all the action from the Extreme E championship.”

London: In the latest motorsports news, Extreme E today confirmed that Jutta Kleinschmidt will compete for ABT CUPRA XE in the series. The first, and so far the only woman to win the iconic Dakar Rally, will join the cockpit with Mattias Ekström with immediate effect and for the last three race events of the season in the series. “I’m really looking forward to this new challenge, the preparation with the ABT team and of course to work with Mattias,” says the German.

Kleinschmidt, who won the Dakar Rally in 2001, takes over the e-CUPRA ABT XE1 from Claudia Hürtgen. “Top performance in off-road events like Extreme E requires intensive preparation, including testing and rally participation. This high time commitment is unfortunately not compatible at the moment with my professional work at BMW, which I live for with the same passion,” says Hürtgen.

“But, a change also offers new opportunities for each of us, so I’m happy for the team that the constellation from Senegal will remain until the end of the season. I’m very grateful for the experiences that I’ve had within the Extreme E family and wish ABT, CUPRA and Jutta only the very best for the next races.”

Extreme E is a familiar field for Jutta Kleinschmidt as she served as Championship Driver and Advisor. She attended the first two races and provided her support to the organisers with her in-depth knowledge from 17 Dakar outings.

Jutta stepped in at short notice for Hürtgen, in Senegal, who was absent due to illness, and impressed with a formidable performance. “At first, I followed the series from the organisers’ point of view, then I got a spontaneous drive and now, together with Mattias, I’m actually a permanent member of the family of drivers. I’m very happy for the chance to compete at the highest level again,” says Kleinschmidt.

While she will be making her maiden appearance for the team at PR appointments for partner CUPRA next week, the  focus will be totally on the race in Greenland, which will take place during the last weekend in August. “Accidents in Saudi Arabia, a spontaneous driver change in Senegal – it’s time for us to now have a smooth weekend,” says Mattias Ekström. “We will thoroughly review the season so far, prepare more intensively than ever and try to make a fresh start in Greenland.” After his debut in a buggy in 2021, the Swede will contest the 2022 Dakar Rally for Audi. “Jutta is the ‘Queen of Dakar’ and I’m still almost a rookie. Having her in the team is also something special for me. I’m looking forward to the collaboration and her cumulative experience, which will serve us well in Extreme E.”

The Arctic X Prix in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland will take place on August 28 and 29.

Electric off road racing series Extreme E,has today announced Enel X – the innovative business line of the multinational energy group Enel - as its Official Smart Charging Partner. It will offer charging technology, the JuicePump 40 Race Edition, to power Extreme E's all-electric SUV named ODYSSEY 21.

Having strong roots in the energy industry, Enel X has worked across sustainability, digitalisation and innovation. As the complex energy landscape in the world grows, the company is creating and executing custom energy strategies by empowering organizations and consumers to take practical measures to cut down carbon emissions.

It has a great commitment in the motorsport sector to develop and test advanced technologies, making motorsport even more sustainable, while also maintaining the same level of performance and safety.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E said: “Extreme E and Enel X share a very common goal around the utilisation of electric vehicles in the world. We are demonstrating their capabilities through the excitement of motorsport and Enel X is working on innovative solutions to ensure we can charge these vehicles in the most sustainable way possible.

“I’m delighted we will be using their expertise at our X Prixs as Extreme E’s Official Smart Charging Partner, further demonstrating how the world of electrification is moving forward – a move we must all support if we are to reduce global carbon emissions and protect our planet.”

Francesco Venturini, CEO of Enel X, said: “Our role as Official Smart Charging Partner of Extreme E is further confirmation of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in electric mobility. By providing our charging infrastructure to such an extreme racing competition, we can demonstrate that electric mobility truly has no limits, representing one of the best ways to combine sustainability and innovation to drive the energy transition.

“In addition, the Enel Group is also very happy to contribute to the championship with the Enel Foundation, which has been one of Extreme E’s Founding Scientific Partners since July 2020.”

The next venue on Extreme E’s five-event schedule is the Arctic X Prix in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, which will take place from 28-29 August, where nine teams will take on each other, competing for the prestigious top step of the podium. Additionally, the event will also highlight the adverse effects global warming is having on the Greenland ice sheet.

Extreme E has officially confirmed today that Motorsport TV Russia will broadcast the electric SUV motorsport X Prixs which will include magazine shows, race highlights, reviews and previews in English and Russian.

Motorsport TV Russia is a subsidiary of Motorsport Network, a platform for motorsport lovers that allows subscribers to access over 125 series, 1000 live events and 3000 hours of on demand content including Extreme E and Formula E.

As one of the countries most vulnerable due to climate change, Russia has seen an increased interest in electric mobility. The country has set a new record of electric car sales for the second year running, outpacing Scandinavian countries. Compared to 2019, the last year saw a 95% increase in electric car vehicle sales, partly due to custom import duties being removed from EV vehicles as well as increased awareness of environmental concerns.

In a press release, Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Extreme E is delighted to be reaching Russian audiences through Motorsport TV. Russia is a hugely important region for our series and coupled with the fact that there is an increasing interest in the EV sector here, makes me even more pleased to be bringing viewers our unique and thrilling electric racing package.

“By shining a spotlight on the environmental crisis through our sport for purpose series, we hope to not only raise awareness amongst audiences, but also highlight changes that can be made to live a less carbon-intensive lifestyle and protect our planet.”

Ksenia Bortova, Editor-in-Chief at Motorsport TV Russia, said: "We are very happy to broadcast Extreme E on our TV channel and spread the word about this amazing new championship to the Russian-speaking audience. I am sure that such a project will attract the attention of Russian fans and ecology supporters. It is clear that the topic of ecology and green energy is amongst the most important all over the world now while Russia covers about one-eighth of the world’s land surface.”

Extreme E’s ‘race without a trace’ has brought together some of the biggest names in motorsport such as Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button along with American motorsport legends such as Chip Ganassi and Michael Andretti. The series also features both male and female drivers in a bid to promote gender equality. The next race is the Arctic X Prix in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland from 28-29 August.

London: The innovative off-road racing series Extreme E on Friday confirmed that it is actively looking for alternate locations for the last two races in Season 1 due to the current COVID-19 situation in South America.

Extreme E was due to stage its Amazon X Prix at Pará in Brazil during October 23-24, before moving further south in Patagonia, Argentina to hold the Glacier X Prix on December 11-12. However after assessing the global situation with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision has been made to postpone touring the region until Season 2.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We’ve been closely monitoring the situation regarding all Extreme E locations for 2021 and have chosen to make this preemptive decision on racing in South America this year. As a new series embarking on our opening Season, our priority is to deliver a five-race calendar of events which are safe and responsible for our global participants, partners and staff to travel to and attend.

“This was not a decision made lightly, however current travel advice and restrictions have also meant we have been unable to visit the race areas in advance to undertake the necessary reconnaissance visits, which are especially vital due to the remote nature of our operations.

“We will of course continue to support our important reforestation and agroforestry initiatives which are already well underway in the region thanks to the help of Dr Francisco Olivieira and our partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Brazil. We would also like to thank the local authorities in Brazil and Argentina who have been supportive throughout the whole process and we hope we can return in 2022.”

Alternative racing venues are currently being explored and will be confirmed in due course. Options include the possibility of the Western Isles, Scotland before Glasgow hosting COP26 in November.

The series has already concluded two of its five X Prixs in its maiden season – the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia and Ocean X Prix in Senegal – and is now preparing for its Arctic X Prix, to be held in Greenland at the end of August.

Extreme E, through each of its X Prix event uses its sporting platform to underline a different environmental issue our planet is facing, alongwith raising awareness about these problems and highlighting solutions  leaving a long-lasting positive effect in its race locations through its Legacy Programmes.

Electric off road racing series Extreme E has announced that McLaren Racing will be entering a team in 2022. They will join the five race global championship which will also help McLaren’s own sustainability and diversity agenda as well as grow the brand and franchise. 

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Extreme E’s mission is to use sport to build awareness and accelerate clean technology innovations that benefit the mobility industry and beyond. To have McLaren on board, which symbolises the highest level of racing and automotive innovation, is a huge endorsement that what we have delivered in just our first two races of Season 1 has already created real impact in motorsport.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zak and the powerhouse McLaren Racing team to Extreme E, and it’s safe to say, we can’t wait to see how the team performs in its first off-road, electric racing debut. Season 2 just got very exciting!”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, commented: “From the moment Extreme E was announced we have been following the progress of the series closely. Our attention was immediately drawn by the innovative format of this motorsport platform, in particular the ability it gives us to accelerate and boost our own overarching sustainability agenda, which shares the same priorities of decarbonisation, waste reduction, diversity and equality.

“At the same time, it will enable us to reach a new audience with an innovative race format, connect with a new generation of fans through content served across a variety of channels and provide partners with a purpose-led competition platform to align with and share in a positive, powerful narrative.

“From the outset, McLaren has always been at the forefront and never afraid to push new boundaries. This new venture is true to our roots of participating in a variety of categories, 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.

“While Formula 1 will always remain at the centre of our world, like INDYCAR and esports, our entry into Extreme E is additive to the McLaren Racing franchise and will complement and help support all our programmes. We will be competing against big names we’re very familiar with from F1 and INDYCAR but, like all series we compete in, the competition objective is clear: we are there to win.”

McLaren’s sustainability mission places carbon reduction, recycling, reuse and elimination of waste, diversity, equality and inclusion as objectives central to its core. They have supplied battery powertrains for the FIA Formula E Championship for the Gen 1 and 2 seasons and have utilized the same technology in the McLaren P1 hypercar. Their team will feature personnel from outside the Formula 1 programme along with four mechanics, one engineer and two drivers like all the other teams.
 

10 June 2021, London: Innovative off-road electric racing series, Extreme E, on Thursday confirmed Chile’s Canal 13 as its latest broadcaster. The commercial station, based in Santiago will air Extreme E’s full debut season which will include the live race feed, preview and magazine shows on its digital platform www.13.cl. The coverage will be featured in both English and Spanish.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “I’m delighted to bring our sport for purpose series to Canal 13’s digital viewers in Chile.  After two fantastic events this year in Saudi Arabia and then in Senegal, we know just how popular our broadcast package is - the audience numbers say it all!

“By adding Canal 13 to our territories roster, we are continuing to share not only the thrilling race action that Extreme E provides, but also the wider messages of our championship around electrification, environment and equality.”

Cristian Hernandez, Digital Media Manager of Canal 13, said: "For Canal 13 it is proud to be present in this global competition, our television channel and its digital platforms have always been protagonists for Chile of the most important sports and news events worldwide. Today, we are proud to promote the first environmentally friendly, gender-equitable and sustainable competition."

After the conclusion of the first two events in Saudi Arabia (3-4 April), and Senegal (29-30 May), the series will next visit Greenland (28-29 August), Brazil (23-24 October) and Patagonia (11-12 December).  By staging races in locations that are suffering due to environmental issues, such as tropical rainforests and the Arctic, the objective is to raise the audience's awareness and interest in environmental issues.

The series also features a unique viewing format, as races are held in the absence of spectators and aired as two-hour programs, in an attempt to minimize the championship’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the championship transports equipment for the race by sea on St. Helena, its floating centrepiece and this behind the scenes content centering around environmental issues will also be available on Canal 13.

London: Extreme E's Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag, has been honoured with Autocar’s Motorsport Hero Award, a recognition given to an individual who has made a significant impact on motorsport and, in turn, the wider automotive industry.

The Awards themselves identify and celebrate the most extraordinary motoring accomplishments over the past 12 months and the individuals responsible for taking the industry forward.

Agag first entered the electric motorsport world in 2014 while he launched the ABB FIA Formula E Championship before going on to develop Extreme E, which had its inaugural race earlier this year. Both championships aim to demonstrate electric mobility and encourage cleaner technologies through the power of sport.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I’m delighted to receive this award from Autocar. It is a true recognition of the achievements we have made in driving the electric conversation through motorsport. I’m very proud of what both Formula E and Extreme E have achieved and I look forward to ensuring they go from strength-to-strength as we look to support the fight against climate change.”

Mark Tisshaw, Autocar Editor said: “With his leadership of both Formula E and the new Extreme E championships, Alejandro Agag has shaken up the motorsport world with provocative and challenging ideas. He has defied the many sceptics of an electric single-seater series to grow Formula E into a world championship that has attracted some of the industry's biggest manufacturers, and with Extreme E Agag is now showing that motorsport can address issues such as sustainability and climate change.”

Extreme E is now done with two of its five X Prixs in its inaugural season – the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia and Ocean X Prix in Senegal – and is now looking forward to the Arctic X Prix which will be held in Greenland at the end of August.
 

Extreme E has announced a collaboration with leading content distribution platform Socialie to enhance the electric off road racing series’ management, distribution and ROI of social media content. This includes race coverage, environmental objectives and behind the scenes stories of people and places with coverage from drivers, teams, partners, stakeholders and media.

Since 2016, Socialie has boasted clients such as ATP Tour, WTA, UFC, FIBA Media, European Tour amongst others. The company is known for maximizing the social ecosystems of brands and delivering fast, impactful content and utilizing advanced sharing mechanisms.

With this partnership, Extreme E will be able to deliver content from remote locations direct to their Socialie account which will them be redistributed, retaining full visibility of social analytics across drivers, teams and stakeholders social accounts.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “Extreme E’s collaboration with Socialie means we can fully realise the potential of our outstanding visual content as well as amplify the environmental, electrification and equality messaging behind our unique sport for purpose series.

“The modern social media landscape presents enormous opportunities for Extreme E, not only as an emerging and innovative sport but one with a vital narrative to deliver, and we’re excited to take that further than ever before.”

Kristin Adams, Socialie CEO and Founder said: “We are excited to be working with Extreme E during its inaugural season. The championship is highlighting the impact of climate change through sport but also through the media.

“By using Socialie, Extreme E is empowering its drivers, teams and other influential stakeholders to easily share and amplify this very important message across social media to showcase the unique events and raise awareness for the need to protect the environment. We are proud that Socialie has been chosen as its platform to achieve this.”

Extreme E will now head over to Greenland (28-29 August) for it’s next race. The series aims to highlight the climate crisis by holding races in locations that are most vulnerable. As the series has a unique viewing format without spectators, fans can watch the races live via social media. Extreme E also transports equipment through its floating centerpiece, St. Helena to reduce the Championship’s carbon footprint.
 

London: Rosberg X Racing drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor emerged victorious yet again at Extreme E’s second X Prix in Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal (29/30 May) with the brilliant duo overcoming high pressure from their adversaries to be crowned Champions of Extreme's first-ever Ocean X prix.

The pioneering off road racing event featured high drama in the grand final as two of the four cars retired at the first corner, leaving Rosberg X Racing to extend their championship lead and Veloce Racing to notch up a surprise result, bouncing from their nightmare Desert X Prix.

The all-star field of Extreme E drivers took on the tight and technical Ocean X Prix course and yielded close racing and several options for alternate routes which were deployed throughout the two days of the X Prix.

Segi TV Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyle LeDuc  took the Super Sector title, bagging an extra five points for his side, setting the fastest time of 1m50.891s - 1.289 seconds ahead of X44’s Sébastien Loeb.

Nico Rosberg, Founder and CEO of Rosberg X Racing, said: “I’m so happy for us as a team to have won in Extreme E for the second time. Two out of two – wow!! 

The second event of Extreme E saw drama unfold before the first corner in the grand Final as GridPlay winners Veloce Racing chose to start on the third grid slot, but the benefit was quickly lost as Stéphane Sarrazin was squeezed out at the first gate which dropped him back to last position.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky of JBXE endured  rear-wheel damage before she even reached the first corner and was forced to retire the car, as was Cristina Gutiérrez in the X44 car who came to blows with the Rosberg X Racing ODYSSEY 21.

Molly Taylor and Sarrazin were hence left to duke it out for the lead, with the French closing the gap throughout the lap and finishing his stint hot on the heels of the 2016 Australian Rally Champion.

To make sure that the officials could safely clear the stricken X44 and JBXE cars, a brief red flag was put into place, as the high voltage battle for the lead was put on hold while the drivers made their way into the switch zone.

A standing start restart was initiated with Jamie Chadwick and Johan Kristoffersson were all set for an all or nothing, one-lap showdown.

A hard-fought drag race down to the first gate concluded with light contact between the two ODYSSEY 21s giving Kristoffersson the advantage. Once he had arrived at the technical section of the course, the three-time FIA World Rallycross Champion started to stretch his legs opening up a 15-second advantage to clinch Rosberg X Racing’s second Extreme E X race on the trot.

Molly Taylor, Rosberg X Racing driver, said: “It’s so fantastic to have won today! Coming here, it felt like we had a lot of work to do over the weekend, and it certainly didn’t come easy, but with every session we just kept our heads down and just saw where we needed to improve, and everything totally paid off in the end."

Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing driver, said: “I’m super happy to be Extreme E winners for the second time!  Molly executed everything perfectly, she did an amazing job taking care of the traffic in her lap - I was really impressed with that. The team also did a fantastic job, I have to say a big thanks to them for bringing me and Molly up to speed over the weekend, as we really weren’t the fastest coming into this event but in the end, we were quick where we needed to be and got good starts, so we couldn’t wish for more than that."

Final Result

Rosberg X Racing (Johan Kristoffersson / Molly Taylor) 2 laps
Veloce Racing (Stéphane Sarrazin / Jamie Chadwick) +14.676s
JBXE (Kevin Hansen / Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky) DNF
X44 (Sébastien Loeb / Cristina Gutiérrez) DNF 

Championship Standings

Rosberg X Racing(Johan Kristoffersson / Molly Taylor)  71 points
X44(Sébastien Loeb / Cristina Gutiérrez) 57 points
JBXE(Jenson Button / Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky) 44 points
Andretti United Extreme E(Timmy Hansen / Catie Munnings) 37 points
XITE ENERGY RACING(Oliver Bennett / Christine GZ) 37 points
ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team(Carlos Sainz / Laia Sanz) 36 points
ABT Cupra XE(Mattias Ekström / Claudia Hürtgen) 35 points
Veloce Racing(Stéphane Sarrazin / Jamie Chadwick) 31 points
Segi TV Chip Ganassi Racing(Kyle LeDuc / Sara Price) 30 points
 

Extreme E will host its second X Prix this weekend, the Ocean X Prix in Lac Rose, Senegal on 29th and 30th May. Course advisers and championship drivers Timo Scheider and Jutta Kleinschmidt have been developing the course ahead of the free practice sessions on 28th May.

Similar to the Desert X Prix, teams will once again face sandy terrain but the tracks will surround a lake renowned for its pink colour due to the algae in its saline waters. The Ocean X Prix will start on the beach alongside the Atlantic Ocean which will quickly move inland to the sharp, elevated dunes in a tight and twisty course. In the middle sector, the route will cross close to the main paddock and the sand will become softer with small dips and drops after which the race will return to the stunning beach.

Timo Scheider, Extreme E Championship Driver said: “After Saudi Arabia, which was a pretty quick course, the aim was to have a more technical layout with more overtaking possibilities and average to low speed areas, and this is what we have achieved.”
“We have some tricky areas, so for sure you have to manage your speed and we still have areas where you have to pay attention to, because if you're too quick on some stages, you can damage your car, spin or even roll.”
Jutta Kleinschmidt, fellow Extreme E Championship Driver said: “So we love it, it's very technical and completely different to what we faced in Saudi Arabia. It's also slower but gives more options for overtaking as there are many racing lines, which will make the Final very interesting. I expect to see closer racing and more overtakes.”

The Ocean X Prix will also feature the Super Sector in the middle sector of the race. This new element will give drivers the opportunity to earn five points for their team by being the fastest driver in that sector over the weekend. Unlike Saudi Arabia, the final will also feature four cars in an action packed race weekend.

The off road racing series, Extreme E, is all set for its Ocean X-Prix this weekend (29-30 May) at Lac Rose, Senegal and will yet again join forces with leading short video platform, TikTok to create digital live content to further bolster the championships social media offering.

Extreme E’s broadcast of its inaugural event in Saudi Arabia earlier last month attracted a mammoth 18.5 million views across its TikTok content.

Extreme E and Little Dot Studios, as part of the initial partnership, created an exclusive 90-minute production which enjoyed 360,000 views on Extreme E’s TikTok account during the maiden weekend providing a behind-the-scenes view at the personalities involved in the series.

For the upcoming Ocean X Prix this weekend, the parties will build on this format along with the bonus addition of the weekend’s final races also being streamed live on TikTok on Sunday May 30 in countries like Russia, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Kuwait, Tunisia, Lebanon, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Mauritania and Bahrain.

In addition to this, the ‘behind-the-scenes’ live-streams, which proved to be very successful at the Desert X Prix in Saudi, will also be live from Lac Rose.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “The viewing numbers from our first event – the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia - were beyond phenomenal and I’m so thrilled that we were able to reach so many people with our unique championship broadcast.  TikTok is massive, and we know that over 60 per cent of its audience are ‘Gen Z’ers’ - the age group that is most concerned about the climate crisis - so to be able to fully engage with them like this is brilliant for our sport for purpose series.

“It’s fantastic that we can now add live streaming in addition to the races and behind-the-scenes coverage from our Ocean X Prix. This is an absolute game changer for our sport and I can’t wait to share Extreme E’s thrilling action and the stories of our championship from Senegal this weekend.”

Yannis Ioannidis, Global Business Development and Strategic Content Partnerships at TikTok said: “We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Extreme E to include live-streaming of the final races as shown on TV in the agreed countries. TikTok Live is the ultimate destination for exciting live-streaming content and this new partnership with Extreme E will give our mobile-native community of users access to premium racing content for the first time ever.”

London: Extreme E on Tuesday launched FanWorld – a virtual experience for fans at home to bring them closer to the Extreme E action. In this virtual zone, fans will be provided exclusive access to the Command Centre, driver’s on-board cameras along with a chance to bag a spot in a live Q&A with the championship’s  drivers.

Fans are encouraged to share their experience using the hashtag #XEFanWorld and the finest content will be hosted in the virtual world bringing fans from all over the world together to experience the Championship. In addition to this, there will also be an opportunity for them to access virtual autograph cards.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer, said: “I think this new initiative is going to excite fans and give them new ways to engage with Extreme E.

“We saw a huge appetite for the series from the Desert X Prix and I hope this will continue to grow throughout Season 1. FanWorld brings all the action to the homes of people that enjoy our sport and brings them closer to the racing.”

The GridPlay vote opens on Wednesday 26 May at 0900 GMT and closes 30 minutes into Semi-Final 2 on 30 May, Sunday. This gives the fans an opportunity to choose their favourite side and influence the starting line-up for the Final. 

Teams that don’t progress into the final can gift votes to their preferred competitors. In Saudi Arabia, Andretti United were able to pick its starting position in the closing race, which indeed highlights the importance of every vote.

The Ocean X Prix will take place this weekend from 29-30 May in Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal.
   

London: Extreme E, the innovative off-road racing series, on Tuesday announced its association with video game development and entertainment company One Earth Rising to create HighVoltage, a new channel on Twitch.tv, World’s top live streaming platform for gamers.

HighVoltage is a hosted daily Twitch.tv streaming channel with an objective to build a better future together and will host the finest video games and competitions while headlining it's purpose driven message. The channel will also be the home to a variety of Extreme E behind the scenes content and the weekly contests.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “A big thank you to One Earth Rising for its support in getting this channel off the ground. As a championship we are targeting a younger audience, many of whom are engaged in platforms like Twitch.tv, so for Extreme E to have its own channel, HighVoltage, to engage with the demographic is fantastic.

“We hope to bring engaging content and games all in a bid to support the biggest race of our time, for our planet, which is sadly suffering from the effects of the climate crisis.”

Justin Bovington, Chief Marketing Officer at One Earth Rising, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Extreme E to create the HighVoltage channel on Twitch.tv to continue its momentum throughout Season 1. The race for the planet is so important and one we all need to join to build a better future. We hope this channel will bring people together in an engaging and entertaining way through a mix of content including games, interviews and conversation.”

Regular competitions and giveaways will be hosted by HighVoltage along with providing access to exclusive themed game servers for subscribers and followers with the purpose of engaging its community by not only conversing, but also including them in playing games together while focussing on the planet.

Extreme E aims to highlight climate issues and demonstrate measures, big and small, that can be undertaken to help the planet. Thus, activations such as this one on Twitch.tv are important to spread the message.

After Senegal, the series will next visit Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (28-29 August), Pará, Brazil (23-24 October) and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (11-12 December).
 

London: The innovative off road racing series Extreme E is all set to stage it's second X Prix , the Ocean X Prix this weekend (29-30 May) in Lac Rose, Dakar on the West African Senegalese coast.

Rosberg X Racing (RXR) emerged victorious in the debut X Prix last month in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, but with the top three ranked sides within seven points of each other, the Ocean X Prix guarantees to offer exciting motorsporting action in a location brimming with its heritage.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO or Extreme E said: “I am delighted to be back in Dakar, a place with a vast motorsport heritage, and I can’t wait to see our world-class line-up of drivers compete on this latest course we have devised. The Desert X Prix delivered some truly thrilling racing with a stunning backdrop and I’m sure Senegal will provide the same.

“But in Lac Rose we find an area suffering at the hands of the climate crisis, which is the true reason we are here. It doesn’t take long upon arrival to see one of the biggest issues, plastic pollution, which is affecting the local community and its marine life. Through our Legacy Programmes, we are supporting the local community to make change, and I can’t wait to see it for myself and help where I can.”
Nico Rosberg, RXR Founder said: “The team did an incredible job in Saudi Arabia to get the win and we’re very proud to be the first X Prix winners in Extreme E history, but we know we need to stay focused if we are to remain at the front. The series is already so competitive, but this team loves a challenge, and we can’t wait to go racing again in Senegal.”

Dakar, situated 37km from the capital, it's  shores of Lac Rose was the host for the finish of the world’s most famous cross-country rally – the Paris-Dakar - on several occasions between 1979 and 2007. It will now serve as host to the Extreme E's second race, the Ocean X Prix this weekend.
Once again, nine teams and 18 drivers will be seen competing, but in a slight amendment to the Saudi Arabia race format, the Final will be a four-car contest, with two sides from each of the two Semi-Finals advancing to the summit race of the weekend.
Saturday 29 May

Qualifying, just like the Desert X Prix, will consist of 2 rounds of time trials. The starting order of the team will be decided by a draw for Qualifying 1 and Qualifying 2. All races have two laps with the incorporated feature of driver ‘Switch’
Sunday 30 May
Three races are scheduled as follows:
The teams will be listed 1st to 9th place based on the total combined time of each team’s two Qualifying runs.
The top three teams go into the Semi-Final 1, where the top two finishers claim spots in the Ocean X Prix Final.
The middle three teams (4th, 5th, 6th) go through to Semi-Final 2, where again the top two progress to the Ocean X Prix Final.
The bottom three teams (7th, 8th and 9th) head to the Shoot Out.
Four cars will feature in The Ocean X Prix Final - The top two finishers from each Semi-Final.

Teams can also take advantage of a HyperDrive boost, which will be available to each driver on each lap of the race. They will enjoy an extra push of continuous power for a few seconds that will be activated after the driver presses a button on the steering wheel.
New in the Ocean X Prix is the ‘Super Sector’ – a section of the course where the fastest driver in that section over the weekend will bag five points for their side. This will ensure that whatever position the sides find themselves in there will always be an incentive to push to the limit to gain more points. 

The teams and driver line-up will take charge of the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21 – a 550 bhp all-electric SUV charged with zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Teams- 
ABT CUPRA XE - #125 – Mattias Ekström / Claudia Hürtgen
ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team - #55 – Carlos Sainz / Laia Sanz
Andretti United - #23 – Timmy Hansen / Catie Munnings
Segi TV Chip Ganassi Racing - #99 – Kyle LeDuc / Sara Price
XITE ENERGY RACING powered by myenergi - #42 – Oliver Bennett / Christine GZ
JBXE - #22 – Kevin Hansen / Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky
Rosberg X Racing - #6 – Johan Kristoffersson / Molly Taylor
Veloce Racing - #5 – Stéphane Sarrazin / Jamie Chadwick
X44 - #44 – Sébastien Loeb / Cristina Gutiérrez

For each race, teams can decide as to which driver goes first, and decisions are kept secret until the last minute.

Shakedown and qualifications will be aired via Extreme E’s official website – www.extreme-e.com and social channels (@extremeelive on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch).

The Finals will be aired in over 180 nations by 75 broadcasters including Fox Sports in the USA, ITV, Sky Sports, BBC and BT Sport in the UK,  Teledeporte in Spain, Proseiben MAXX in Germany, Mediaset in Italy as well as Eurosport across most European Markets and SuperSport in Africa.
 

 

Johan Kristoffersson is one of the most successful World Rallycross drivers in the world. The ‘Super Swede’ is a part of Rosberg X Racing in the electric off-road racing series Extreme E and recently won the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia. In his glittering career, Kristoffersson has won the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, International Superstars Series and more!

In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, Kristoffersson speaks about his experience of winning the inaugural Extreme E race, Rosberg X Racing, driver swap and ODYSSEY 21, his strengths and weaknesses and whether he has a competitive advantage due to his rallycross background.

Q 1) You along with your teammate Molly Taylor set the fastest time in the first race of the series in Saudi Arabia, how proud are you of becoming the first ever winners of an Extreme E race?

Ans: “It was an amazing experience to take the win in the first-ever Extreme E event. The weekend was so crazy and we didn’t know what to expect, so to get the win and know that all our hard work had paid off ahead of the new season was a great feeling for the team. Now we’re fully focused on the next X Prix in Senegal.”



Q 2) How much of a credit goes to Rosberg X Racing for the result in the Desert X Prix? What are the factors that contributed to the win?

“We prepared as much as we could before the race weekend and worked as hard as possible to try and understand how the car might react in the desert, how all the procedures might work, and then on the race weekend we analysed every piece of video footage and data we possibly could. Hard work pays off!”

Also read: I want to inspire girls around the world to get involved with motorsport - Molly Taylor, Rosberg X Racing

Q 3) What are your thoughts about the ODYSSEY 21? How tricky is the driver swap? 

“The car is cool! We’re racing in 400 kW (550bhp) all-electric SUVs that will help shape the future of off-road electric mobility in some of the most extreme environments in the world. The driver swaps are a new challenge for most of the drivers in Extreme E; Molly and I had to practice a lot as we have very different heights [Molly is 168cm, Johan 192-194cm]!”

Q 4) How did you and Molly Taylor prepare for the inaugural race of Extreme E? How do the two of you complement each other's strengths and weaknesses?

“We both have a lot of experience of off-road racing, but we have raced in very different formats. My off-road background is mainly rallycross, while Molly is an experienced rally driver. Extreme E combines a lot of factors of both disciplines, so comparing notes and making sure we are learning from each other’s experiences is a big part of our development.”



Q 5) Do you think you have an advantage over others because of your rallycross background? How challenging has it been to adapt to an electric car?

“It may help when the race starts, but there’s also a number of other drivers in Extreme E who have a rallycross background, such as Mattias Ekstrom and Timmy Hansen. Driving an electric car is a strange sensation at first because of the lack of noise and the instant power delivery, but I am now used to it and learning something new every time I get behind the wheel.”

Australian driver Molly Taylor is in high spirits, having recently won the Saudi X Prix with teammate Johan Kristofferson in the inaugural race of Extreme E, an all electric motorsport series. Having grown up in a motorsport family, Taylor’s mother was a professional co-driver for 18 years and won three Australian titles. For an industry largely dominated by men, Extreme E is giving women an equal platform to showcase their talent and drivers such as Molly Taylor are a breath of fresh air in a tournament focused on bringing awareness to the climate crisis and sustainability.

In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, Molly Taylor speaks about whether she has a competitive advantage due to her rally experience, driving on the desert terrain of Saudi Arabia, gender equality in motorsport, the ODYSSEY 21 and more!

Q 1) You are the only female winner of the Australian Rally Championship, how much of an advantage is that experience in competing at Extreme E?

Ans: “I’m really proud to have won my national rally championship back home, but I think I get more of an advantage from my experience of competing in rally competitions for a number of years – not just my championship year in Australia. Extreme E is a highly-competitive field, so everyone at Rosberg X Racing is committed to calling on their experience to make sure we remain competitive as a team.”

Q 2) Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow? How challenging was it to drive on a terrain like the one in Saudi Arabia?

Ans: “I don’t have any superstitions, but do like to take a moment to visualise the course in front of me and focus on the challenge of racing the ODYSSEY 21. The terrain in Saudi Arabia was really difficult to navigate as new ruts were appearing with every lap we completed. I had a big moment in one of the time-trials on the Saturday but managed to keep control – that was a wake-up call!”



Q 3) How important is a series like Extreme E to develop female racing talent and to promote gender equality in motorsport?

"Equality is a huge part of sustainability, and this series, our team and one of my personal biggest passions is improving equality. Extreme E is the first racing series to feature male/female driver line ups at each team, and I hope to use my platform as an FIA Girls on Track ambassador as well as driver in Extreme E to inspire girls around the world to get involved with motorsport, which has given so much to me.”

Q 4) How does the ODYSSEY 21 compare to other rally cars you have raced with? What role have you played in tailoring the car to your specifications?

Ans: “The ODYSSEY 21 is unlike any other car I have driven. Firstly, it’s massive! It also has a serious amount of power [400kw] and delivers it instantly when you apply the throttle because of the electric motor. It’s very difficult to compare it to the Subaru I race in the Australian Rally Championship in every sense, but working with Johan and the team to better understand how we can get the most out of it has been a lot of fun and we can’t wait to continue at the next race in Senegal.”

Q 5) What excites you the most about Extreme E as compared to other rally races?

“It’s unlike any other racing series that has ever existed, and that for me is the most exciting part of Extreme E. We’re racing in 400 kW (550bhp) all-electric SUVs that will help shape the future of off-road electric mobility in some of the most extreme environments in the world, and all with the goal of raising awareness about the biggest threat to mankind today: climate change.”
 

JBXE Racing on Friday confirmed that Kevin Hansen will drive for the side in Extreme E's upcoming Ocean X Prix which is all set to take place in Lac Rose in Dakar, Senegal, while Jenson Button will be focusing on his role as Team Principal for this X Prix.

Kevin Hansen got associated with the series in 2019, when he joined the Drivers’ Programme and has been instrumental in the testing process along with teammate Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, and his brother, and Andretti United driver, Timmy Hansen. The three were the first to drive the ODYSSEY 21 at Chataeu de Lastours in France, back in 2019.

Kevin has been featuring in the FIA World Rallycross Championship for many years, registering event victories and multiple podiums for Team Peugeot-Hansen.

The 22-year-old Swedish racer, earlier in his career, clinched the 2015 RX2 title and bagged the 2016 FIA Rookie of the Year award for best up-and-coming driver across the governing body’s championships after his victory at the FIA European Rallycross Championship that year. He is the youngest driver ever to do so.

Jenson Button, Founder of JBXE said: “I’m delighted to announce that an opportunity has arisen for Kevin Hansen to compete for JBXE in Senegal. I’m obviously wearing two hats with JBXE as both a driver, but also team owner, and it’s the latter which means having the opportunity to put Kevin in the car for this race was one I didn’t want to pass up. Brother of course to Timmy Hansen and son to Rallycross legend, Kenneth Hansen, Kevin has a fantastic pedigree and has already achieved so much in the world of rallycross at such a young age. He’s an exciting driver and I can’t wait to see him representing JBXE in Senegal and I look forward to being back behind the wheel in Greenland.”

Kevin Hansen, JBXE driver said: “I’m really excited to join Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and his JBXE team for the Extreme E X Prix - it's a huge opportunity.

“I've been so involved in the series and developing the car since the beginning, from the early testing programme right to Aragon last year, so to get this opportunity now with Jenson is so nice and I'm super excited to get to Senegal and see what I can do.

“I’m so happy to be joining Mikaela also. I hope together we can be strong as I believe she is one of the strongest drivers in the championship and I've known her for a very long time. She's very talented so this is a huge opportunity for us to be working together, and we have so much history in sharing the car together so it is going to be nice to be with her in this event, and I think we can do a good job together.”

His teammate for Senegal, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, added: “I’m so excited to be racing with Kevin in the Ocean X Prix, he is super eager to have some good results so I think this will be a great collaboration. We are actually doing some driving practice in Sweden in the coming days.

“I’ve known Kevin since we were around 10 years old as we have raced together in the Swedish National Team and worked together in developing the Extreme E car over the last couple of years. We’ve actually raced against each other too in Rallycross so I’m looking forward to getting some good results with Kevin.”

The all-Swedish driver line-up is all set to compete at the Ocean X Prix taking place from 29-30 May in Dakar, Senegal. JBXE currently ranks sixth in the overall standings following the first X Prix in Saudi Arabia in April.
 

Pioneering off-road racing series Extreme E has teamed up with WSC Sports, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) driven sports video technology before it’s second X Prix in Lac Rose, Senegal from 29th to 30th May.

WSC Sports’ cloud based live-clipping platform Clipro will allow Extreme E to create and publish near live and highlights after the race in seconds as well as get access to WSC Sports’ innovative Graphics Engine that will add stunning visuals to help in branding and monetization.

Extreme E will also be assisted in distributing race highlights to its media partners as well as social media handles of the drivers through WSC Sports’ partnership with Socialie.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “It is really important for us to share the action with our fans as soon as possible as they won’t be watching the races on site. This partnership with WSC Sports not only allows us to share content quickly, but with some really interesting graphics and overlays, which I’m sure will appeal to our global audience.”

Itai Epstein, Head of Business Development, Central Eastern Europe & China at WSC Sports, said: “Extreme E offers an exciting and ambitious new racing concept. WSC Sports is always happy to partner with innovative and forward thinking organisations, and so we’re honoured to take part in this great endeavour and contribute to its success by providing Extreme E with the tools to maximise fan engagement and spread the word across digital media around the world.”

Extreme E is an electric off-road racing series that aims to bring light to the climate crisis and in order to reduce their carbon footprint, the series can only be broadcasted through global broadcasters and the championships social media platforms.
 

Similar to the top three teams in the Extreme E table, the middle rankings featuring ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team (fourth), Hispano Suiza XITE Energy Team (fifth) and JBXE (sixth) are separated by only a few points with 26, 20 and 17 points respectively.

Although ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team were in the second position after qualifying propelled them to Semi-Final 1, they narrowly missed out on a spot in the Final finishing third in that session. Hispano Suiza XITE Energy Team and Jenson Button’s JBXE team were both in Crazy Race but missed a chance in the finals after being defeated by Andretti United who then eventually clinched the second spot in the last race of the day.

There is still a lot to play for as the Ocean X Prix in Senegal from 29-30 May will provide opportunity for points in both the Qualifying rounds and Final, making a team's way up in the points table a real possibility that all the sides will relish.

Albert Fàbrega, ACCIONA | Sainz XE’s Team Principal says: "It was positive to show our speed from the very beginning, even though we narrowly missed the Final. We are very excited now to go to Senegal. The Lac Rose in Dakar is a legendary place in the history of motorsport. Both Laia and Carlos are very experienced drivers in those conditions. We have been working to improve our performance and we are hoping we can fight for the podium again.”

Like many of the Extreme E drivers Laia Sanz, too has been contesting elsewhere before Senegal in the Andalusia Rally, again on four wheels which is very different to her two-wheel Dakar pedigree, however is a very important practice for the upcoming event at Lac Rose. She says: 



“It is important for me, because I am continuously learning when it comes to racing on four wheels, which is not my natural environment. The Andalusia Rally was very positive for me in my progression on four wheels and I am convinced that it will come in handy in Senegal, so yes, I am more confident going into the second event of the Extreme E season. First because I have the experience of having raced in AlUla and second because of the work that I am putting in testing and racing in competitions like the Andalusia Rally.”

Driver duo of Brit Oliver Bennett and Spaniard Christine GZ finished at the second spot in the Crazy Race. The two had a steady Saudi outing that put them in the centre of the overall rankings. Oliver says: “I’m really XITE’d to get to the Ocean X Prix in Senegal. It feels like a long time since we last drove the car so I’m anxious to get back behind the wheel and keep familiar with this new electric monster.” He continues: “The overall feeling for this event is positive, we learnt a lot in the first round and came away feeling confident and with a good strategy for the season ahead. It’s a new environment, most likely another extreme one, so we will be as prepared as we can to do battle!”

On the other hand, his teammate Christine GZ - has been participating in other races since the Desert X Prix and says: “I have been competing at an off-road event to keep developing my skills and will be testing alongside my teammate Oli in a range of vehicles before round two of Extreme E. My main goal in Senegal is to have a ton of fun! “

JBXE driver Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, is looking forward to the chance of getting back in the action. She says: “I’m super excited for Senegal! Saudi was a challenge for us as we came in late to the series so we didn't have much time to prepare, but now we have the experience and knowledge from the Desert X Prix and we've been working closely with Lotus Engineering to see what we can do with the car.”

She continues: “Saudi was the first time I’d raced on the sand and it’s going to be sand again in Senegal, although a different course, so I’m really excited to see a new venue and see how the tyres perform as we had a good run with them in Saudi. All in all it is great to have the experience from the first event and I’m looking forward to seeing how the work we have done between then and Senegal will pay off.”

London: Extreme E’s debut X Prix – the Desert X Prix concluded in April at AlUla, Saudi Arabia, and the effect of the race has now been assessed with the broadcast bringing in a cumulative global viewers of 18.7 million, headlining the craze for this new sport for purpose.

The Championship has worked alongside YouGov Sport – global sports, sponsorship and entertainment research company -- to collect data and insight into the viewers of Extreme E’s inaugural event and the report has made for an exciting read.

Overall, the broadcast audience was 18.7 million covering nearly 900 million households in around 180 nations. There were 1,500 plus hours of broadcast coverage as China topped the table followed by Europe and Asia closely.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “We’ve seen a phenomenal success for Extreme E’s first ever event.  Our strategy of attracting strong free-to-air partners, and a digital first, always on approach, when combined with our exciting and innovative racing format and a sporting platform with pitted males and females racing equally together created a truly winning combination.

“The diverse nature of Extreme E meant there was plenty of action across the weekend, with some truly memorable performances, with our female driver line-up coming out as clear winners.  These numbers demonstrate the massive appeal, not only of our racing format, but also our wider messages around the climate crisis, both of which featured heavily in our broadcast.

“As a sport without spectators on site, these figures are fantastic as they show our broadcast only model really does work to engage people on so many levels, whether that be through broadcast, social or press. We are looking forward to building on these statistics as we continue through Season 1 and bringing the messages of our series around environment, electrification and equality to as many people as possible.”

Frank Saez, Managing Director of YouGov Sport, said: “For a first-time event, these figures are incredibly promising and show that Extreme E has tapped into something that looks to have real potential for growth. When we watched the event, what leapt out immediately was the shareable content it would produce – and that’s exactly what the data has shown. A billion social impressions for an inaugural race tells us that Extreme E could be on to something very special here, especially with the strong broadcast partners they have.”

YouGov Sport also assessed online media articles as over 5,000 were published around the X Prix, totalling the readership of 1.6 billion, with the highest surge seen on the race day itself. The UK and USA were the top countries with regards to readership, with the USA and European nations featuring the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy with the most articles published.

There were over a billion impressions from a social media point of view with an impressive performance especially on TikTok and Facebook.

Extreme E is now fully focussed on delivering its second X Prix at Lac Rose in Dakar, Senegal which will be held from 29-30 May. The action will be available in over 180 nations through more than 60 broadcasters including FoxSports in the USA and Asia, ITV, BBC, Sky Sports and BT Sport in the UK and Eurosport in Europe.

The inaugural Extreme E race in the Saudi Arabian deserts of AlUla last month had Rosberg X Racing (RXR) clinch both the race title and the top spot in the overall standings, with 35 points. Although X44 crossed the finish at the final third, they are currently positioned at the second place in the overall table with 30 points after picking more points in qualifying than Andretti United, who eventually came second in the final and now sit on the third place with 28 points.

With just seven points separating the three teams, the table toppers in a conversation with Extreme E shared insights as to how they’re preparing for the upcoming Ocean X Prix at Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal from 29-30 May.



Molly Taylor, from RXR says: “To take victory in the first-ever Extreme E event was an amazing achievement. Everyone in the team had worked so hard in the build-up to the event, so for me and Johan to repay them all with the victory felt so special. The beauty of Extreme E is the extra buzz you get from racing for purpose, too, and it’s an even better feeling when you win for purpose!”

After a great victory, the side has spent the last few weeks studying the data taken from the dunes in Saudi Arabia in order to prepare for Extreme E's second X Prix in Senegal, where RXR will attempt to clinch two wins on the trot.

Taylor’s RXR teammate, Johan Kristoffersson, says: “Senegal will be a brand-new challenge for everyone, but that’s one of the greatest things about Extreme E: every event is so unique! Despite the differences, we’ll do our best to improve on our performance in AlUla and aim to be competitive once again.”

When asked if RXR thinks it can keep its position at the top of the table, its Founder Nico Rosberg enthused: “The team did an incredible job in Saudi Arabia to get the win and we’re very proud to be the first X Prix winners in Extreme E history, but we know we need to stay focused if we are to remain at the front. The series is already so competitive, but this team loves a challenge, and we can’t wait to go racing again in Senegal.”

X44 driver pairing Cristina Gutiérrez and Sébastien Loeb had an impressive  weekend in Saudi Arabia as they topped the qualifying standings and headed straight through to the first Semi-Final, and by finishing in second place, advanced to the Final. But the side is hoping to win in Senegal.

Sébastien says: “I’m looking forward to racing again in Senegal with Cristina. In the last race obviously there were things that didn’t go our way, but we showed that we’re a very competitive team and that we’re able to get results under pressure.” He continues: “The Ocean X Prix will be a totally new terrain and we have an incredible group of people working with us, so I’m excited to go to Senegal and fight again for a win.”



They have been putting a lot of hard work behind the scenes, analysing the data from the last race to ensure its drivers are well prepared for  Lac Rose. The team has been focusing on the all-important start in particular, which proved crucial  for the final race position, although Senegal will throw a very different challenge of course.

Cristina added: “I’m really excited to get back in the car and race again in Senegal. Obviously the final race in Saudi didn’t go exactly as planned but we got a great result overall and it put us in a good position in the championship. We learned a lot from the last race and we’re going to take those learnings and make sure that we’re as competitive as possible.” When asked about the programmes off the track, she says: “I’m excited too to visit Extreme E’s legacy projects, and make a positive impact on the planet while we’re there.”

Andretti United is at the third position, who advanced to the Final after clinching the Crazy Race. Catie Munnings certainly proved herself to be a tough competitor after her amazing three-wheel drive after enduring a slow puncture in qualifying.

Catie says: “Saudi Arabia certainly wasn’t plain sailing for us, especially with the puncture but Timmy and I learned so much and to finish second in the Final after a tricky start to the event was just awesome. Now we go into Senegal third in the standings, which is a really strong position to be in. We definitely feel well prepared and ready to apply what we learned from Saudi at the Ocean X Prix – and hopefully score another podium!”

In the final, Andretti was able to choose its starting position as it managed to win the fan-led GridPlay vote after getting support not only from its fans, but also from teams that didn’t qualify for the final, as per the rules that state they can gift their votes.

Ahead of the Senegal event, Timmy Hansen has been busy with his fitness routine, through lots of running, even finishing the Wings for Life Run alongside 160,000 others, virtually to raise funds for spinal cord research. Hansen has also completed  some off-road training in the Polaris and supported Catie in her RallyX Nordic debut in Höljes. He also took some time off to celebrate his son Sam’s third birthday.

He says: “I’ve had a productive few weeks continuing with my training, fulfilling some sponsor obligations and also spending a bit of time with my family too. It feels good to strike the right balance. It’s been great having Catie over in Sweden again too - we’ve done a full debrief from Saudi and know the areas where we can improve. We’re both feeling confident going into Senegal with a refreshed state of mind.”

The Ocean X Prix commences on 29 May, and as the all-electric SUVs have been at sea travelling the world on Extreme E's floating centrepiece – the St. Helena; teams won’t be able to start preparing for the race with the cars themselves until they touch down in Senegal.

London: Extreme E, the innovative electric off-road racing series, has today announced that it has signed an agreement with TV3, the Spanish television network, for airing its entire 2021 season. Catalonia's public broadcasting network TV3, will televisie each of Extreme E’s X Prixs live and free to air in Catalan. TV3’s digital channel, TV3-Televisio will also stream the race coverage. 

TV3, which has its headquarters based just outside Barcelona is also the most-viewed station in the area enjoying an impressive 14.6% audience share. Besides, TV3-Televisió, its digital platform, in 2019 was named as Catalonia’s top web channel with regards to user numbers and video views.

The groundbreaking series, Extreme E has already impressed fans around the globe with its amazing series debut in the deserts of Saudi Arabia in April. Aired live to millions of homes, mobiles and tablets, audience were thrilled by the high drama and exciting contest as some of the biggest names of motorsports featuring Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb, Jenson Button, Molly Taylor and Johan Kristoffersson took to the testing conditions of sandy dunes of AlUla in 550bhp ‘ODYSSEY 21’ electric SUVs in a bid for the inaugural Extreme E podium.

The Rosberg X Racing pairing of Kristoffersson and Taylor emerged victorious with a stunning display of skill, speed and tactics to secure their names in a piece of motorsporting history. They were closely followed by Andretti United’s Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen and X44’s Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “Extreme E’s mission to ‘race without trace’ whilst simultaneously raising awareness of climate issues, means it is vital that our series reaches as many audiences on as many platforms as possible throughout the world. Working with TV3 will not only provide up to nine millions viewers in Catalonia with a thrilling and innovative motorsport championship, but also convey the message that we all need to play our part in looking after our planet.”  

Extreme E's next X Prix, the Ocean X Prix will be taking place at Lac Rose from 29-30 May.

London: Extreme E, the innovative electric off-road motorsport series has joined forces with Solgaard, the premium travel and lifestyle brand, to provide its 2021 team with sustainable luggage and travel gear created from upcycled ocean-bound plastic ahead of the Ocean X Prix scheduled to take place in Senegal on 29-30 May, 2021.

Canadian-Norwegian entrepreneur Adrian Solgaard founded the Solgaard in 2016 with an objective to utilise ocean-bound plastic in its range of premium, yet sustainable, tech, travel and lifestyle product portfolio. The pioneering company has been instrumental in preventing over 7 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean in the last 2 years.

Besides, for every one of its products sold, Solgaard guarantees that it prevents 229 plastic bottles from entering into the world’s waters.

Similarly, one of Extreme E’s key objectives is to underline the damage caused by plastic waste, not just in the oceans but also on land. The environment-conscious sport for purpose championship has undertaken beach ‘clean-ups’ in its distant race locations which includes Saudi Arabia and its next location in Senegal as part of the series'  Legacy Programme. The debris gathered from these locations is then recycled and given a new life as the championship trophies and other useful materials for the series.



Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “We are delighted that Solgaard has chosen to supply Extreme E with its premium luggage. Not only does it make a fantastic product which will be hugely beneficial to our team as it travels around the globe, the company also shares many of our core values regarding sustainability.

“Plastic pollution is a major global environmental crisis and anything that we can do to halt its fugitive effects is vital. Teaming up with Solgaard marks yet another way that Extreme E is able to bring people, locations and companies together to inspire actionable change.”

Adrian Solgaard, Solgaard Founder and CEO said: “Solgaard is proud to support Extreme E on this exciting journey at the intersection of sustainability and adrenaline, electrifying the deserts to save our ocean and the planet. We are thrilled to share our goal of increasing global awareness and education about the ocean plastic crisis with the Extreme E team and supplying Solgaard’s sustainable luggage and travel gear; produced with the smallest possible footprint through a circular supply chain using upcycled ocean-bound plastic.”

The Extreme E season started with the opening race in Saudi Arabia on April 3 and will now go on to race in Senegal (May 29-30), Greenland (August 28-29), Brazil (October 23-24) and Patagonia (December 11-12).

London: The innovative off road racing series - Extreme E’s floating centrepiece, the St. Helena arrived in Senegal on Wednesday for the second X Prix, the Ocean X Prix to be held at Lac Rose, Dakar from 29 – 30 May.

Extreme E’s repurposed former Royal Mail Ship, the St. Helena reached the Dakar port, having sailed for over 4 weeks from Extreme E’s championship debut in Saudi Arabia. Her iconic voyage has taken her across the Mediterranean Sea, through the Suez Canal, via Valencia and then Gibraltar to finally reach the West coast of Africa.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E said: “I’m pleased to see that the St. Helena has arrived safely and on schedule in Dakar - her second voyage as Extreme E’s floating centrepiece is complete.

“St. Helena’s safe arrival means we can now focus on preparing for the Ocean X Prix later this month, and the next phase of our Legacy Programme, which includes the planting of one million mangroves along the West African coastline. As well as bringing our fantastic electric racing series to a place with such a legendary motorsport history, Extreme E aims to shine the spotlight on the environmental challenges that Senegal is facing as well as helping local communities.”



While at port in Valencia, the St. Helena picked some important cargo which includes AFC Energy’s first upstream green hydrogen fuelling solution which will work with its existing hydrogen power system to charge the championship's fleet of ODYSSEY 21 vehicles during the Ocean X-Prix. Also, Zenobe, a sustainable power solutions company loaded a second-life battery onto the ship. It will be utilised to power the series' paddock operations, yet again decreasing overall emissions.

Besides, while in Valencia, CUPRA, the car manufacturer, also loaded one of its Formentor e-HYBRIDs, the exciting new model which has only been on the market since March and will be used to transport Extreme E's personnel to and from site at Lac Rose.

The cargo will be transported to Lac Rose in Dakar, Senegal for the Ocean X Prix which will be held from May 29-30.

London: UK’s premier independent owner and operator of battery storage and EV fleet specialists, Zenobe will be offering a second-life battery to supply power to Extreme E’s site operations which includes the team garages and critical broadcast infrastructure, facilitating the Championship achieve its net-zero target and underlining the power of a circular economy.

The battery’s first life had itself operating in Sweden, as it helped in bringing cleaner air to Stockholm as it powered an all-electric bus in the heart of the city. In its new life, the battery will make use of its remaining unexploited capacity to power site operations at the Extreme E and will travel around the world powering the Championship as it will race in locations that have been adversely affected by climate change.

The former bus battery, now beginning its new life is on board at the St Helena Extreme E’s floating centerpiece, which is also due to reach Dakar today, all set to be put to work by Extreme E in Lac Rose, Senegal. It will be operating in some of the world's most extreme environments, which includes the bitter cold of the Greenland Arctic, the heat of the West African coastline, and the close humidity of the Amazon rainforest.



Zenobe, as the Official Energy Storage Supplier for the maiden edition of Extreme E, with it's second-life battery will enable the championship to maximise the consumption of renewable energy generated onsite, to help the series sustainably reinvent motorsporting operations. The battery, in its first life on a bus, saved nearly a thousand tonnes of CO2. Now it will help Extreme E series save approximately fifteen tonnes of CO2 per year, in its second life.

Zenobe, with this path-breaking second-life battery, is backing Extreme E’s mission to encourage a more sustainable world. By extending the battery's life by many years, the project underlines the enormous capabilities of batteries, even after their first life. As businesses around the world look to decrease emissions and go green, this second-life battery project highlights the importance of a circular economy and is the first of Zenobe's many upcoming second-life projects 2021.

Steven Meersman, Co-Founder and Director at Zenobe, said: “We are proud to be partnering with Extreme E, an organisation that shares our passion for using electrification to enable a cleaner, greener future.

“Reusing is absolutely central to this. At Zenobe we are dedicated to advancing battery application with a particular focus on what happens to EV batteries at the end of their lives on vehicles. Our growing second-life battery operations solve this issue, as we reuse batteries from our electric fleets across Europe and close the loop.



“As the world continues to drive towards its net-zero goal, Zenobe is committed to leading the charge towards a circular economy, embracing second-life battery technology and championing its vast capabilities.”

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E said: “We are proud to be working with Zenobe to provide a second life for this former bus battery.”

“As a series we are committed to minimising our carbon impact at all levels, and becoming a platform for renewable energy solutions which have wider world use. This battery will now play a very important role in powering our paddock operations, ensuring that it is not just on the race track where we can showcase our low carbon solutions to everyday issues.”

The Extreme E season began with the debut race in Saudi Arabia on April 3 and will now travel to Senegal (May 29-30), Greenland (August 28-29), Brazil (October 23-24) and Patagonia (December 11-12).

Electric off-road racing series Extreme E has announced Sweden’s leading channel Sportkanalen as a part of it’s broadcast menu. Sportkanalen will broadcast live coverage of Extreme E’s X Prixs along with preview, review and magazine shows in English and Swedish. Coverage will also be broadcasted on C More’s OTT digital platform. 

As one of the top five leading countries in the uptake of electric vehicles, Sweden has an EV market share of 26 percent and a staggering 245% increase in sales in 2019. The country also boasts exceptional racing drivers such as Johan Kristoffersson who has already achieved honours along with Molly Taylor for Rosberg X Racing in Saudi last month. 

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer, Extreme E said: “Sweden is a vital market for Extreme E and I am delighted to welcome Sportkanalen and C More to our broadcast menu.  The population’s increasing usage of electric vehicles is great to see, particularly as the benefits of electrification are one of the key pillars of our championship.

“In addition, we also have an impressive cohort of Swedish talent amongst our driver line up this year. We are thrilled to have the likes of Johan Kristoffersson, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky , Timmy Hansen and Mattias Ekström on the grid and I’m confident that this, as well as the ever-important environmental stories behind our sport for purpose series, will make for a captivating show for C More and Sportkanalen’s audiences.”

Johan Cederqvist, Head of C More channels and rights said: “Extreme E will be a strong complement to our other sports rights on Sportkanalen and C More. People in Sweden have a great interest in motorsport and Extreme E has a natural place in our portfolio.”

The championship is currently on its way to Senegal for the Ocean X Prix at the end of the month. The series has chosen to travel by sea aboard St. Helena to reduce their carbon footprint and conduct research on the marine environment. 

As Extreme E, the innovative off road racing series heads to Senegal for the Ocean X Prix, Championship Driver, Jutta Kleinschmidt in a press release by Extreme E, spoke about her memories of Dakar and the why the champion driver is looking forward to going back to the place where it all began…

“From the age of six, I had only two obsessions; speed and adventure,” Jutta Kleinschmidt, the first and only Women champion of the infamous, challenging and as the very terrifying, Dakar Rally.

This sense of adventure, along with riding off-road motorbikes, while growing up, paved the way for Jutta to turn up, uninvited, in 1987 to the start line of the Paris to Dakar Rally, not as a participant, but as a follower. This intrepid young woman, for 3 weeks, tagged along behind the official race, riding her motorbike 10,000km through France, Algeria and then the formidable Sahara Desert to Senegal to the wonderful Lac Rose.



Every night, the champion driver would finally appear at the bivouac (camps), tired, relieved and with her tent still just about strapped to her motorbike.

Jutta explains, “By following the rally that year, my aim was to see how it was and I was just so pleased to reach each bivouac each night in one piece, this was one of the biggest adventures for me because I was completely on my own without any technical support.”

She continues, “In a way it was crazy what I did. This was a long time ago, so we didn’t have GPS or mobile phones or any of that…so, if you got lost, you are really lost and there’s no connection at all to civilization. But I made good friends with the competitors - the teams were all really nice - they supplied me in the Bivouac with spare fuel if they had it and even food and also promised to send someone to find me if I didn’t show up at night!”

Having made it to the finish and now with her appetite truly whetted, Jutta entered the rally, officially this time, in 1988.  Some years later, and with sponsorship gained through her time in motorbikes, she made the switch from two wheels to entering her first Dakar in a car in 1995 in a female team with co-driver Dagmar Lohmann. When asked what prompted that change, Jutta explains, “I felt like I had done what I wanted to do on bikes, and it came to a point where I wanted to do more and try in a car. I managed to convince my sponsors to continue with me in the change to cars.”

And it was at this point where Jutta felt she was beginning to really master this extraordinary sport that in reality less than 40% of entrants actually go on to even completing.  

“It is so hard to dig your car out of the sand!” She exclaims, “It’s incredibly hot and you’re wearing the fireproof overalls, when you were unlucky you would have to dig for an hour or more to get your car free. And that’s where a lot of people get exhausted and why a lot of them give up. And there’s also changing your own wheel during the race. Each one can weigh up to 55 kg. Everybody (yes men too) need to train hard in the gym for that!

“In the beginning when I first entered on a motorcycle, it was my goal to just get to the end of the race and not give up. And I was so happy with that to start with.”

In 2001, with brilliant skill, tenacity and a dash of racing great fortune, She clinched a historic Dakar Rally win – making her the first and only woman ever to have achieved this feat.

When asked about her memories of that momentous win in 2001, Jutta says, “It was truly amazing you know because I’d been dreaming of this since I was a young woman. It was like being on top of a mountain!”

“Having gone from participating all alone with no support, to gradually gaining confidence and getting a bit of sponsorship, to the change to racing in cars to getting a podium and then to actually winning – it was a long journey, but it was worth it!”

It can’t be sidelined that Jutta’s win was not just an extraordinary achievement by anyone’s standards, but it also marked a significant moment for women in this discipline.

Jutta: “Oh for sure it was super because I got a lot of response from both women and men after my win. It was like wow; the men can see we can drive, and the women can also see what’s really possible for them too.”



She continues, “My win was also great as it shone a big light on cross country motorsport for women and gave so much interest in this kind of racing. I love to see women participating in this and to have shown them what they can achieve.”

So, what’s her view on Extreme E’s mandatory ruling that every team has to field a male and female driver in its championship?

Jutta said, ”Oh for sure I can see it’s very positive. It’s good to see these women taking part and also some coming from different areas of motorsport. Men and women racing together in a team and against each other is how motorsport should be, to show the equality between them. It’s also good for cross country racing and hopefully the ones that have not been in the Dakar before might try it as well, now they have raced in Extreme E and see what they can do! I can’t see any disadvantages at all, it’s great for everyone.”

As Extreme E makes its way to Senegal for the Ocean X Prix in a few weeks’ time, how does she feel regarding heading back to the place where it all started for her all those years ago? 

She says, “I am really excited to be going back to Senegal.  To be honest I have not had a chance to go back since 2007, when the last Dakar was held in this region and actually my last Dakar too, so it’s going to be great to be back there and see how it’s changed. It will feel in a way like coming home as it was a big moment for me winning there and changed many things for me. I still remember so clearly when I passed the finish line in 2001 especially - I am sure a lot of positive emotions will come up again.”

“As far as how it will compare with the Desert X Prix in AlUla, I think Lac Rose will be more technical for the drivers but much less dusty than Saudi Arabia.”

“The Senegalese people, much like the Saudis, are very passionate about motorsport which makes it another great place for Extreme E to be racing. In a sense the people in Senegal still feel a sense that they still ‘own’ the Dakar as it will always be called the Dakar even though it’s not held in their country now – it’s kind of still theirs and they have so much passion for this type of cross-country motor racing because of it.”

Jutta continues, “I think everybody will love the Extreme E cars there too. To see these fantastic electric SUVs performing in such a way, so fast and so exciting to watch - the speed, the jumping, it will be amazing. I can’t wait to get there and work with Timo (Scheider) and the teams and the drivers to make it another fantastic event!”

Extreme E’s Ocean X Prix is scheduled to take place at Lac Rose, Dakar from 29-30 May.

Extreme E has an ambition to reinvent motorsport with it’s outlandish electric SUV off road racing series. It’s a concept like no other motorsport championship and this seemingly impossible dream has been made into a reality by Alejandro Agag, the founder of Formula E. The five locations are based on different environments - ocean, desert, arctic, rainforest and glacier with the objective of using motorsport as an instrument to highlight the damage to some of the most vulnerable ecosystems on our planet. 

In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, series founder Alejandro Agag talks about how it all began, the social aspirations of Extreme E, the challenges faced in making it a reality and the goal to raise awareness to help save our planet. 



As founder and CEO of Extreme E, how did the idea formulate and what was the process that led to the idea becoming a reality?

Following the success of Formula E, I wanted to take our electric mission one step further and highlight the climate emergency – one of the biggest challenges the world is facing - through an exciting new motorsport.

Extreme E takes electric SUVs to some of the most remote corners of the planet to show damage to the environment and inspire change, by showcasing less carbon intensive ways of living. Through the Legacy Programmes at each race location, we will leave a long-lasting positive impact on the areas we visit and it has taken a lot of hard work securing locations, teams, drivers, partners and scientists.

The goal of Extreme E from a social standpoint is to highlight the effects of climate change and endangered habitats using motorsports. How do you plan to do that?

We hope to highlight the effects of climate change through the power of sport, after all 24 out of 25 of the most watched TV broadcasts ever have been about sport. As we won’t have spectators on-site our broadcast product is one of the main ways we speak to our audience, so we are creating a very innovative product in terms of the racing including graphics and overlays, but also a magazine show which tells the stories of the locations and the issues faced, plus the people involved.

How different is Extreme E compared to other motorsport events?

In some ways very similar, we will have exciting racing, but in other ways very different, as we are using motorsport to highlight the climate emergency. 

We have a couple of world-firsts in the motorsport world including the stipulation teams must field both a male and female driver in a bid for gender equality. We will also be using a hydrogen fuel cell to charge our electric SUVs emissions free, so in that sense we are very forward thinking.

From a sustainability point of view we aim to be net carbon zero by the end of our first race and we are doing everything we can to make that happen, from keeping the championship’s carbon footprint as low as possible in its operations, for example, using a ship, the St. Helena, instead of air freight, right through to trophy creation – these will be made from recycled plastic.



What are the challenges you have faced in making Extreme E a reality?

There have been a few challenges like any start-up, but I would say we are in pretty good shape, we have incredible teams, drivers and a host of global broadcasters so despite the challenges things have really moved forward.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your plans?

It has made everything harder due to the travel restrictions, we haven’t been able to complete as many site visits as we would have liked, but all in all, COVID really hasn’t stopped us. In 2020, we were in the preparation phase in terms of signing teams and partners and we were lucky that we could really carry on during COVID.

How do you plan to generate interest in Extreme E and gain acceptance from the motorsport fans especially considering that no fans will be allowed to be at race venues?

Already we feel like there is a massive amount of excitement from motorsport fans about Extreme E, you just have to look at our social media. Not having spectators on-site was always our plan, so it is through our engaging broadcast product that we will reach fans.

Tell us more about the virtual hospitality packages available for each race? 

Virtual hospitality is incredibly interesting, it’s a great concept that the team came up with and I think to bring great hospitality to people’s homes you need to offer premium access and the opportunity to be able to see behind the scenes as well as tailored content specifically for them so they feel they are one step closer to the event than everyone else watching on TV. You can send merchandise to the homes and even a chef to prepare special food, and one of the brands associated with us could take them for a spin in an electric car around their homes or in their city. There are many things you can think of with virtual hospitality, and we are very excited about it.

What impact do you hope to create from the inaugural season of Extreme E? 

I hope we will raise awareness of the climate crisis, but go beyond that and encourage people to take action, big or small, to reduce their carbon footprint to help save our planet.

In our specific race locations, we will leave a long-lasting positive impact through our Legacy Programmes which include planting one million mangroves in Senegal, empowering young climate changemakers in partnership with UNICEF in Greenland and reforesting 100 hectares of the Amazon rainforest.

London: The brand new electric off-road racing series, Extreme E is creating a magazine show – Electric Odyssey –  to tell the stories of the Championship surrounding racing, its equality stance and its missions around the environment and climate change.

Two of the twenty episodes are now available to watch  - with the third episode being released today - on TV screens through a wide board of global broadcasters in 180 nations which includes ITV in the UK, FOX in the US, Canada and Asia, TV2 in Hungary, Cosmote in Greece, ORF in Austria, SuperSport in Africa and TVNZ in New Zealand.

The 26-minute episodes target the climatically aware viewers with a passion for adventure, and with terrific behind-the-scenes access regarding the building and progression of this innovative motorsport, the shows take the viewers on a journey through all of the Championships racing action along with sporting insight and its stories of climate change, sustainability, science and exploration to keep the dialogue alive between each X Prix.



Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Electric Odyssey is a great series creating additional depth to the storytelling of the championship and extending the conversation outside of our five events in 2021. The plethora of behind-the-scenes sports shows focusing on football, basketball and Formula One for example show the appetite for this kind of content. But more than that, launches of channels like WaterBear – home to Extreme E content – demonstrates the importance of telling the wider stories of the series outside motorsport.

“I’m delighted that so many of our global broadcast partners are airing this unique content that gives a true insight to the people and personalities behind our unique sport for purpose.”

The episodes are being crafted by Extreme E Studios – a joint venture between Aurora Media and North One and air from now till January 2022. The shows will also feature stories of every racing location, Extreme E’s floating centrepiece the St. Helena along with the environmental crisis and the climate issues each race aims to bring into limelight.

Chris Carpenter, Senior Producer at Aurora Media said: “Extreme E isn’t like many other sporting properties, there’s so much more narrative than just the racing. The Electric Odyssey series gives us a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into the many other aspects of this championship.

“It’s not just a sports magazine show - it’s a hybrid of content. Along with the incredible racing we’ll be including features about climate science, adventure travel, sustainable technologies and cultural & historical insights. All with the incredible natural back-drop of each event location. 

“It’s going to be quite the adventure to make the series but a challenge we are relishing.”

The second and third episodes focus on Extreme E’s debut X Prix in Saudi Arabia, which highlight desertification and the series' Legacy Programme to support turtle conservation in The Red Sea.



Lac Rose is Extreme E's next stop in Dakar, Senegal for the Ocean X Prix. The Electric Odyssey shows regarding this race will underline climate challenges in the area, the ocean crisis as well as the Legacy Programmes that include planting one million mangroves along with supporting local community project EcoZone, and of course all the motorsporting action featuring some of the greatest names in motorsport.

Electric off road racing series Extreme E has confirmed a broadcast contract with SuperSport, expanding its reach to over 50 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, SuperSport International broadcasts some of the biggest sporting events such as the Premier League, PGA Tour, Moto GP, Formula 1 etc. The broadcast of Extreme E will be aired in English and French on SuperSport Motorsport, Blitz, Grandstand and can also be streamed on www.SuperSport.com and the SuperSport app. 

In a press release by Extreme E, Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “We are thrilled to have reached this agreement with SuperSport. The emerging African market is hugely significant for us. SuperSport’s reach in Sub-Saharan Africa is unparalleled, making it an excellent addition to our broadcasting roster.

“Extreme E is so much more than just a race series – it’s an opportunity to tell a story. Audiences in the Sub-Saharan region have had the issue of climate change brought into sharp focus in recent years, and with Extreme E we hope to raise awareness further than ever before in a region where so much is at stake.

“The impacts of climate change can be devastating, and nowhere is that clearer than in this region, where increasing temperatures and declining rainfall is threatening already strained food security, whilst intensified flooding is damaging fragile shelters and increasing the spread of deadly diseases like malaria and dengue fever.”
Marc Jury, SuperSport Chief Executive said: “This is a wonderful addition to SuperSport's content slate, not least because we are in the business of storytelling and the narrative of Extreme E is so compelling. We are delighted that the calendar takes place in Africa, too, where the market is vibrant and has an appetite for motorsport."

After Extreme E’s inaugural race in Saudi Arabia, the teams are on board St. Helena yet again to travel to four of the planet's most remote locations to highlight the climate crisis impacted on these ecosystems. Extreme E is the world’s first gender-equal motorsport series consisting of a male and female driver in each team. Their next race will be held in Lac Rose, Senegal on 29th - 30th May followed by Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (28-29 August), Pará, Brazil (23-24 October) and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (11-12 December).

According to a press release by Extreme E, the innovative racing series is exactly a month away from its second event – the Ocean X Prix – which will be held at Lac Rose in Dakar, Senegal on 29-30 May.

The championship marks the return of off-road racing to one of its original roots, renowned for the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally which made its debut in 1978 but, since 2007, hasn’t finished in the Senegalese capital.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “So here we are, just one month until our second event, the Ocean X Prix. We are all very excited to be headed to Senegal, in particular Dakar and specifically Lac Rose, which once marked the finish line to one of the most iconic rallies in the world. We are pleased to be bringing motorsport back to this region and am sure we will put on an incredible show.

“But more than that, Extreme E is using its platform to highlight the climate realities of the area, from rising sea levels to plastic pollution. Not only will we use our sport to shine a light on all these issues and the solutions we can all be part of, but we will also be making a positive and lasting difference through our various Legacy Programmes in the country including planting one million mangroves and supporting local communities.”

Abdou Thiam, President of the Senegalese Motorsport Federation, said: “When Alejandro presented his project to me, it was with great enthusiasm that I welcomed the idea of an international competition on the banks of the Pink Lake.

“Thanks to a long tradition of motorsport in Senegal, this site has hosted our various national championships and the arrival of many international competitions. The most famous of these even bears the name of our capital.

“The innovative approach of Extreme E as well as its environmental dimension projects us towards the future of off-road motor racing. Finally, we are delighted and honoured to welcome the great names of the motorsport family. As such, we welcome all the actors of what I hope will be the first edition of a long series in Senegal.”



Extreme E picked Lac Rose in Senegal to underline a wide range of issues such as increasing sea levels owing to global warming which heats up the oceans and expands in turn. Sea level has been increasing by nearly 30 centimetres every decade. Another major issue affecting the African nation is Plastic Pollution. The hills of single-use plastic seen on the shores are growing each day and are threatening not just marine species but also human health.

The vibrant pink lake has seen a dramatic fall in the water levels in the past 40 years because of over-exploitation of salt mining and water pumping.

During the last year, the championship has backed two projects that will continue beyond the racing weekend, in conjunction with to.org, its legacy partner. The first of these legacy projects with to.org, along with the local implementation partner Oceanium, is plantation of 1 million mangrove trees. The wonderful Mangroves pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and the sediment under their roots thus stores a large amount of this carbon. They are also very important for coastal communities as they protect them from damaging effects of storms and of sea level, and also as nurseries for fish that provide food. Unfortunately, over a third of mangroves are lost, that has in turn left them vulnerable to food shortages and from storm destruction.



Extreme E, as part of its Legacy Programme commitment, has already helped with the planting of half a million mangroves over an area of 65 hectares. The reforestation consisted of nine outings and around 700 people supporting planting and growing trees, along with removal of plastic waste to ensure a healthy mangrove ecosystem.

Nachson Mimran, CEO and co-founder of to.org said: “The to.org team is honoured to bring our love for Senegal and our passion for sustainability to our legacy partnership with Extreme E. The reforestation of mangroves – one of nature’s most effective carbon capture solutions – will protect against coastal erosion, provide habitats for fish nurseries and marine organisms, and will improve water quality for local communities by filtering polluted water. We are excited to continue our mangrove reforestation programme and to advance to.org’s mission to address Earth’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.”

The Championship's floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, is currently en route to Senegal with the championship’s cargo. Rosberg X Racing is currently at the top of the leaderboard, but with four more X Prixs to go, it is still all to play for.

To bring down local impact, the Championship races will not be open to fans, they instead will be invited to follow the action through live TV broadcast, which includes RTS, ESPN, Fox Africa, StarTimes in Senegal, and on social media.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the path breaking electric SUV racing series,  announced on Friday that Japan’s biggest sports broadcaster, J SPORTS Corporation (J SPORTS), is airing the Championship on its linear channels, J SPORTS 1, J SPORTS 2, J SPORTS 3 and J SPORTS 4. Each five of this year’s X Prix are being broadcast with Japanese subtitles, starting with the exciting inaugural event which was aired live from Saudi Arabia. Additionally, viewers in Japan were also able to watch streaming and highlights of the season opener on J SPORTS’ On Demand, the digital platform of J SPORTS.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “Our broadcast agreement with J Sports allows Extreme E to reach a huge Japanese audience with our sport for purpose series. J Sports is well-known for its exceptional coverage of major sport including our sister championship, Formula E – and I am confident that last weekend’s incredible Extreme E season opener from Saudi Arabia delighted its discerning audiences in Japan as well as everyone else who saw it from around the world.

“As a sport without spectators on site, it is vital that our series can be seen by as many people as possible and the only way to do that is through a screen. We look forward to bringing our next four X Prixs to J Sports’ audience – as well as sharing Extreme E’s wider messages around electrification, environment and equality.”

Yoshinori Konno, Vice President and Director at J SPORTS, said: “We are celebrating the amazing debut of this innovating electric SUV racing series. It is our great pleasure that J SPORTS is partnering with Extreme E and will deliver all the races during its inaugural season. As the leading sport-dedicated broadcaster in Japan, we also feel esteemed about supporting this promising project with the mission of enlightening public awareness of issues including climate change as well as gender equality.”

After the Championship debut in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, the championship will now visit Senegal on 29-30 May, followed by Greenland during 28-29 August,  Brazil on 23-24 October and finally Patagonia during 11-12 December.

By scheduling races in the regions that are enduring severe effects of the environmental crisis, like the tropical rainforests and the Arctic, the objective is to increase audience awareness and interest in climate issues.

The series also features a unique viewing format, as races will be taking place without spectators as part of Extreme E's commitment of reducing the series' carbon footprint. Additionally the Championship is transporting requirements for each X Prix via sea through its floating centrepiece, the Wonderful, St. Helena.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the innovative racing series in many ways right from electric SUVs to zero emission car charging has been environment conscious but the most unique and challenging part has been the remote locations in which it competes.

The championship recently completed its inaugural X Prix in AlUla, Saudi Arabian desert. Unlike other sporting events, where basic facilities like catering, paddocks, even toilets are all readily available, in case of Extreme E, these facilities are ones that the Championship had to bring in.



To construct the very important paddock – a place where teams can work with their all-electric ODYSSEY 21s – Extreme E enlisted the backing of Airshelta, a world leader in designing, manufacturing and supplying specialised inflatable shelters. It provided the championship with a full, modular working village, that consists of team garages, storage units, canteen structures, the media centre, medical structures and the innovative Command Centre that has blackout screening  and serves as the hub of activity during the competition.

Making use of an inflatable shelter has many benefits like reduction in weight, complicated pole systems along with easy and speedy assembly proving to be a unique and sustainable product.

James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E, said: “Creating a motorsport event in the middle of the desert required a very specialist set of suppliers and I’m delighted with how our paddock looked using Airshelta’s innovative structures, which were not only quick to erect, but a sustainable alternative to permanent structures allowing Extreme E to race without a trace.”    

Richard Smith, Director of Airshelta Products said: “I am both delighted and proud that Extreme E has selected Airshelta as the official provider of all the onsite, race team and support function facilities, through our inflatable structures. All our products are manufactured in the UK to the highest standards and we are thrilled to be sharing this exciting journey with Extreme E and supporting them through the race series.”

Airshelta, for more than 25 years, has been providing structures to a wide range of emergency response bodies, armed forces, motorsport teams and to other events worldwide.



Extreme E utilised Airshelta's sealed beam structure created from a continuous tube of PVC material, that are inflated either from a 110v or a 240v inflation blower within minutes. The inflation valve closes automatically thus enabling the Sealed Beam Airshelta to stay inflated without needing to constantly refill air. Once it provides the shelters with the robustness needed to withstand the environment conditions which will be faced throughout the race series. Like other temporary constructions the Airshelta’s are safely anchored utilising heavy duty metal stakes or water filled bunds specially crafted keeping Extreme E locations in mind.      

The Airsheltas and the championship’s other cargo, have been loaded onto its floating centrepiece , the Wonderful St. Helena and will sail to Senegal for the Ocean X Prix which is scheduled to take place on 29-30 May.
 

According to a press release by Extreme E, beIN MEDIA GROUP, the global sports and entertainment group, has acquired the non-exclusive broadcast rights to the debut season of environment-conscious racing series Extreme E in 24 countries in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA).

beIN SPORTS will broadcast live races having the 100 per cent electric motorsport cars, highlight shows along with the series' 20-part magazine programme, Electric Odyssey.

The Extreme E season kick started with the inaugural race in Saudi Arabia on April 3. The Championship will next tour Senegal (May 29-30), Greenland (August 28-29), Brazil (October 23-24) and Patagonia (December 11-12).

By scheduling races in regions that are facing the effects of the climate crisis, like deserts, tropical rainforests and the Arctic, the objective of the championship is to increase viewers’ awareness of climate issues and encourage them to take measures to protect the planet.

With some of the biggest names in motorsport which includes Jenson Button, Sebastien Loeb and Jamie Chadwick - the series guarantees to be an exciting adventure for motorsport lovers in the MENA region.

Duncan Walkinshaw, Director of Programs at beIN MENA said: “We are delighted to broadcast Extreme E to our millions of subscribers all across the Middle East and North Africa. Extreme E is not only committed to raising awareness of climate change, but it is also focused on promoting gender equality and creating a level playing field for all, with 50 percent of its drivers being women. By broadcasting the series, we look forward to shining a spotlight on the inspiring women in motorsport, aligning with the ambition behind our beINSPIRED project.”

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E added: “This is another great broadcaster relationship for Extreme E and I’m delighted beIN Group will be showing our unique sport for purpose.

“Our inaugural X Prix in AlUla, Saudi Arabia was a great success and we can’t wait to continue the race for both our planet and to crown the very first Extreme E champions as we look ahead to our second X Prix – the Ocean X Prix – in Lac Rose, Senegal at the end of May. It is going to a great spectacle for fans across the world.”

beIN entertains and operates in 43 nations in the world, including 24 nations across the MENA.

With 4K and Full HD broadcast on satellite, the beIN experience is also available on computer, mobile, tablet, and other devices via beIN CONNECT.
 

According to a press release by  Extreme E, the electric off-road racing series that completed its debut X Prix in the Saudi Arabia, prior to the event, had signed an agreement with Tik Tok to strengthen its social media offering.

Across the racing weekend, the Championship attracted 18.5 million organic views across TikTok content produced by partner Little Dot Studios, with a whopping 17.2 million people viewing #DesertXPrix videos alone. Extreme E also garnered 60,000 new fans, after Little Dot Studios activated the new partnership using its vertical video expertise, on behalf of the series.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “These numbers are phenomenal and I’m thrilled that in our first weekend we were able to reach so many people with our unique sport for purpose.

“A massive thank you to TikTok, Little Dot Studios and our in-house social team, these numbers are awesome and a testament to the engaging and innovative motorsport series we have created.”

The ambitious partnership saw Extreme E and Little Dot Studios craft an exclusive 90-minute production, which aired on Extreme E’s TikTok account on 3rd April. 386,000+ people saw the show, which featured a behind the scenes look at the Championship and the personalities at the heart of it.

'The Drop' was one of the most popular videos. 'The Drop'– a part of the course measuring 100 metres with a 45 degree descent, left the viewers with their hearts in their mouths. The on board video that showcased the view from the cockpit attracted 3.8 million fans as they witnessed exactly what the driver saw as they took on this challenging part of the course.

The association with TikTok covers each five of Extreme E’s X Prixs in 2021 and there is more to come when the Championship visits Senegal for its second race from 29 – 30 May.
 

According to a Press release by Extreme E, NEP Group, the premiere technical associate for content producers around the world , worked with the series and host broadcaster Aurora Media Worldwide and North One and created a cutting-edge, sustainable broadcast solution that aired the first race, in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in 180 nations around the World.

Developed to mirror Extreme E’s goals of integrating the latest technology with sustainability and creating solutions to meet the rigors of the globe's harshest conditions, NEP’s innovative broadcast facilities will be utilized by Aurora and North One at events in Senegal, Greenland, Brazil and Patagonia as the championship continues. NEP’s complete end-to-end broadcast package features a custom IP flypack, remote production solutions, crewing, satellite along with fibre connectivity, edit, ingest, Augmented Reality (AR), Graphics, and specialty cameras.

“Extreme E is a truly world-class event that is highlighting one of the most important challenges facing our planet and bringing it to a new audience in a really innovative way. It has been a thrill to see the solution that NEP, Aurora, North One and Extreme E have created come to life,” says Brian Clark, Director of Sales for NEP Major Events. “What we have created is not only at the very cutting edge of technology, but it also delivers from some of the world’s harshest environments – all during COVID. There were certainly a lot of challenges to overcome, but the result is just fantastic.”

Lawrence Duffy, Managing Director, Aurora Media Worldwide says: “It was so rewarding to see all of the team’s hard work, dedication and ingenuity come to life. It was such a tremendous partnership between all of us – Extreme E, Aurora, North One and NEP – and it has really paid off.  This is exactly what we wanted to achieve: a great marriage of sustainability and cutting-edge technology all coming together to create a really exciting production.  We can’t wait for the next race.”

Keeping into account the sustainability goals, COVID restrictions, and challenges the remote race locations pose, decreasing the number of staff visiting to site was critical in NEP’s system design. Making use of a specialty IP flypack, NEP, Aurora and North One were successful in connecting every racing venue directly to their new “UHD ready” centralised production facility in London, through satellite. With around 30 different sources present in London, majority of the production team is able to handle record, replay, edit, audio mixing, vision mixing and playout without the need to travel to location. In addition to this, specialty Augmented Reality (AR) and Graphics are handled real time by NEP’s AR / GFX team at their production centre in Hilversum, once again reducing the need for travel.

NEP’s team in The Netherlands built several highly advanced AR and graphics solutions for the broadcast production provided by Aurora and North One. Integrating advanced drone and AR technologies, NEP worked with Extreme E, Aurora and North One to produce amazing results and provide audiences with a completely innovative experience. They also leveraged the AR and drone technologies in tandem with advanced RF solutions to minimize cable runs while still giving maximum and reliable coverage from the cars. This enables one to avoid use of fixed-wing or helicopter solutions, which have a much worse climate impact.
 

According to a press release by Extreme E, the all-new electric SUV race series which made its debut in Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April, has today confirmed that Taiwanese broadcaster ELTA will broadcast each of the series X Prixs live in both Chinese and English through its Sports channel. This applies that viewers in Taiwan can also watch the Championship's behind-the-scenes magazine show and the documentaries on its subscription VOD platform.

ELTA TV, with its head offices in Taipei, was launched in the year 2008 to give Taiwan a high-quality relay of various top notch sporting events which also includes FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Besides, the station is also officially confirmed as Taiwan’s broadcaster for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Severe weather has taken its toll on this country, like it has in many other parts of the world. In the last 100 years, the island’s cities have faced double the global average temperature rise. That along with rising sea levels could be capable of submerging one-third of Greater Taipei within the span of two generations. Not just that, typhoons too are becoming increasingly frequent and destroying vulnerable communities in the south. The country also ranks eighth in the world for carbon emissions per capita among nations with over 10 million population - although change is a foot owing to present government reforms and more investment in renewable energies.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Extreme E aims to raise awareness of the climate crisis, and it is fantastic that we will air our sport for purpose series across Taiwan which unfortunately has its own environmental challenges.

“Extreme E is an incredibly entertaining format that shows the potential of electric vehicle technology through thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing. By shining a spotlight on the environmental crisis this way, we hope not only to raise awareness but also highlight changes that can be made to live a less carbon-intensive lifestyle and protect the planet.

“I’m really excited to bring Extreme E’s innovative broadcast product to the Taiwanese audience – we look forward to telling the stories of the race, the environment and the people involved.”

Sally Chen, CEO at ELTA, said: “ELTA has strived for professionalism and richness in passion for Sports throughout the years, and it is of great honor for ELTA to help bring awareness of the climate crisis through broadcasting Extreme E on MOD platform. ELTA's faithful audiences know that we have continued to try our very best on achieving quality performance on sports broadcasting and also taking part in changing for the better. Bringing Extreme E to our audience will be a fine example of such dedication.”

Extreme E is supported by some of the greatest names in motorsport that includes Formula One World Champions Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button, along with American motors sporting icons Chip Ganassi and Michael Andretti.

All of the teams will field both a female and male driver, first time in the history of world motorsport - in an attempt for gender equality. The drivers will race in an electric SUV – ODYSSEY 21 – at five locations that have all been adversely impacted by the climate crisis. 

Extreme E aims to highlight these issues through its sustainable motorsport, which will make use of a variety of methods to minimize its carbon footprint, right from racing electric SUVs to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell car charging in partnership with AFC Energy, but it will move further and, by the end of first season,  aim to be net-carbon zero.
Taiwan's ELTA TV to broadcast Extreme E

According to a press release by Extreme E, the path breaking electric SUV racing series, Extreme E has today announced that South Africa’s SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) will broadcast each five of this year’s X Prix live on its linear channels, SABC1, SABC2, SABC3 and SABC Sport Channel – which kick started with much anticipated debut X Prix which was held in AlUla in Saudi Arabia a couple of weeks ago.

With head offices in Johannesburg, the South African Broadcasting Company (SABC) is one of the country’s largest state-owned aggregates providing 19 radio stations and five television channels in the region.

The broadcast deal means fans in South Africa can witness Extreme E’s exciting race coverage along with its behind-the-scenes magazine show and documentaries like Climate Changers, How to Build a Race Car and Best of Extreme E - all free to air. Besides, Championship's coverage will be available on SABC’s digitals platforms like SABC Sport Portal, Telkom One OTT Platform and OpenView.

South Africa, like many places in the world, faces a host of climate challenges. 
Climatically sensitive, the area already suffers from intense air pollution as 77% of the energy generated in the country is procured from coals resulting in vast deforestation which is equivalent to losing 20 football pitches every minute.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “The impacts of climate change can be devastating, and nowhere is that clearer than in this region, where increasing deforestation and heavy use of fossil fuels is threatening an already fragile environment.

“Today’s agreement with SABC will allow Extreme E to reach a huge South African audience with our sport for purpose series. Our championship is so much more than just exciting electric racing, it’s the opportunity to raise awareness of climate change and highlight ways that we can live a less carbon-intensive lifestyle to protect our planet.”

Gary Rathbone, Head of SABC Sport said: “I believe the future of motorsport starts here with Extreme E, and SABC Sport is absolutely thrilled that we will be able to deliver this great new concept to our viewers on our channels. The fact that its’ focus goes way behind merely racing but delves deep into issues around the environment and the future of our planet's ecology makes Extreme E vital viewing in more ways than one.”

Some of the greatest names in motorsport that includes Jenson Button, Jamie Chadwick, Molly Taylor, Sébastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz, will lock horns for victory in ‘Star Wars pod meets Dakar Rally’ style-racing for the second X Prix to be held at Lac Rose, Senegal on 29-30 May. Every event is crafted to not only showcase the advantages of electrification through motorsport, but also to highlight the adverse effects of climate change.

In addition, the Championships makes it mandatory that each of the Extreme E teams must field both a male and female driver, for the first time in the world of motorsport. 

The 1780-kilogram 2.3-metre-wide ODYSSEY 21, powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds at gradients of up to 130 per cent.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the brand new electric racing series finished its debut X Prix last weekend at AlUla in Saudi Arabia with Rosberg X Racing as the winners. However, the series believes the real win was what Extreme E did off the course regarding climate change – one of the key drivers behind this one of its kind sport for purpose.

Extreme E is a Championship with a mission, to throw light at the destructive effects of the climate crisis and demonstrate positive measures that can be taken to safeguard the planet. The series has picked five remote locations for its X Prixs, with the first concluded in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, which was selected to highlight desertification, leading to a loss of biological productivity.



Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “It has been two years in the making, but I’m thrilled that Extreme E’s first X Prix – the Desert X Prix – is complete.

“The weekend delivered on its promise of exciting racing, but more importantly our mission to race without a trace and leave a long-lasting positive impact. I’m very proud of what we have achieved in Saudi Arabia, from our talks on the St. Helena by world-renowned scientists focussing on the global climate crisis and solutions, through to our turtle conservation project with the Ba’a Foundation.

“Extreme E is much, much more than just motorsport and I hope people have taken away from it that the climate crisis is a major issue we are facing right now, and that there are many small actions we can take to save the planet.”

Legacy Programme

At every racing location, Extreme E will leave a long-lasting positive impact through its Legacy Programmes. In Saudi Arabia, the series collaborated with the Ba’a Foundation to extend its support for turtle conservation along the Red Sea coastline.

The project was disclosed on-board the St. Helena by members from Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, which was then  followed by a tour to Ras Baridi - the place where this initiative will be focussed at, where several of the championship’s star drivers including Jenson Button, Sara Price and Jamie Chadwick come together for a beach clean.



St. Helena

Extreme E's floating centrepiece, the wonderful St. Helena, taking a centre stage in the Red Sea, hosted several workshops before the debut X Prix centering not only around the Legacy Programme, but also the broader climate change issue along with the solutions.  

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

AFC Energy, that provides the championship with hydrogen fuel cell – facilitating the fleet of ODYSSEY 21s to be charged emission-free – made use of the Desert X Prix to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Altaaqa, the operator and owner of one of the world’s biggest mobile diesel generator rental fleets. This will back the transition of the area's power generation industry to zero emission solutions making use of AFC Energy’s hydrogen fuel cell technology.   

Sustainability

Many measures were taken to ensure Extreme E would remain the most sustainable event possible, right from zero single-use plastic on-site to communal water stations so reusable bottles could be filled along with sustainable and biodegradable food packaging by Polymateria to even feilding the bin police to make sure the people were recycling properly.



Extreme E Count Us In Challenge

Launched last month, The Extreme E Count Us in Challenge enables fans to take practical measures on climate change to bring down their carbon footprint. In the course of just three weeks, around 300 fans have already pledged to take steps that will help them lead a less carbon-intensive life.

However this leaderboard isn’t just a competition for the planet, as the side having the most number of fans committing their support will be given the Extreme E Sustainability Award at the end of this year, presently X44 is at the top of the table.

Extreme E’s next event, the Ocean X Prix, will be held from 29-30 May at Lac Rose, Senegal, Dakar.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the brand new electric race series which made its much awaited championship debut in Saudi Arabia this weekend, confirmed today that China’s CCTV.com will also air the remaining four X Prixs through its sports platform.

CCTV.com is the online portal of China Media Group (CMG) and its sports platform is widely acclaimed as the first choice for sports lovers with its timely and fine coverage of top events such as Formula One, the Olympic Games, the Winter Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Football as well as tennis, basketball along with many others.

Along with being aired live on CCTV.com, Extreme E’s exciting race footage can also be availed on Cbox and New TV, CMG’s fun and interesting apps which enables Chinese viewers to interact between large screen and small screen devices, and hence enhance the user experience while watching sport.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to have confirmed Extreme E’s broadcast on China’s CCTV.com as well as being available on its state-of-the-art apps, Cbox and New TV - these are hugely exciting technologies that will bring an even greater audience to our championship.  One of the missions of Extreme E is to highlight climate issues and encourage change and we can only do that by reaching as many viewers as possible.

“In addition, I’m confident that CCTV’s sport loving viewers will be thrilled by our innovative race format whilst at the same time, be fascinated to learn the stories behind the series.”

Extreme E is a sporting event with a purpose and aims to bring into the limelight the climate emergency that is affecting the entire world. By touring five distant destinations this year, starting with Saudi Arabia, followed by Senegal, Greenland, Brazil and Patagonia – all of which have been adversely hit by the climate crisis - the event will highlight the devastation caused by climate issues, and encourage change, while leaving behind a long sustaining positive impact by its Legacy Programmes.

Besides, racers compete in an all-electric SUV – ODYSSEY 21 – to advocate the benefits of e-mobility, and as the biggest names in electric vehicle production and sales, it is important to bring China on this endeavor and continue to display new technologies.

The series also features a unique viewing format, as races will take place without spectators and aired as two-hour programs in an effort to minimize the championship’s carbon footprint. Not just that, the championship will transport the racing equipment by sea on its floating centerpiece, the wonderful St. Helena which will soon leave Saudi Arabia and move forward on its journey to Senegal for the Ocean X Prix starting from 29-30 May. 

According to a press release by Extreme E, the brand new electric off road racing is all set for the inaugural race in Saudi Arabia starting this weekend from 3-4 April. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “This is a very special day. Extreme E was such an out-of-the-box idea that many people didn’t think it would ever happen – even I didn’t know if we would get to this day. In these COVID times, it would have been impossible to organise this event without the incredible support of our hosts and our teams, and I must thank Saudi Arabia for welcoming us. We are getting ready for something amazing this weekend." All the 18 participants were given the opportunity to sample the 18km course centering between three canyons in the giant desert surrounding AlUla, while being behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21, giving them the taste of what the weekend will have on the cards for them. Several of the competitors participated in a live-streamed press conference in between the two seasons and commented on the event and the action that will be followed ahead. Jenson Button, JBXE driver, said: “It’s exciting to be here, with so many great teams and drivers from around the world. "I’ve done a bit of off-roading before in a rally car, but nothing like this in the sand and the ODYSSEY 21 is a very different vehicle – I’ve never previously driven four wheel-drive. It’s certainly extreme. You’re playing with the steering wheel the whole time and the course is insane!' Sara Price, Segi TV Chip Ganassi Racing driver, said: “I’m so honoured to be here – in the world of off-road racing, you have no idea how big this is. It’s pretty incredible to have the whole of our industry watching us, and when somebody told me this morning that I was making history as the first driver to take to the course, it’s just crazy and so cool. It’s already been such a journey and an adventure. I’m very grateful and glad to be a part of something that means so much. Stéphane Sarrazin, Veloce Racing driver, said: “It’s incredible to be contesting the first-ever Extreme E event in such an extraordinary setting. This is a great opportunity to be part of something shaping the future, because there’s no question for me that electric is the future for motorsport. Timmy Hansen, Andretti United driver, said: “Both on a professional level and personally, this is a huge adventure. It’s about something bigger than ourselves, the race car is cool and the course is fun. It’s obviously very different to the testing we did last year, but the car feels great and seems to suit the track very well." Mattias Ekström, ABT CUPRA XE driver, said: “I’ve got many reasons to be happy being here. The older you get, the wiser you get and my main priority is to enjoy it all and have a good time. Extreme E is all about short, fast action, making it perfect for Cupra as such a cool brand, and obviously ABT as an organisation know how to win." Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team driver, said: “I’ve got such a mixture of emotions. I’ve always been a fan of Carlos [Sainz – team-mate] since I was very young, so you can imagine how excited I was when he called me. He’s very professional and super competitive, so I’m sure I have the best teacher possible and can learn a lot from him." Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing driver, said: “We did a recce of the track yesterday; it looked spectacular and challenging then, and when I got out there with the race car today, it lived up to all of those expectations. It’s going to be very competitive with a lot of experienced teams, but Nico [Rosberg] has assembled a team with a bunch of winners and the guys have done a fantastic job with the car – everything was spot-on, which let me go out and do my thing on-track. Nico Rosberg, Rosberg X Racing Founder and CEO, said: “Since my F1 career ended, I’ve been focussed on sustainability and when Alejandro Agag called me and told me about Extreme E, for me it was the perfect match. To combine my passion for racing and sustainability in the same project is awesome. We’ve been out this week helping turtles and removing plastic from the beach, and of course that’s not big impact on its own but what we want to do is raise awareness of the problems the world is facing and show that we care." Carlos Sainz, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team driver, said: “I’m happy to be here and trying this new way of motorsport. It’s a great opportunity and I want to approach it a little bit more relaxed. It was really interesting to spend time with the scientists on the ship, helping us to better understand what is going on in the world with global warming, CO2 and the coral reefs." “We are here to compete to win and I’m really happy to have Johan [Kristoffersson] and Molly [Taylor] on-board." Sébastien Loeb, X44 driver, said: “Extreme E is a completely new universe for me in every aspect, from the electric side to teaming up with a female driver. It’s a new era for motorsport, and I’m happy to be a part of it from the start." The racing action will kick start today, (Saturday, 3 April), featuring four qualifying time trial sessions, followed by Sunday, the 4 of April that is booked for the semi-finals and final, which will determine Extreme E’s very first X Prix winner.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the off road racing championship has announced that Allianz will be their Official Insurance and Founding Partner ahead of their inaugural race in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April. Allianz has already collaborated with the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and FIM MotoE World Cup and this partnership with Extreme E will extend Allianz’s presence in electric motorsport. The world’s leading insurance and asset management company will provide Extreme E with joint insurance cover and focus it’s activations on select races starting with the first race in Saudi Arabia. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Allianz is a brand with a long motorsport history and I’m incredibly proud to again be partnering with them on a new electrifying project. Allianz supports and shows a real interest for sustainable motorsport and shares many values similar to our own, including courage and confidence which you will see plenty from the Extreme E drivers at our first event in Saudi Arabia this weekend.” Hector Muelas, Global Brand & Customer Experience Officer of Allianz, said: “We are proud to support Extreme E on their ambitious path, highlighting the impact of climate change and showing care for our environment by executing the legacy projects in affected areas. Together we want to shape the future of electric mobility and enable the usage of clean technologies as part of the Allianz long-term sustainability agenda.” Extreme E is an electric off-road racing series with the aim to highlight the effects of climate change and promote the use of electric vehicles by racing in some of the most extreme locations around the world. Following their inaugural race in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April, the off-road championship will visit Lac Rose in Senegal on 29-30 May, Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (28-29 August), Pará, Brazil (23-24 October) and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (11-12 December).

According to a press release by Extreme E, the pioneering electric race series has announced BT Sport as a broadcaster ahead of its inaugural race in Saudi Arabia. BT Sport will air all five X Prixs starting with Desert X Prix from AlUla, Saudi Arabia on April 4th. They will also be featuring the championship’s race highlights on demand. Viewers will also be able to access Extreme E’s regular ‘Magazine’ show to give viewers an insightful and behind the scenes look of this unique series. Extreme E will join BT Sport’s motorsport portfolio that already includes MotoGP, FIM Speedway, WRC and DTM. Simon Green, Head of BT Sport, said: “Sports broadcasting, like every industry, has a part to play in climate change and our coverage of Extreme E will be a constructive step in highlighting positive environmental messages to our customers. I know how important this is as part of BT’s ongoing efforts to become a net zero carbon business by 2045 and for BT Sport to become one of the greenest broadcasters in the UK.” Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Today’s broadcast agreement with BT Sport marks another major coup for Extreme E. Apart from allowing us to bring our thrilling electric race format to even more sports fans in the UK and Ireland, BT Sport provides us with an invaluable platform to share the wider environmental and equality message behind the championship. “Although the domestic uptake of electric vehicles is increasing, there is still work to be done to showcase the potential of EV technology. By focusing on the environment through sustainable motorsport, Extreme E hopes to encourage fans to make changes to reduce carbon emissions and slow down the climate emergency.” Each team will be featuring one male and female driver and the series already features some stellar superstars such as Jenson Button, Jamie Chadwick, Molly Taylor, and Carlos Sainz Snr who will be racing in identical 550-bhp electric vehicles known as ODYSSEY 21. The cars and the championship’s freight will be transported to each location on the St. Helena. In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, the number of spectators at each venue will be kept at a minimum and the ship will feature an on board science laboratory to conduct research on marine environment throughout the voyage.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the innovative electric racing Championship with a sustainable conscience announced its association with Polymateria and its path-breaking technology which is on a mission to take on the global plastic pollution, today on World Recycling Day. As per an estimate around 32% of all plastic packaging used around the world goes un-recycled or is improperly disposed and a large 80% of plastic found in the ocean generates as a result of this unmanaged waste and comes on land. Polymateria has developed the world's first ever plastic having a time controlled open air biodegradability that will return swiftly and safely to nature if it is disposed of in the natural environment, while also allowing for recycling to take place. The Championship and its teams will utilise Polymateria’s Biotransformation technology at its global X Prix events, that will include cups, a range of food packaging solutions and also fully biodegradable facemasks in future. The materials thus used will be collected and sent for recycling, with most of it turned into secondary applications. Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Polymateria to drive-up awareness of solutions for plastic pollution globally while reducing our own environmental footprint. “The science-based approach it takes provides a unique opportunity to visualise their technology in action at key race sites, illustrating both the global problem but a credible solution in action. This is another example of Extreme E embracing the latest and best global innovations to tackle major environmental challenges.” Niall Dunne, CEO of Polymateria, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be working with Extreme E which shares our passion for turning the tide on plastic pollution. “Together with Extreme E, we are bringing peer reviewed science to life so that people can see what is possible and make their voices heard in demanding better innovation, meaningful change and an end to the fugitive plastic crisis.” Extreme E will commence in Saudi Arabia on 3 April 2021, featuring electric SUVs racing in extreme environments around the world which are already facing the adversities of climate and environmental crisis .

According to a press release by Extreme E, the Championship announced today the second of its seasoned off-road racers who will contribute in advisory roles and be on site as ‘Championship Drivers’ in case if any of the teams need them during the debut season. Jutta Kleinschmidt will join the series as an official advisor, a role in which her vast experience of over thirty years in Cross-Country Motorsport as an accomplished driver and advisor will be brought to full use. Meanwhile, Timo Scheider has also been previously confirmed as a Championship Driver and Extreme E’s course advisor. Due to the nature of the venues Extreme E will be touring in 2021, teams won't have the services of a back-up driver on site during the events, hence Kleinschmidt will step up as the female back-up if any of the sides need her to take charge of the wheel during the season. Jutta Kleinschmidt, born in Cologne, Germany had an illustrious career in off-road racing. She first appeared at the world-renowned event, the Dakar Rally in the bike category in 1988. However, by 1994 she changed to four wheels and moved towards the car category. Three years later she went on to become the first woman to record a stage victory and in 1999 bagged a third place overall. In 2001, she engraved her name into the history books as the first female Dakar Rally winner. A further two podiums in 2002 and 2005 consolidated her spot as the most successful female driver in the category till date. James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E, said: “We’re all absolutely thrilled to have Jutta [Kleinschmidt] and Timo [Scheider] on-board. We have a huge amount of respect for both of them and what they have achieved in motorsport. “Jutta really needs no introduction as the only female driver to ever win the Dakar Rally – she is a legend in off-road racing and is a passionate supporter of the move to new and innovative technologies, which makes her the perfect person to take on this role.” Jutta Kleinschmidt said: “Simply put, it's absolutely amazing to be part of the Extreme E family as an adviser and ‘Championship Driver.’ It’s an incredibly exciting role that will require all of my experience. “I’m also going to really enjoy supporting the sporting team on a range of things. Environmentally friendly new technologies are the future of motorsport so I can’t wait to join this innovative and revolutionary new Electric Off-Road series, which also provides an important equal gender racing format to showcase the best in female driver talent. “It is a great opportunity for women to team up with men, compete together on the same material. Extreme E combines future motorsport technology with gender equality. Nothing comparable exists in motorsport up to now.” Extreme E’s debut X Prix will be held from 3 – 4 April in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the first of its kind off-road electric racing championship has announced that Spanish broadcaster RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española) will air each five of this edition's X Prixs on its free to air linear channel. The series' race highlights, review and magazine shows that will all televise in Spanish - will join the line-up of coverage on RTVE’s primary channel, Teledeporte. Besides, Extreme E’s exciting action will be live streamed on it's digital platform, www.rtve.es. RTVE, which is based in Madrid is Spain’s biggest public media organisation. The firm, popular for its commitment to innovative technologies and sustainable development, makes for a perfect broadcast partner for Extreme E which is on a mission to advocate the uptake of electric vehicles in society through its ‘sport for purpose’ series. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with RTVE today. The station is not only one of Spain’s premier broadcasters, it also shares many of Extreme E’s core values - both vital criteria in bringing our environmental message to as many people as possible. “And that’s not all - a plethora of Spanish talent will be lining up on the Extreme E grid next month, namely rally legends, Carlos Sainz and Laia Sanz driving for ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team as well as Spain’s Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team and Barcelona-based CUPRA that has partnered with the ABT team – the combination of which I am sure will delight RTVE’s patriotic and sport-loving audience.” Extreme E is set to make its debut in 18 days in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Every team will race the ODYSSEY 21, an electric SUV crafted to compete in five formidable environments – arctic, glacier, desert, rainforest and coastal. Each location in which the series will race has seen the adverse effects by the climate crisis, and through the championship, it will highlight these crises and leave a long-lasting and positive impact through its Legacy Programmes. Teams that Extreme E will feature are -ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team and Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team (Spain); Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti United (USA); Veloce Racing, JBXE by Jenson Button and X44 by Lewis Hamilton (UK); ABT CUPRA XE and Rosberg X Racing (Germany).

According to a press release by Extreme E, the innovative electric off-road racing series is joining hands with Count Us In to launch the “Extreme E Count Us In Challenge” - that uses the power of sport, and the thrill of motor racing, to encourage fans to take practical measures for climate change. In the challenge, Extreme E’s fans are called on to take measures to minimize their carbon footprint and, in doing so, urge governments, cities and businesses to speed up the progress on climate action. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “More people watch sport than science documentaries, and with 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from transport, Extreme E believes it can use its powerful media platform to shine a spotlight on the issues we face, and the need to act now to help protect our futures. “We are proud to be joining forces with Count Us In as, in addition to raising awareness of the climate crisis, we can now drive our fans, teams, drivers and staff to take impactful action. All of course within a competitive campaign which matches our sporting ethos, and proves that all our actions no matter the scale, have a huge impact when combined.” The Challenge will convey the voice of racing fans, drivers, teams and sponsors to industry discussions and policymakers, pressing on the urgent need to accelerate progress on clean transport. The campaign also supports the UN’s Race to Zero initiative which, in the lead-up to COP26 this year in Glasgow, has the objective to unite non-governmental stakeholders to endorse for accelerating the transition to a zero carbon world. Extreme E teams will feature Lewis Hamilton’s X44, Jenson Button’s JBXE and Veloce Racing from the UK, Nico Rosberg’s Rosberg X Racing (RXR) and ABT CUPRA XE from Germany, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team from Spain and Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti United from the USA - will inspire fans to take one or more of a variety of measures, and will compete overall for the most action and overall carbon footprint savings. Steps include pledging to walk and cycle more, consuming more plant-based food, to the series ultimate objective of changing to an electric vehicle. Each step thus taken will be tallied up on all of the Championships team page and will be tracked on the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge points table. The winning side will clinch the overall Extreme E Sustainability Award at the conclusion of the Season. Nico Rosberg, Team RXR said: “Me and my team Rosberg X Racing are proud to be a part of the Extreme E Count Us In Challenge. I hope every fan can take a simple practical step to protect what they love from climate change” Sara Price, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, said, "The Extreme E Count Us In Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our fans to take action too – this will not only help the planet, but also help my team, Chip Ganassi Racing, top the sustainability leaderboard.” Extreme E will compete around the world's most distant environments to highlight the performance and advantages of electric vehicles and clean technology, while also headlining the adverse effects that climate change is already having on these ecosystems. Extreme E’s inaugural race will be held in AlUla, Saudi Arabia (3-4 April), followed by Lac Rose, Senegal (29-30 May), Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (28-29 August), Para, Brazil (23-24 October) and finally at Argentine Patagonia (11-12 December).

According to a press release by Extreme E, it has unveiled the first of its two ‘Joker Drivers,’ in the form of Timo Scheider, a seasoned German racer with two DTM titles under his belt. He will be supporting the series across myriad sporting projects. Along with his ‘Joker Driver’ responsibilities of being on hand to jump into one of the ODYSSEY 21s at a moments notice, Timo will also contribute towards designing Extreme E’s race courses at all of its far-flung locations. Scheider has participated in a variety of motorsport disciplines right from single-seaters to touring cars and rallycross. He won back-to-back DTM titles in 2008 and 2009, a 24 Hours of Le Mans podium in 2010 alongwith wins at the 24 Hours of Spa and the infamous Nurbürgring and also the World Rallycross podiums in 2017 and 2020. The 42-year-old's ability to adapt his driving style according to different terrains, car requirements and conditions will prove of paramount importance in his new role with the championship. James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E, said: “It’s fantastic to have Timo [Scheider] on the team, he has a huge amount of knowledge so we have a lot of faith in his abilities to support the championship. “Timo has invaluable experience working across so many motorsport disciplines on terrains and conditions at either end of the scale, so he was a natural choice to help design the courses we’ll be racing on.” Timo Scheider said: “It’s a pretty new experience for me and I was super excited about the Extreme E team and the challenge to design a course in the middle of nowhere. I really enjoyed the first recce in Saudi Arabia and designing a course in the desert. There are so many things to consider, but the course is going to provide incredible racing. I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21 and be the first to drive the official Extreme E course in just a few weeks’ time, it’ll be a moment in history. “The ‘Joker Driver’ role is pretty cool too and I’m delighted to be available for all the teams and fulfil a driver role should it be required. “Extreme E marks a new era of motorsport and its environmental ethos is something very special. I think the idea to create a motorsport series to raise awareness of the environment and the impact we as humans are having is an important one. I think the series is going to change the face of motorsport and that's why I'm really looking forward to being on this journey.” The second joker driver for Extreme E’s inaugural season will be revealed later this week. The series’ opening X Prix will be held from 3 – 4 April in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the brand new off-road electric racing championships announced on Sunday that the Middle East’s top extreme sports and adventure satellite channel, MBC ACTION will broadcast five of the series’ X Prixs across its territories in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Extreme E’s inaugural race will be held in Saudi Arabia at AlUla and citizens from 23 Arabic-speaking nations will be able to catch up with the thrilling series that will be aired in English, Arabic and Farsi. Besides the race highlights, the review and magazine shows will also be available on MBC ACTION, alongside its digital platforms. Part of MBC GROUP, the biggest and top most media firm in the MENA, MBC ACTION is a free-to-air channel that was launched in 2007. It brings to its audiences the latest sports news, action-packed movies, dramas, and thrillers with a focused and dynamic 360 experience. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “With our series making its debut in Saudi Arabia in just a matter of weeks, we are delighted to announce our broadcast agreement with MBC GROUP today. As home to the most widely watched TV networks across the Middle East and North Africa, MBC GROUP provides us with the tremendous opportunity to bring Extreme E’s innovative technology and its crucial conservation and equality message, to a vast audience of almost 300 million Arab speakers. “I am confident that Extreme E’s incredible menu of motorsport firsts including a thrilling fully electric format, male and female driver pairings and the environmental stories behind the series, will delight MBC’s discerning and wide-spread audience and we can’t wait to bring the action to them in April.” Ashraf Younis, Director of MBC ACTION added: “With a few weeks to go until the Desert X Prix takes place in stunning AlUla, our partnership with Extreme E couldn’t have come at a better time. We cannot wait to showcase the events of this off-road racing series in the world’s largest continuous sand desert to audiences across Saudi Arabia and the rest of the MENA region. This series is definitely one to watch.” Nine teams will compete at Extreme E’s inaugural race at AlUla. The region is a home to stunning landscapes and rich history but has faced the adversities of climate change which is leading to longer and hotter summers and intense desertification affecting its already vulnerable biodiversity. Extreme E aims at ‘race without a trace’ and for a reduced local impact, the event will not be open for spectators, with followers, instead urged to follow the series through the live TV broadcast and on social media.

According to a press release by Extreme E, they have confirmed the latest addition to team JBXE in Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, who will join the team’s founder and driver Jenson Button in the cockpit. The Swede served as a test partner for the championship’s founding partner, Continental and helped develop the CrossContact Extreme E tyre which will be fitted into the electric SUV’s ODYSSEY 21. She recently made history as the first and only woman to win races at the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship in 2018. Kottulinsky also successfully competed in the Scirocco R-Cup Germany and took part in the Audi Sport TT Cup. Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, JBXE driver, said: “I am delighted to be joining the JBXE team alongside Jenson Button, it feels like a dream come true. “Not only do I get to race with such a fantastic team mate, but we both really believe in the platform of the series. Extreme E is more than just another motorsport, it is a sport for purpose which we can use to showcase electric vehicles and motivate people to rethink their views on the consequences of climate change. If we can make this racing series exciting, innovative and interesting to follow, the willingness to make big and small changes will grow – for the benefit of our world and everyone on the planet.” Jenson Button, Founder and driver, JBXE said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Mikaela to JBXE and to have her as my teammate. She brings with her some fantastic experience behind the wheel and her work with Continental and Extreme E to this point clearly demonstrate what an asset she will be to the team. “In Mikaela I also have no doubt we have an incredibly valuable ambassador to represent JBXE, and Extreme E as a whole, in the fight to raise awareness of climate change and to help implement the Extreme E Legacy Programme projects along the way.” Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I am delighted to see Mikaela selected for the JBXE team and officially welcome her onboard the adventure as our latest Extreme E driver. Her work with Continental has been integral to helping create the championship tyre, and whilst she is the latest to join the party, I’m sure that her previous knowledge and her early experience in the car will help her get stuck in quickly. “Mikaela and Jenson are certainly going to make a strong driver pairing and I can’t wait to see them racing in just 22 days at our first X Prix in Saudi Arabia.” Mikaela’s inclusion completes the driver line up for the inaugural Extreme E race after confirmation was received that Team Techeetah will be postponing their entry in the series. Owned by the Indonesian Indover Group, the team has cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the delay. Team Techeetah has been unable to test their cars and drivers due to the global travel restrictions but will be joining the series at a later date. Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky will join the likes of Sébastien Loeb, Molly Taylor, Jamie Chadwick, Timmy Hansen and Carlos Sainz Snr. at the inaugural race in the deserts of AlUla in Saudi Arabia on 3rd and 4th April. The series will aim to highlight and raise awareness about the environment issues faced by our planet and climate change as well as support Legacy Programmes at each of its five locations to leave a lasting impact.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the brand new electric off-road race series, which is all geared up for its debut race in Saudi Arabia next month, today announced its latest broadcast partnership with Sports TV Croatia (SPTV), the country's leading sports station. Based in Zagreb, SPTV will broadcast each five of the series' X Prixs, comprising the live broadcasts, repeats and highlights in English on its linear channel. Besides, the audience will also be able catch all the thrilling action of the path-breaking competition via its digital platform sptv.hr/uzivo - that stresses on the importance of diversity and gender equality in sports. Just like other many parts of the world, Croatia is also under pressure to bring down the production of harmful carbon emissions. During the past few years, the country has seen a sharp rise in the use of electric vehicles as it now hosts around 800 charging points in 300 separate locations – a progressive move that the championship focuses to support by highlighting the potential of electric motorsport. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Extreme E is delighted to have signed a deal with SPTV today – not only is the channel known for its excellent coverage of a wide range of sport in Croatia, but it is also committed to highlighting issues surrounding the environment and gender equality – both of which are key messages of our series. “I am confident that this, coupled with our thrilling and unique race format, will ensure that Extreme E is the perfect fit for SPTV’s sports aficionados.” Petar Čavlović, General Manager at SPTV, said: “As a television channel that broadcasts all sports and considers them equally important, we believe that in addition to Extreme E’s innovative sporting side, it is also vital to raise awareness amongst our viewers of important issues such as climate change and gender equality.” Extreme E's inaugural race will take place in Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April, the series will further visit Senegal, Greenland, Brazil and finally at Patagonia during December. By scheduling races in locations that are facing grave climate issues, the objective is to increase the audience's knowledge and interest regarding the environmental crisis.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the innovative electric off-road racing series today announced 'Kärcher' as the Official Cleaning Supplier for the Championship. Germany's Kärcher is well known around the world for its professional and domestic cleaning equipment and now it will collaborate with Extreme E to make sure its fleet of ODYSSEY 21 electric SUVs are kept in perfect condition at each of this year’s five X Prixs, along with maintaining the interior neatness of the championship’s floating wonder, the St. Helena. It will host the series' vehicles, 50 crew members along with its on-board laboratory that also accommodates a variety of scientists. Cleaning stations will be established on a temporary basis at each of the competition's courses in order to keep the cars clean during X Prixs, initialising with the series opener in the deserts of Saudi Arabia in a few weeks’ span. The Kärcher equipment makes sure that no environmental damage takes place, reiterating with Extreme E’s objective to ‘race without a trace’ at each of its distant locations this year that includes Brazil, Patagonia, Greenland, Senegal and Saudi Arabia. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are delighted that Kärcher has come on board as Extreme E’s cleaning supplier. The company shares the same ethos as us in terms of environmental wellbeing and promoting everyday solutions for our planet, and we certainly believe it’s vital for us all to acknowledge that." Christian May, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Sales Officer at Kärcher said: “We are very proud to support Extreme E as Official Cleaning Supplier working together to draw attention to the consequences of climate change." "At its core, Kärcher stands for preserving values. This idea has completely convinced us: Driving all-electric SUVs in mixed teams in places that are highly endangered by climate change in order to draw attention to this problem and similar ones.” she added. After the opening race in Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April, Extreme E will travel to Senegal, Greenland, Brazil and Patagonia. By scheduling races in locations that are facing severe environmental crises, the goal is to raise the audience's knowledge and interest regarding environmental issues. In an attempt to minimize the championship’s carbon footprint, the motorsport event will also feature an exclusive viewing format, as races will take place without spectators and broadcasted as two-hour programs . Based on the brand claim, Kärcher has come up with the motto ‘Be the difference’ as it aims to serve as a benchmark for sustainability within the domestic and professional cleaning market. The global firm is on a quest for its production to be entirely carbon-neutral till the end of 2021, just like Extreme E.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the first of its kind motorsport event is gearing up to make its much-awaited debut in Saudi Arabia next month. The groundbreaking new electric off-road championship, starting from 3 April 2021, has the objective to utilise its sport for purpose platform for two significant aims, one is to increase awareness regarding the climate crisis and the role of clean energy mobility and the other to uproot the current preconceptions surrounding gender divides in motorsport. Extreme E will feature a number of Champion female drivers such as 2019 W Series winner Jamie Chadwick, Sara Price, the Off-Road Truck Champion and X Games Medalist and Molly Taylor the Australian Rally Champion, competing shoulder to shoulder with some of motorsport’s biggest stars. That includes F1 champion Jenson Button and WRC legend Sébastien Loeb – in a ‘Star Wars pod racing meets Dakar Rally’-style format – all being held in some of the world’s most distant locations. The rules of this motorsport world-first says that every team will place one female and one male driver in identical 550-bhp electric SUVs over a two lap race, known as an X Prix, making sure a complete level playing field among all the competitors. Drivers will finish one lap each of the course with a driver changeover, ‘the Switch’, imbibed into the race format, and it will be the team's decision to determine the order in which they send out their drivers to complement their strategy. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO, Extreme E said, “We are striving for equality, and Extreme E’s sporting format is the truest reflection of that goal. Everybody will race together, and only the most effective combination of drivers, team, engineers and car will rise to the top. “I believe that our race format will challenge all of the drivers, male and female, which is what makes this concept so exciting. There is no shortage of women drivers good enough to take the seats!” “My aim is that one day, female participation and achievement throughout motorsport will be at such levels where it simply is not a story – then I will be happy.” he added. Glenda Slingsby, Engagement Officer for International Women’s Day said: “Extreme E is an exciting and progressive example of gender equality progress within motorsport. By choosing to challenge traditional norms, Extreme E sets a new benchmark in including and appealing to a wider cohort. From challenge comes change, and through the vision of Alejandro Agag and the talent of many women like Jamie Chadwick, Extreme E accelerates opportunities for all.” Extreme E’s inaugural race, the Desert X Prix, starts on 3rd and 4th April 2021 in AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Along with being a gender positive sporting format, the series' five-race global voyage also headlines the impact of climate change and human interference in some of the planet's most remote locations along with encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in an effort for a lower carbon future for the world .

According to a press release by Extreme E, the brand new off-road electric racing series unveiled its inaugural trophy on Friday, designed by Mariano Pineyrua, who entered the championship’s trophy design challenge. The trophy design challenge was launched in October 2020 and invited fans to submit their ideas and designs for the series' Season 1 trophy. The challenge saw more than 100 entries from 31 countries from both children and adults. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “I was blown away by the number of people that took the time to design a trophy for Extreme E, particularly as we are yet to go racing. The entrants really understood our brand, which is testament to the hard work of all the team, and there were some truly striking designs that really encapsulated all the elements of the series, from gender equality to environment.” Among the total number of entries, ten were presented to the judging panel. The judging panel consisted of Catie Munnings, Driver for Andretti United, Jayne Connell, Partner at Interstate and Creative Lead of Extreme E, Drew Feustel, astronaut and geophysicist and Dr Lucy Woodall, Marine Biologist and Extreme E Ocean Scientist. They assessed the designs on the criteria of circular economy, creativity, technicality and the most important Extreme E factor; is the design impactful and does it evoke emotion? After a lot of deliberation and discussion, they picked Uruguay's Mariano’s design. The idea is simple yet bold and the trophy itself uses the shape of the Extreme E logo to appear like a sculpture. All of the five X Prix trophies will make use of different material inspired by the environmental crisis the series aim to throw light in that location; stone for the desert and water scarcity, recycled plastic for the ocean, recycled mirror for the arctic, burnt wood for the Amazon rainforest and recycled glass for the thinning ice sheets in glaciers. The final result is a bold trophy complementing Extreme E’s objective of increasing awareness about the environmental crisis using recycled materials. Mariano Pineyrua, Extreme E trophy design challenge winner said: “It feels awesome to win the Extreme E trophy design challenge, particularly as a designer focused on circular economy and design. I really wanted to showcase the values and purpose of Extreme E with an attractive and innovative trophy. I think this category of racing will be a game-changer in motorsport worldwide and I can’t wait to see the winners lift the trophies. Thank you to Extreme E and the judging panel for choosing my design.” Jayne Connell, Partner at Interstate and Creative Lead of Extreme E said: “This has been an exciting project to be part of with a very special result. Bringing together art, creativity, entertainment and science with purpose is no easy task. The entries were so imaginative and tough to judge. Credit to all the participants and huge congratulations to Mariano.” In association with Dutch tech company, 3devo, the trophy will be crafted by utilising consumer plastic waste. 3devo has furnished Extreme E with a full material recycling and processing solution, that makes possible the transformation of plastic waste into filament for 3D printing applications, that also includes the series’ winners trophies. The inaugural trophy will be presented to the X Prix winner on Sunday 4 April in Saudi Arabia.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the series' very first race is just a month away and 10 teams are all set to participate, fielding an iconic line-up of legendary drivers. The event is buckled up for an exciting opening weekend when it all unfolds in AlUla, Saudi Arabia between 3-4 April. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Wow, just one month to go until Extreme E’s race weekend, and what a spectacular place to start our adventure. “The St. Helena ship is on her way to Saudi Arabia, and it all feels very real. This momentous moment is the culmination of years of hard work and planning, and I know AlUla will capture our audience when they get to see this incredible place, such a special setting for our first race.” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: “Saudi Arabia is a country where motorsports is beyond a passion for millions of people. We are a motorsports obsessed nation, with a long and proud history of hosting some of the world’s most famous rallies, and of our own drivers participating internationally. We have been honoured by Extreme E choosing the dramatic natural landscape of AlUla to host its maiden race in April and we can’t wait to offer all of our support to ensure it goes down in history as an unforgettable new chapter for motor-racing. “With the challenges and regulations around COVID-19, it is through the unwavering support of the Crown Prince that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is able to still host iconic sporting events like Extreme E at this time, as we continue as a nation to pursue the ambitions of the Saudi Vision 2030 quality of life programme.” Ten teams have signed up for Season 1 consisting of 3 owned by present and past Formula One World Champions, with Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button founding X44, Rosberg X Racing and JB XE respectively. ABT CUPRA XE, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, Andretti United, Chip Ganassi Racing, Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team, Team TECHEETAH and Veloce Racing will be the other teams that will join them. The Series' driver list has brought together champions from a range of motorsport disciplines consisting single-seaters to rallying, rallycross, Dakar and sportscar racing: Mattias Ekström and Claudia Hürtgen (ABT CUPRA XE); Carlos Sainz and Laia Sanz (ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team); Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings (Andretti United); Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price (Chip Ganassi Racing); Oliver Bennett and Christine Giampaoli (Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team); Jenson Button (JBXE); Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor (Rosberg X Racing); Stéphane Sarrazin and Jamie Chadwick (Veloce Racing); and Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez (X44). Extreme E will not only feature short, thrilling motorsport racing to audiences around the world but will also aim to bring into limelight the climate emergency affecting the whole world. The series will feature electric SUVs competing in some of the most distant parts of the world that have all been adversely affected by climate change. Extreme E’s Scientific Committee Members have been working with the series over the last 2 years to make sure the series has a long-lasting positive effect in every location through Legacy Programmes, which also consists of planting one million mangroves in Senegal and reforesting 100 hectares of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. The Desert X Prix, AlUla, will kick start on Saturday 3 April with the qualification rounds, with the final to be held on Sunday 4 April.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the all-electric off-road racing series, has today announced TV2, Hungary’s top entertainment station as the broadcaster of all five of this season’s X Prixs on its free to air linear channels TV2, SuperTV2, Spiler 1 and Spiler 2. Along with this, the Budapest-based broadcaster will also air Extreme E’s race highlights, review and magazine shows – all in Hungarian. The coverage will also be available on its digital platforms, www.tv2.hu and www.spilerextra.hu. Like many other parts of the world, Hungary has also been suffering from environmental issues, that also includes the need to improve energy efficiency and consider the issues of air, soil and water pollution, both of which could be helped by adopting electric vehicles, which Extreme E hopes to facilitate by highlighting the capabilities of e-mobility through motorsport. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “TV2 is well-known as Hungary’s top entertainment channel so we are delighted that it will be broadcasting Extreme E’s exciting racing concept as well as airing the vital environmental cause behind the series. “Hungarians clearly have concerns about the environment and the need to change behaviour to reduce carbon emissions, which is one of Extreme E’s key messages. Coupled with the championship’s race format and gender equal platform, I am confident TV2’s audiences will fully engage not only with the racing, but also the wider storytelling around electrification and the need for all of us to take care of our planet.” Gabor Fischer, Director of Programming, TV2 Group: “The world of motorsport is changing extremely fast. Extreme E is a brand new series with a clear purpose: to highlight the problems caused by the global climate change. We are very proud that we can broadcast this highly innovative championship in Hungary as the partner of Extreme E." The series will tour five distant locations, bringing into limelight a variety of environmental crises like desertification, rising sea levels, glacier retreat, deforestation and ice melt. Extreme E’s first X Prix will begin in just 33 days in the deserts of Saudi Arabia with some of the biggest names in motorsport having founded teams that include Formula One World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg with teams X44 and Rosberg X Racing respectively. Fellow Formula One star Jenson Button has not only founded a team – JBXE – but will also be behind the wheel. Extreme E’s opening race will be held in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April, followed by Lac Rose, Senegal that will be held on 29-30 May, at Kangerlussuaq in Greenland on 28-29 August, Pará, Brazil during 23-24 October and in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina on 11-12 December.

According to a press release by Extreme E, they have revealed that the story of their inaugural season will be told by an all-star team featuring tv presenter Layla Anna-Lee, the on site presenter for the championship’s magazine show while the commentary line up will be led by Jennie Gow and Andrew Coley from a London based studio. Anna-Lee will host the ‘Electric Odyssey’ the championships 20 episode magazine show and will provide behind the scenes information of the series content pillars of environment, equality, electrification and entertainment. Here’s what she had to say, “This is so hard to put into words, because it truly is such a pivotal moment. Before even stepping foot on location, I already know how much of a positive impact this will have on our cause. To be embarking on this adventure of extreme proportions, to be storytelling an epic tale of speed, power and legacy fills me with an empowering and exciting emotion. “Sport has an unbelievably powerful voice. I’m a sports fan first and foremost, and I’ve seen the impact football can have on lives, nations and deep-set traditions and cultures. Teamwork and healthy competition are inspiring things to watch, and through sport, we can communicate great positive messages of change – I’ve seen it work before. “I’m an imperfect environmentalist – I feel I represent many of us who are inspired by a healthier, more compassionate future, and what better way to push boundaries, set precedents and drive change than a high-speed, high-adrenaline off-road racing series? I’m in!” Anna-Lee has presented Extreme E’s sister series Formula E in the past and is a staunch supporter of women in motorsports. Another advocate for Extreme E’s gender equal approach is Jennie Gow who has previously been a presenter and lead commentator for the FIA World Rallycross Championship since its inception in 2014. She had this to say, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Extreme E team as one of its lead commentators. The mission of the series is something that really appeals to me, having been interested and actively campaigning for better environmental responsibility from a young age. Now, as a mother, raising awareness around environmental issues is more important to me than ever before – we are all stakeholders in the future. “Extreme E will do a fantastic job of taking viewers on a journey of environmental awareness paired with thrilling never-before-seen racing action, and I am so proud to be part of the team. This championship has so many areas which I am really passionate about, and at its core it is a brand new motorsport which promises to excite, entertain and challenge drivers, teams and fans alike. “Addressing the big issues as Extreme E does was key to my decision to move out of my comfort zone with presenting and pit reporting and step into the world of commentary. Diversity and inclusion are so important in the future growth of motorsport. This is a powerful moment in time where men and women will be represented in every team. It seems only right, therefore, that there is a mixed team in the commentary box, too. “It’s a privilege to be asked to take to the mic and I’m delighted to work alongside Andrew Coley, who I have known for some years now. He is an absolute pro, and together we hope to reflect the dynamic nature of the sport and bring the audience along for what is going to be an adrenaline-filled ride” she added. Lastly, commentator Andrew Coley said, “I’m super excited to be joining the Extreme E broadcast team and very much looking forward to the start of what is effectively a brand new form of motorsport. Coming from the background I do on the off-road side of the sport, this ticks so many boxes from a competition point of view, with a mix of rallying, rallycross and rally-raid. It’s going to be fascinating to see how it plays out. “The driver line-up is absolutely stellar from all forms of motorsport, and I’m sure some old rivalries will be renewed and some new ones started! I’m really excited to see the pace of the female drivers; motorsport is unique in allowing men and women to compete against each other on equal terms, and I expect the competition to be fierce from the outset. “While we don’t know everyone’s relative form yet, it is obvious that both team members will need to be super-committed from the outset to gain an advantage and tactics are 100 per cent going to come into play... I can’t wait!” The commentators Jennie Gow and Andrew Coley will be special guest analysts for each race from a remote London studio as a part of Extreme E’s aim to achieve net-zero carbon footprint in Season 1. The identities of the special guest analysts will be revealed in due course. The Desert X Prix is the first race of the inaugural Extreme E season in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on 3/4 April followed by Lac Rose in Senegal on 29/30 May for Ocean X Prix, Kangerlussuaq in Greenland for the Arctic X Prix on 28/29 August and Pará in Brazil for the Amazon X Prix on 23/24 October, before concluding with the Glacier X Prix in Argentina’s Patagonia region on 11/12 December.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the all-electric off-road racing series has confirmed Sky Germany as the broadcaster for the championship’s X Prixs, highlights and magazine shows in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in both German and English. Sky is one of the prominent providers of live sporting events in Germany, especially famous for airing Bundesliga matches live since the past 30 years along with gaining an exclusive deal to broadcast all Formula One races in 2020. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Germany is a key market for us and I’m delighted Sky Germany has joined our 40-strong list of broadcasters. “Not only is Sky Germany home to top quality sports, just like Extreme E, it has a strong environmental focus with Sky’s international sustainability programmes Sky Zero and Sky Ocean Rescue highlighting its carbon neutral and plastic reduction ambitions. We are delighted the channel will air our exciting racing concept, but also our wider storytelling around electrification and the environment.” Extreme E will tour five distant locations that will each headline a different environmental issue including - desertification, rising sea levels, glacier retreat, deforestation and ice melt. The series aims to spread awareness regarding the climate crisis by integrating sport with purpose. Charly Classen, Executive Vice President Sport at Sky Deutschland, said: “Extreme E is a spectacular new racing series and a great addition to our motorsports lineup on Sky Sport F1. Extreme E also strengthens our already rich on-demand motorsport offering. Not least because of our sustainability initiatives Sky Zero and Sky Ocean Rescue, the race series fits very well into our programme." With just 38 days left for Extreme E’s first X Prix at the deserts of Saudi Arabia, ten teams have been confirmed to participate in Season 1 and the championship stipulates that every team must place both a male and female driver in an attempt for gender equality and a level playing field. The 20 drivers, consisting of superstars such as Jenson Button, Carlos Sainz, Sébastien Loeb and Jamie Chadwick will race an all-electric SUV – the ODYSSEY 21. These cars, along with the rest of the event's cargo will travel to each location on the St. Helena as sea transportation is less carbon intensive than air freight. The ship will not only serve as a logistics hub, but will also have a science laboratory on-board, which will host the scientists carrying out research in varied areas of the marine environment during the world voyage.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the new electric off-road series has revealed its innovative ‘Command Centre’, the classic motorsport pit wall unpacked, that will serve a central role in the live race broadcasts, creating drama and atmosphere. The purpose built studio will host key team players who will come together to watch the racing action and make strategic decisions, operating like a futuristic strategy room. The series has associated with live event production specialists, ADI, to make this one of its kind Sports Presentation solution happen inside it's ‘Command Centre' for it's technical production design will help Extreme E achieve the look and feel of a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, in spite of the distant environments it travels to. The solution will feature 2mm indoor LED screens and LED lighting fixtures, set around an arc-shaped desk that will have representatives from five teams during the race including drivers, team principals and engineers, who will have access to team radio, TV feed and telemetry. Westbury Gillett, Director at Aurora Media Worldwide, explained the concept in detail and ensured a fun and interesting audience experience. He said, "there will be multiple remote cameras and microphones capturing the teams reactions, which will be broadcast live to viewers at home.” Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Office at Extreme E, said: “The ‘Command Centre’ is something completely new, and another fantastic innovation from the Extreme E team. It’s a really exciting proposition for race fans who will get to follow all the action and drama through the key players as it unfolds. “It’s great to have ADI’s support in providing this concept as we plan and deliver this pioneering project across the most remote parts of the world. ADI brings unique qualities in technical infrastructure, sports presentation and operational delivery, which will create outstanding production values at the ‘Command Centre’, and our live broadcast of Extreme E” he added. Extreme E’s inaugural race is all set to take place in Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April, in Senegal from 29-30 May, Greenland on 28-29 August, Brazil on 23-24 October and Patagonia during 11-12 December.

According to a press release by Extreme E, its magnificent ship, the St. Helena is all set to sail for the championship’s opening race weekend, which will be held in Saudi Arabia on April 3-4. The event was marked in Liverpool, UK by Extreme E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag who said: “Today I feel extremely proud. The departure of the St. Helena marks the start of her new voyage. Extreme E’s first season is now officially underway." The former Royal Mail Ship that served as a lifeline to St. Helena Island was under Extreme E’s stewardship for more than two years now. The ship underwent a splendid multi-million euro renovations comprising extensive mechanical overhaul along with a full fledged redesigning of the interior. The championship’s cargo from the teams and partners has been loaded onto the St. Helena this week. The items consist of race fleet of electric vehicles (ODYSSEY 21) fitted with Continental tyres, Air Shelta tents that will serve as the team garages, the podium, the start gantry, equipment used for TV and broadcasting, Three 3devo machines to turn plastic waste into trophies for the championship, BRIG Eagle 8 carbon black support boats, zero-emission car charging hydrogen fuel cell created in collaboration with AFC Energy, along with a wide range of Bosch tools. The approach to the refit was to considerably improve, while leaving behind as small an environmental footprint as possible. The ship will use low-energy LED lights, low-water consumption bathroom fittings along with chairs made from recycling plastic bottles from the Mediterranean. After leaving the UK, the St. Helena will travel through the Mediterranean to Saudi Arabia and then head back through the Mediterranean to Senegal, across to Greenland, down to the Amazon and then to the final destination, Tierra del Fuego, Argentine Patagonia.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the pioneering electric off-road racing championship has announced Belgium’s RTBF as the newest inductee to its broadcasting list. The series will join the thrilling roster of motorsport action, including Formula One already available on the RTBF’s linear channel along with its digital platform. The French Community of Belgium public broadcasting organisation is the Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (RTBF). RTBF operates four television channels - La Une, Tipik, La Trois and Arte Belgique - alongside several radio channels, La Première, RTBF International, VivaCité, Musiq'3, Classic 21 and Tipik Radio. Extreme E has already confirmed some of the biggest motor sporting icons including Formula One World Champions Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button. All of them have founded teams like X44, Rosberg Xtreme Racing and JBXE respectively. Besides all the motorsports excitement from live racing action, Extreme E’s magazine shows will highlight the environmental efforts of the championship which will be aired on RTBF. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “We are delighted to have added Belgium to our broadcast reach, and we are confident that Extreme E will fit perfectly within the plethora of exciting sports already aired by RTBF.” Manu Van der Brempt, Motorsport Line Producer at RTBF, said: “RTBF is very involved in the challenges of the future, audiovisual evolution as well as environmental matters. Moreover, most Belgians appreciate creativity and that’s a major part of Extreme E’s proposition: thoughtful innovation - an initiative to commend from my point of view.” Following the inaugural race in Saudi Arabia from 3 - 4 April, the series will proceed to Senegal from 29 - 30 May, Greenland during 28 - 29 August, Brazil from 23 - 24 October and Patagonia from 11 - 12 December. As races will be held without spectators, the series will feature a different viewing format and will be broadcasted as two-hour programs in an effort to minimize the championship’s carbon footprint.

According to a press release by Extreme E, with just 50 days to go for the Extreme E’s first race weekend and with ten teams confirmed, showcasing a legendary line-up of champion drivers, the series is all set for an iconic action packed weekend in Saudi Arabia on 3-4 April. Founder and CEO of Extreme E, Alejandro Agag, said: “Wow, just 50 days to go until our first race weekend. I’m delighted and proud we have got to this point despite everything that has gone on in the last year. Our adventure now truly begins, with the St. Helena departing on her voyage in a matter of days. This is the culmination of a number of years of hard work, and I really can’t wait to see all the cars, drivers and scientists at our first event in Saudi Arabia.” There are ten teams who have been confirmed for Season 1 consisting of three owned by current and former Formula One World Champions, with Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button founding X44, Rosberg Xtreme Racing and JBXE respectively. Along with these teams there will be ABT CUPRA XE, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, Andretti United, Chip Ganassi Racing, Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team, Team TECHEETAH and Veloce Racing. The Extreme E driver list brings together champions from various motorsport formats right from single-seaters to rallying, rallycross, Dakar and sportscar racing: Mattias Ekström and Claudia Hürtgen (ABT CUPRA XE); Carlos Sainz and Laia Sanz (ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team); Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings (Andretti United); Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price (Chip Ganassi Racing); Oliver Bennett and Christine Giampaoli (Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team); Jenson Button (JBXE); Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor (Rosberg Xtreme Racing); Stéphane Sarrazin and Jamie Chadwick (Veloce Racing); and Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez (X44); with three driver spots still up for vacancy. Jamie Chadwick, Driver, Veloce Racing said: “It’s incredibly exciting with just 50 days to go. I’m training hard everyday and getting myself in the best condition possible come race day." Johan Kristoffersson, Driver, Rosberg Xtreme Racing added: “I'm not sure where all the time has gone! But, it is super exciting to be 50 days away from the start of the Extreme E season in Saudi Arabia." Extreme E will not only bring thrilling racing action to the world audience through its 40 plus international broadcasters, but will also fulfil its purpose to throw light at the issue of climate change through motorsport, the series will feature electric SUVs speeding in some of the most remote parts of the world that have all been adversely affected by climate change.

According to a Press release by Extreme E, they have confirmed partnership with Digicel with regards to broadcasting live racing action, plus highlight shows and docu-series, all over the Caribbean. The first race will be held in Saudi Arabia in April and will be broadcasted on Digicel’s channels like Catch 1 and 2, and on Sportsmax 1 and 2. The Content will be broadcasted in three different languages including English, French and Spanish. It will be available in 24 countries throughout the region. Extreme E is a new racing series consisting of electric SUVs competing in extreme environments around the world. The series aims towards creating awareness about the effects of climate change and human interference in some of the most remote parts of the world, featuring the performance of all-electric vehicles in extreme conditions and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in an effort for a lower carbon future for the planet. The five-race world tour will take place in some of the world’s most remote areas which have already been harmed or adversely affected by climate and environmental issues. The Caribbean, consisting predominantly of island states, is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The rising sea levels lead to coastal flooding, hurricanes, longer dry seasons and shorter wet seasons, resulting in adversities to the population and environment. Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, Ali Russell, said: “Extreme E aims to raise awareness of the climate crisis, and it is fantastic that we will air our sport for purpose across the Caribbean, which unfortunately has its own environmental challenges. By shining a spotlight on the environmental crisis through exciting wheel-to-wheel racing, we hope to not only raise awareness, but also highlight changes that can be made to live a less carbon-intensive lifestyle and protect our planet.” Digicel Home and Entertainment Group Chief Executive Officer, Gyorgy Zsembery, said: “We are excited to work with Extreme E as the broadcast partners for the Caribbean on this upcoming series. This innovative concept not only gives our audience access to top quality motorsport by some of the best in the industry, but also highlights the issue of climate change, a real concern for the Caribbean, and presents a model for how things can be done in the future.” Extreme E consists of ten teams starring some of the greatest personalities in motorsport including Formula One World Champions Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button; along with American motorsport legends like Chip Ganassi and Michael Andretti. Each of the teams for the first time in motorsports will have both a male and female driver and they will drive an electric SUV – ODYSSEY 21 – in five locations that have all been affected by climate change. The first race will be held in AlUla, Saudi Arabia from 3–4 April, followed by Dakar, Senegal from 28-29 May, Kangerlussuaq, Greenland from 28-29 August, Para, Brazil from 23-24 October and Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia from 11-12 December.

London: According to a press release by Extreme E, they have announced a broadcast association with Israel’s Charlton TV. The Tel-Aviv based station will broadcast Extreme E’s live races and highlight shows in Hebrew. The broadcast will be available on its pay-to-view Sport 1, Sport 2, Sport 3 and Sport 4 channels along with its digital platform www.sport.co.il. Like many parts of the world, climate change has also affected Israel and is creating a major impact on all areas of life there. Sea levels in the region rise on average by 10mm per year, which will eventually harm all of Israel’s coasts right from Rosh Hanikra to the border of the Gaza Strip. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Extreme E is delighted to be joining Charlton TV’s existing and wide-ranging sporting line up in Israel, a country which unfortunately also faces its own environmental threats. Adar Zahavi, CEO of Charlton TV said: “Charlton TV is delighted and proud to be delivering Extreme E to our sports fans here in Israel. It is hugely important for us to provide exciting content to our discerning audience and by airing on several of our channels in addition to our digital platform, we will not only provide superb entertainment to a huge number of viewers but also convey Extreme E’s underlying and wider message - which is concern for the environment.” Extreme E will not only showcase short, sharp and thrilling races but there will also be broader purpose to the championship pertaining to the environment issues. The series will be held in five locations that have all been badly affected by issues like desertification, deforestation, melting ice caps, plastic pollution, and rising carbon emissions. Extreme E aims to highlight these issues through its sustainable motorsport, which will utilise a variety of methods to reduce its carbon footprint, from racing electric SUVs to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell car charging, but it will go further and aims to be net-carbon zero by the end of its first season. It will motivate consumers to take small steps to reduce their own carbon footprint and help slow down the climate emergency.

According to a press release by Extreme E, their Official Supplier of equipment and training 3devo will be creating trophies from consumer plastic waste. The Netherlands based tech company 3devo will provide Extreme E with full material recycling and processing solutions which will transform plastic waste to filament to 3D print applications including winners trophies. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “This concept from 3devo was founded by a group of young inventive engineers and I’m delighted Extreme E is able to implement this technology. The 3devo mission to assist businesses to be more sustainable is a shared vision of Extreme E, which is why the series is looking for lower carbon intensive ways to run the championship from zero emission vehicles, right through to trophy creation. “It is incredibly satisfying to know that using ocean plastic for our trophies has a positive impact on the environment, and I can’t wait to see our inaugural race winners lift them in Saudi Arabia on the 4 April.” Tim Wesselink, Founder and CEO at 3devo, added: "Our mission has always been to empower innovators within 3D printing through accessible and quality products to create material discoveries. Thankfully, through our solution, these discoveries aren't wasteful. By minimising plastic waste consumption and repurposing the waste created – it takes a whole new turn on innovation. “By Extreme E recognising and acting upon the impact of climate change, we truly believe this partnership will allow us to amplify our message. Showing the world that the plastic waste that is threatening our environment, can also be seen as something useful when repurposed. “We are proud to contribute to Extreme E as an example of closed-loop recycling within 3D printing - from plastic waste to a resource. Extreme E's eagerness to implement technology that is not only sustainable but also offers the opportunity to innovate is extraordinary and admirable. We are beyond thrilled to support Extreme E and ready to overcome the greatest challenges together." Three machines have been provided by 3devo - a filament maker, plastic shredder and polymer dryer which will be used to turn waste plastic into trophies. The entries of Extreme E’s trophy design competition recently concluded with over 100 entries being judged by a panel comprising of Catie Munnings, driver for Andretti United, Jayne Connell, Partner at Interstate and Creative Lead of Extreme E, Drew Feustel, astronaut and geophysicist, and Dr Lucy Woodall, marine biologist and Extreme E Ocean Scientist. The winning design will be announced in the coming weeks.

London: According to a press release by Extreme E, the new electric off-road racing series today announced a collaboration with Chinese sports content app Douyin. The tie up will aim to expand Extreme E's footprint and reach out to masses in China. Douyin, as of August 2020 had over 600 million daily active users along with 700,000 sports content creators. They publish over 1.5 million pieces of content every day covering a wide range of sports. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E said: “Douyin in China has a huge community of sports enthusiasts that Extreme E is delighted to be able to reach with this partnership.” The platform of Douyin increases awareness of the importance of sports and health and will look forward to expanding its content and spreading sports culture among the people of China. Sports Director at Douyin said: "Sports will never lack good stories, nor the touch and energy that stories bring us. Therefore, whether for public or niche events, we hope to help more users feel the charm of sports by providing a better platform and service. We need to use the capabilities of the platform to tell more touching stories. In the meantime, we will create more scenarios and forms to help users participate in and feel the charm of sports.” The first season of Extreme E will commence in April 2021. The teams will travel to 5 formidable locations to throw light at the climate crisis. Extreme E race will also aim to leave a long-lasting positive impact through its Legacy Programmes.

According to a press release by Extreme E, the electric off road racing series has now partnered with SNTV, world's biggest sports news video provider. The partnership will aim to share it's innovative sporting products with audiences from around the world. SNTV has worked with federations, sports organizations and brands to provide sports video news and highlights to broadcasters and digital publishers worldwide in the last 24 years. It will now bring it's production expertise and distribution network to Extreme E. Ali Russell the Chief Marketing Officer of Extreme E said "SNTV is a partner that will help give Extreme E global reach and exposure through its connections and expertise. Not only will they support sharing the racing action, they will use hybrid storytelling to share a wide variety of content the series has to offer." SNTV also has ties with several sporting properties in the world including NBA, Bundesliga and Formula One. Extreme E will start racing in April 2021. Ten entries, including Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti United (USA), Veloce Racing, JBXE by Jenson Button, X44 by Lewis Hamilton (UK), ABT CUPRA XE, Rosberg Xtreme Racing (Germany), Team TECHEETAH (Indonesia), Hispano Suiza Xite Energy Team and ACCIONA | Sainz XE (Spain) have been confirmed. Each team will race the ODYSSEY 21, the electric SUV crafted to take on five formidable environments - the arctic, the glacier, rainforest, desert and the coast. It will aim to throw light on the issues of the climate crisis and leave a lasting positive impact through its legacy programmes.