23-06-08 One Month to Go until
Extreme E returns to Sardinia
In just four weeks, Extreme E will head to Sardinia for the next double-header
event of the 2023 season. The Island X Prix (8-9 July), co-organised and coordinated
by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna, will mark the championships
return to the Italian island for a third successive year.
The electric off-road racing series will be returning to the familiar setting
of the Italian Army Training area at Capo Teulada in Sulcis-Iglesiente. The
Teulada route provides a challenging backdrop for the course, with some changes
to this years configuration netting out at a track distance of around
three kilometres.
Due to the hot summer conditions in July, the drivers will navigate a tougher,
more compact surface compared to the Season 3 race locations so far. Riddled
with rocks, bushes, and dry riverbeds cracked from the heat, the Sardinia
course promises exciting wheel-to-wheel action across the two days of racing.
The series was created to raise awareness about the effects of climate change
and sustainable solutions in the most remote corners of the planet. However,
Sardinia has shown that the problem does not only concern places located at
the most extreme latitudes.<
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: It is great to be
returning to Sardinia for Rounds 5 and 6 of Season 3.
Sardinia has proved to be a popular venue with drivers and teams in
the past and has provided fantastic racing in our previous two events there.
We are expecting more of the same in July, and with such a competitive grid
in 2023 as the championship hots up, we look forward to a really special event.
Our Legacy initiatives remain ongoing, while we hope to announce some
new projects prior to this Island X Prix, and we are excited to see how they
have developed alongside our supporting partners.
Extreme E has been working closely with Automobile Club dItalia
the national sports federation co-organising and coordinating the event -
the Region of Sardinia, and its Tourism Department plus the Ministry of Defense
and the Italian Army, to deliver what promises to be a thrilling weekend of
racing action.
Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of the Automobile Club d'Italia, said: "We
are very pleased that this now-traditional appointment with Extreme E continues
at Capo Teulada, where Extreme E is practised using technically sophisticated
cars powered by electric innovation in a beautiful mix of extraordinary and
wild nature.
Motorsport is always a test bench for manufacturers, it subjects cars
and innovations to very demanding tests that will later be used in series
productions, and it is important that in Sardinia, there is this combination
of sport, nature and technological innovation, especially when it comes to
zero-emission engines.
A particular pride comes from having created, together with the Automobile
Club d'Italia, Aci Sassari and its president Giulio Pes di San Vittorio, the
conditions for Extreme E to bring one of the five stages of the series to
Sardinia, thanks to the support of the Regional Council, the President Christian
Solinas and the Regional Assessor for Tourism, Gianni Chessa. My thanks also
go to the Esercito Italiano (Italian Army), which has always shown great vision
and made the Capo Teulada Training Area available, with a good understanding
of the environmental and technological development reasons for this. I am
particularly grateful for this response."
It is becoming more prevalent that Sardinia and many other environments are
increasingly susceptible to rising temperatures, heatwaves, and wildfires.
Continuing to work alongside the MEDSEA (Mediterranean Sea and Coast) Foundation,
the series will build upon its existing Legacy projects in the region. Further
detail around how Extreme E will highlight climate change issues and support
the local community are to be revealed soon.
Nico Rosbergs Rosberg X Racing (RXR) are the most successful team when
it comes to the Island X Prix, with two victories from three races on the
Italian island since the series launched in 2021.
Sardinia has also proven to be a special event for No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip
Ganassi Racing, with the American outfit picking up their maiden championship
win there last year.
Veloce Racing currently leads the Extreme E Season 3 standings after two victories
in 2023., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team are a close second with 69 points
11 off the lead while Season 1 Champions RXR sit third. Last years
winners, Lewis Hamiltons X44 Vida Carbon Racing, are fourth in the standings.
With three different winners across just four rounds, the double-header format
means more points up for grabs and more opportunities awaiting the 10 world-class
teams in Rounds 5 and 6 of Season 3 in Sardinia. The countdown is on!
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-06-05 Mark Grain appointed
as Extreme E Technical Director
Extreme E, the ground-breaking electric off-road racing championship, is pleased
to announce the appointment of Mark Grain in the newly-created role of Technical
Director.
With his extensive experience in the motorsport industry, including almost
three decades across multiple racing disciplines at McLaren, Grain brings
a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the series.
Grain has enjoyed an impressive motorsport journey with plenty of winning
pedigree, particularly at McLaren, with notable successes including a Formula
One title, victory at the Le Mans 24 hours and IndyCar race wins where
he held numerous technical and operational roles. Most recently as Sporting
Director, Grain oversaw the creation of the NEOM McLaren Extreme E team and
led the team in its first season of racing in 2022.
Moreover, Grains arrival coincides with the upcoming launch of Extreme
H as plans for the worlds first hydrogen motorsport championship gather
pace.
Grain's appointment as Technical Director further reinforces Extreme E's commitment
to pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance, and demonstrates
the series ambitious plans for future development.
Utilising his extensive experience in both Formula One and endurance racing,
Mark will play a pivotal role in shaping the technical direction of the championship
and ensuring the teams' compliance with regulations.
Known for its pioneering spirit, Extreme E has revolutionised the motorsport
world by bringing exciting electric racing action to some of the most challenging
and remote corners of the planet. By racing in environmentally sensitive areas,
the series aims to raise awareness about climate change while promoting the
adoption of clean energy solutions.
Reflecting on his new role as Technical Director at Extreme E, Mark said:
Having experienced Extreme E first hand as a competitor and loved every
minute, when the chance came to join the Championship, I jumped at it.
Extreme E continues to evolve and break new ground in motorsport, having
already established many 'firsts which make its appeal so unique. The
opportunity to play a part in its future is incredibly exciting, especially
with the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell racing.
We don't want to sit back; we want to continue to push and evolve. Extreme
E already has a track record of challenging common assumptions and ways of
going racing, and I share the strong ambition to maintain that momentum.
Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme E, added: "We are thrilled to welcome
Mark to Extreme E as our new Technical Director. His relentless pursuit of
excellence has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry and this, combined
with his unrivalled expertise and passion for sustainable motorsport, make
him the ideal candidate for this new role.
We believe his expertise will be invaluable in shaping the technical
future of Extreme E and driving innovation within the championship, while
there will also be significant focus on preparations to launch Extreme H,
a world-first hydrogen motorsport series.
James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E, said: We look
forward to Mark bringing his expertise and experience into this new role.
The fact that Mark has run McLarens Extreme E team is a major benefit
for us, as he appreciates both the technical and sporting demands of a team
and the Championship. Extreme E has always pushed the boundaries since its
inception, and Marks appointment as Technical Director only further
reinforces that.
Although already into our third season, there is a lot more potential
to be unearthed in our series and so Marks arrival into the Extreme
E team is an important one. Mark will work closely with our experts from Spark
Racing Technology and our fuel cell partner to ensure that the Extreme H car
and associated technology provides our teams with the best possible car to
race.
Grain will take up his new role as Extreme E Technical Director immediately,
with his first championship event, the Island X Prix in Sardinia, set to take
place on 8-9 July.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-25 Five new candidates
join Extreme E through Racing for All initiative
Half of the Extreme E grid now has a Racing for All candidate as
part of its operations in the series, emphasising the growing importance of
the initiative in the championship. We caught up with Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme Es Lanna Campbell on her experiences working at home event,
as well as how the programme is developing in 2023.
Following the launch of the initiative in 2022, half of the Extreme E grid
now has a Racing for All candidate as part of their racing team.
Informed by the findings of The Hamilton Commission, Racing for All is creating
opportunities for a new generation of mechanical and engineering talent to
join the worlds most radical off-road electric racing series. The programme
aims to reduce barriers and attract those who might not otherwise be able
to have this opportunity, and encourage particularly those who are female,
minority ethnic, or from a lower socio-economic background to apply.
The Racing for All recruits, Lanna Campbell (Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E),
Amanda Kangai (Veloce Racing), Daanish Chilwan (No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi
Racing), Calvin Langat (X44 Vida Carbon Racing) and Aisling Power (NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Team) got to experience the inner workings of an Extreme E outfit
at the Hydro X Prix, with tasks ranging from recording data from runs out
on course, to car and bodywork repairs.
For Lanna Campbell, who lives on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, working at
her home event was a particular highlight.
As part of the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E squad, Lanna initially shadowed
all aspects of the race team. After a day of shadowing, Lanna was able to
help out with car and bodywork repairs as well as supporting the mechanics
as and when needed for various duties across the race weekend.
Lanna said: It was an amazing opportunity to work with Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme E. My old schoolteacher found out about Racing for All online and
sent it to me, and I knew I had to take the opportunity.
Ive been shadowing all the team members to watch and understand
their jobs, and I also got the opportunity to get stuck in and help the mechanics
with some car repairs and do some car vinyl. Ive really been loving
it Im having the time of my life! The experience has really made
me want to work in motorsports now.
The only thing that shocked me is how busy and fast-paced it can get
between the track action. Obviously, when you watch motorsport, the TV doesnt
show you that side. But even understanding that has been great. Every day
is a learning day as they say!
Moreover, EqualEngineers were at the Glenmuckloch venue to deliver engagement
sessions supporting the series Racing for All candidates, improving
their practical and communications skills.
Extreme E has also worked closely with EqualEngineers throughout the development
of this initiative, whose Pathways Programme is supporting engineering students
from diverse backgrounds to secure graduate employment in engineering.
Whats more, EqualEngineers has launched an Edinburgh & South East
Scotland Pathways Programme, with the objective to reduce the inequalities
within the region and mentoring the engineers of the future.
Mark McBride-Wright, Founder and CEO, said: We had a brilliant time
attending our first Extreme E event, in my sunny homeland of Scotland! I thoroughly
enjoyed meeting the teams around the paddock and seeing all the engineering
which goes into the race.
We ran a brilliant professional skills and media training session with
the Racing For All candidates, and I plan to keep connected for seeing what
opportunities we can support through EqualEngineers longer term.
Stay tuned for more insights from Extreme Es Racing for All candidates
and the invaluable experience they have received as a result of the initiative
and working across the championship.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-24 Podium wait is over
for NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team in 2023
After a promising debut campaign in Extreme E, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team
had been searching for a strong result to kickstart their Season 3 ambitions.
A podium in Round 4 at the Hydro X Prix was certainly a shot in the arm for
Tanner Foust and Emma Gilmour, as the team look to climb the Extreme E leaderboard
in 2023.
After an introduction to the Glenmuckloch course in Free Practice, there was
drama right from the off in Qualifying in Round 3 for NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Team.
The cancellation of Qualifying 1 meant the pressure was on for all 10 teams
in Qualifying 2. The red flag was immediately brought out in Q2 Heat 2 with
Foust narrowly avoiding a collision between ABT Cupra XE and Carl Cox Motorsport
ahead. The American, who made contact with Veloce Racings Molly Taylor
amidst the frenetic start, lined up for the three-car restart and set off
third in hot pursuit of Carl Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider ahead.
Foust set up teammate Gilmour as best as he could, as the other drivers took
over for the final two laps of the Heat. However, in their push to make up
time, the team received a five-second penalty for being too far out of their
bay in the Switch Zone.
Despite a valiant drive from Gilmour, which saw her pass Christine GZ on the
uphill Continental Traction Challenge sector, the New Zealander was unable
to build enough of a lead to retain second after the penalty was applied,
which meant third in the Heat and a place in the Redemption Race.
Third, and eighth overall, was the best NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team could
do as attentions turned to Round 4 and the second part of the Hydro X Prix.
Reflecting on the first race in Scotland, Foust said: "It was a difficult
day for us, we had pace in the car and the resources from the team were working.
Ultimately, a clot of mud clogging the windscreen wiper ended up making our
Qualifying very challenging. Emma did a great job of seeing through the mud
and making a pass. Unfortunately, we got a Switch Zone infringement, which
put us in the Redemption Race and we finished eighth overall.
It was a case of what might have been for the team, as Emma Gilmour concluded:
It was a disappointing end to our first race here in Scotland. We shouldve
been in the Grand Final. However, I enjoyed the race, it was fun and challenging,
with the dusty conditions. We also had a wiper issue in our qualifying session
which made our race difficult.
The tables were turned in Round 4, as a change in the weather also yielded
a change in fortune for NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team.
Qualifying 1 Heat 2 saw the team secure bank valuable points ahead of the
session, with Foust making an assertive pass on Veloce Racings Kevin
Hansen to take second behind ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.
In another disrupted Qualifying 2 due to incidents, which also saw Gilmour
slide off into the hay bales and spinning as she tried to maintain position,
the restart after the red flag saw the New Zealander dart into the lead.
The positions were maintained into the Switch Zone, with No.99 GMC Hummer
EV Chip Ganassi Racing in hot pursuit. Despite crossing the line in first,
a 30-second penalty for speeding in the Slow Zone on Gilmours lap put
the team down to second, and into their first Grand Final of the campaign.
Buoyed by their strong Qualifying, the teams upward momentum continued
into the Grand Final. After exiting the first turn in second behind Veloce
Racing, Foust shadowed the leader Hansen throughout his two-lap run
all the more remarkable given the visibility levels from his ODYSSEY 21 as
the weather deteriorated.
Gilmour kept up the fight for victory in her two-lap stint as she pressured
Taylor in front, but NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team were made to settle for second
place, securing a crucial podium on home soil and valuable points for their
Season 3 challenge.
Gilmour said: It was fantastic to bounce back from the disappointment
of yesterday and get our first podium of the year! We had two strong qualifying
heats, which meant we got into the Grand Final.
Buoyed by their strong Qualifying, the teams upward momentum continued
into the Grand Final. After exiting the first turn in second behind Veloce
Racing, Foust shadowed the leader Hansen throughout his two-lap run
all the more remarkable given the visibility levels from his ODYSSEY 21 as
the weather deteriorated.
Gilmour kept up the fight for victory in her two-lap stint as she pressured
Taylor in front, but NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team were made to settle for second
place, securing a crucial podium on home soil and valuable points for their
Season 3 challenge.
Gilmour said: It was fantastic to bounce back from the disappointment
of yesterday and get our first podium of the year! We had two strong qualifying
heats, which meant we got into the Grand Final. Conditions were really tricky
which made it a big challenge as you didnt want to make a mistake. We
performed really strongly and Im so happy to come away with a podium
finish.
Looking back on a weekend which ended with their best result of the season,
Foust concluded: A podium at Round 4 is exactly what we needed at the
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. The first two rounds of the year were a bit difficult,
and the course in Scotland was one of the most challenging the series has
ever had. After Round 4, to walk away with some silverware and good results
and points is a great result for the team.
The team put in a huge amount of work and it was an insane course. Emma
[Gilmour] did a great job and carried good speed I managed to make
a pass in the Grand Final and with Emma holding that position, we came home
in second place. It was an awesome result for the team.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team will be keen to back their podium finish in Scotland
up when the series heads to the searing heat of Sardinia for Rounds 5 and
6 of Season 3 in July.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-23 How Veloce Racing
extended their championship lead
After showing strong initial pace in Free Practice, Veloce Racing had a difficult
opening round at the Hydro X Prix and lost their top spot in the Extreme E
standings. However, the British squad came back strong come the second race
in Scotland taking a home victory, their second of the Season 3, to reclaim
their place at the head of the pack with an 11-point gap.
Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor were quickest out of the blocks in Free Practice,
confirming their Extreme E Season 3 pace after a phenomenal opening round
in NEOM.
However, a combination of bad luck and mechanical issues ensured the team
would only manage to make the Redemption Race.
Following the cancellation of Saturdays Qualifying 1 due to as the medical
helicopter was unable to fly due to adverse weather, the stakes were even
higher in Qualifying 2 to reach the Grand Final. Although Veloce Racings
Taylor got a good start, the Aussie ace made contact with NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Teams Tanner Foust while trying to avoid a collision between ABT CUPRA
XE and Carl Cox Motorsport ahead, and the resultant damage forced the team
into retirement.
Veloce Racing managed to bank crucial points in the Redemption Race, finishing
second behind ACCIONA | SAINZ XE TEAM and thus seventh overall, but in doing
so surrendered the championship lead to the Spanish outfit as attentions turned
to Round 4.
Reflect on Round 3, Molly Taylor said: It felt like a case of what might
have been for us. Its always frustrating when you are quick in Practice
and you know that you have a fast package. We knew with our starting draw
and only one qualifying session, it was going to be a challenge. Everyone
in the team did a great job and we bounced back well in the Redemption Race.
Kevin Hansens view of Round 3 was fairly similar, adding: The
incident in Qualifying 2 is just one of those things in racing, but it obviously
impacted our day. We regrouped and went well in the Redemption Race. There
was a small chance for the lead, but Molly did great and bringing the car
home in second is positive points.
At first, the second race at the Hydro X Prix appeared to be following a similar
pattern.
Despite a strong start from Hansen in Qualifying 1 Heat 2 with the Swede settling
into second, a bent driveshaft meant he was powerless to hold off NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Teams Foust, while in her run Taylor nursed the car home to
finish third.
That left the team with plenty to do in Qualifying 2, but a dominant display
from the British outfit, after avoiding a first-corner crash between RXR,
X44 and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, saw Taylor and Hansen take the Heat 2 victory
and secure a Grand Final spot.
It was evident that the teams confidence had returned, and a flying
start from Hansen in the Grand Final put the team into the lead at the first
turn. It was a lead that they would not lose as the Swede, and then team-mate
Taylor, held off NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team for their second win of the season.
Not only that, but having left NEOM heading the standings albeit tied level
with ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, Veloce Racing departed Scotland with an 11-point
cushion ahead of the Spanish outfit.
Reflecting on a topsy-turvy Hydro X Prix that ended with victory, Hansen said:
"The start was pretty perfect, and we were able to execute a fantastic
race. I tried to keep the gap before handing over to Molly [Taylor], and she
did an amazing job to bring the car home in P1.
The team has done such an incredible job. We knew we were fast after
practice on Friday, but things didnt quite go our way in the first race.
It's great to get the victory in front of our amazing partners at our team's
home race."
Taylor summed up the weekend: What a feeling! We have experienced the
highs and lows of an Extreme E weekend, but you really get to see the strength
of a team when they respond to the challenges that we faced yesterday.
There is such a good feeling in this team and Kevin drove brilliantly
too, so I couldnt be happier. Its great to be leading the standings
but theres a long way to go and now we will focus on Sardinia.
Attentions now turn to Rounds 5 and 6 in Sardinia in July, where Veloce Racing
will look to maintain their position at the head of the Extreme E standings.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-22 How Extreme E delivered
off track in Scotland
The Hydro X Prix in Dumfries and Galloway marked a number of successes on
course at the former opencast coal mine at Glenmuckloch. There were also multiple
initiatives taking place off-track as Extreme E made its return to the UK.
Heres a recap of everything which caught the eye away from the racing
action in Scotland.
Legacy Programme
Extreme Es environmental Legacy Programme in Scotland was a multi-stage
project centred around the restoration of the River Nith to ensure the preservation
of Atlantic salmon.
On Thursday 11 May, just ahead of Extreme Es second double-header of
the season, Extreme E drivers and personnel lent a hand to start the planting
process and learn how the sensors can affect positive change.
Partnering with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, the aim is to reverse
the impact of climate change through community engagement, education, and
the application of science. This includes sensors provided by Vodafone Business,
the series Official Technology Partner, which will monitor temperatures,
acidity levels and pollution levels in the water, as well as planting over
a thousand native trees to protect the eroding banks of the river.
Tanner Foust, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, said: I love doing the legacy
projects. It means were able to futureproof motorsport and show that
it can be done in a responsible way.
As a biology major in college, I find it particularly fascinating to
learn about each individual region. I went to elementary school not far from
here, about three hours further north, and I never would have known that there
was an issue with salmon and with the warming of the rivers in Scotland. That
goes to show how important the work were doing to highlight these problems
is.
FIA Girls on Track
Extreme E, Motorsport UK and FIA initiative Girls on Track joined forces on
10-11 May ahead of the Hydro X Prix race weekend, to introduce 80 lucky schoolgirls
to life behind the scenes of the championship as well as show them
the many future career opportunities available to them in the world of motorsport.
The girls all aged between 10 and 12 years old from local schools in
the Dumfries and Galloway area, including Sanquhar Primary School, Kelloholm,
Dairy Primary and Wallace Academy took part in an eye-opening menu
of activities including a STEM coding challenge courtesy of E-novation Consulting,
as well as a lesson in vital resuscitation skills by professional motorsport
Doctor Clare Morden.
Extreme Es female drivers and team personnel also spent time with the
students to share their experiences of how they became involved in motorsport
and what its really like to work and race in this pioneering championship.
In addition, the schoolgirls were able to witness F1 Academy driver and FIA
Girls on Track ambassador Chloe Grants first-ever drive of an Extreme
E ODYSSEY 21. 17-year-old Grant, who is more used to racing single-seaters
on tarmac, put the colossal 500bhp electric race car for a spin around the
Hydro X Prix course fully immersing herself in the Extreme E experience
at her home event, alongside fellow Scottish sporting star Sir Chris Hoy.
Upon getting behind the wheel of an ODYSSEY 21 for the first time, Grant said:
Driving the ODYSSEY 21 today was incredible. It was absolutely brilliant
and a very different experience for me off-roading Im
used to tarmac, so it was amazing.
I was nervous about the jump section, but after I did it I wanted to
do it five more times! It means a lot to me to be an ambassador for FIA Girls
on Track and Im hoping that I can help more girls into the sport and
show them what they can achieve.
To finish off an already unforgettable day, the awestruck girls were also
given a front row seat to view Extreme Es Free Practice session before
they headed back to school later in the afternoon.
School visits
In addition to schoolgirls visiting the Hydro X Prix site itself, several
of the drivers visited local schools on Wednesday to introduce themselves
and talk to the students about Extreme E. Swedish siblings Kevin (Veloce Racing)
and Timmy Hansen (Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E) alongside Extreme E Championship
Driver Tamara Molinaro visited Wallace Hall Academy a senior school
situated in Thornhill.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust (who spent many of his early
years growing up in Scotland) and Emma Gilmour dropped in at Wallace Hall
Primary, ABT Cupra XEs Klara Anderrson and X44 Vida Carbon Racings
Fraser McConnell went to Kelloholm Primary, with Amanda Sorensen (No.99 GMC
Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing) and Andreas Bakkerud (JBXE) visiting Sanquhar
Academy.
Tipping Point
The Tipping Point series once again used its platform to deliver engaging
talks on a number of climate issues, provoking discussion around environmental
issues and sustainable alternatives.
The discussion ahead of Round 3 on Saturday was titled Climate Prediction
for Rivers and the Impact of Global Warming, centring on how, as an
Official Partner to the championship, Vodafone Business technological
innovations can support Extreme E to be a safer sport, including the implementation
of hydrosensors in Scotland.
There were two Tipping Point talks held ahead of Round 4 on Sunday.
The first was named The Sustainability Trajectory: Requirements versus
Progress, focussing on the importance of sustainability and what it
meant to each of panellists ranging from Official Partners to members
of Extreme Es Scientific Committee.
The second centred on the subject of equality within Extreme E, reinforcing
the importance of the Racing for All initiative as well as support from the
EqualEngineers Pathways Programme.
Julia Wall-Clarke, Head of Communications and Impact at Extreme E, said: It
was great to use the Tipping Point platform to highlight excellent opportunities
the Racing for All programme provides to underrepresented backgrounds looking
to get a foothold in a career in motorsport engineering.
Seeing so many Racing for All candidates now in the Extreme E paddock
is huge for our series. It was a pleasure in particular to meet Daanish
No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racings candidate and member of EqualEngineers
Pathways Programme who spoke passionately about the amazing hands-on
experience he was having with the team during their Scotland race week, and
how it's going to benefit his studies on EV engineering.
The ambition for Racing for All is to instil an inclusive mindset and
ensure a wider recruitment pipeline. Having five candidates already involved
in the series is just the beginning.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-20 Attentions turn to
Sardinia for RXR
Despite two top-five finishes at the Hydro X Prix, Rosberg X Racing (RXR)
lost ground on the leaders at the head of the standings. With the next round
in Sardinia being a happy hunting ground for Nico Rosbergs outfit, Johan
Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky reflect on Rounds 3 and
4 and a challenging weekend in Scotland, despite picking up crucial points.
RXR made a fast-start to proceedings at the Hydro X Prix once they finally
got underway.
After Saturdays Qualifying 1 was cancelled, RXR demonstrated their mettle
under pressure in Qualifying 1 Heat 2. In a restarted race due to a red flag,
following a crash for ABT CUPRA XEs Klara Andersson, Åhlin-Kottulinskys
clean getaway gave the team a comfortable buffer to the chasing pack before
Kristoffersson sealed victory in his run by more than 20 seconds.
The Grand Final, though, did not prove to be as fruitful for the Season 1
champions.
It was X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser McConnell who snatched the lead
at the start, with RXRs Kristoffersson close behind in third as the
Swede tailed fellow countryman Timmy Hansen in the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme
E ODYSSEY 21. As Hansen grabbed the lead from McConnell, Kristoffersson seized
the initiative to take second.
RXRs Grand Final was to be short-lived, however, as his ODYSSEY 21 connected
with the rocky bank of the course, resulting in a roll and ultimately retirement
from Round 3.
On the opening round in Scotland, Kristoffersson said: Unfortunately,
that was not a Grand Final we wanted. We had a good start, but from there
on, it was extremely difficult. I couldnt see anything and unfortunately
hit one of the banks and flipped the car.
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky added: The most important thing is that
Johan was okay. Motor racing has its highs and lows, and we experienced both
in Round 3.
Round 4 marked an opportunity for RXR to get back on track in Scotland.
Kristoffersson was beaten off the start line by RJ Anderson for No. 99 GMC
Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing and as the action settled after the initial
jockeying for positions, RXR were down to third.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky managed to jump up the order to second following an
issue for X44 Vida Carbon Racing in the Switch Zone to secure crucial points.
Those points would prove to be vital, as contact at the start of Qualifying
2 Heat 2 between RXR, ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team and X44 resulted in retirement
for Nico Rosbergs outfit. They would be classified fourth, however,
following a penalty after the race issued to the Spanish outfit for causing
the collision, which secured them another Grand Final spot.
As conditions worsened, RXR would have to settle for back-to-back fifth places
at the Hydro X Prix.
After falling behind the leaders at the start, RXR would once again engage
in wheel-to-wheel contact with ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team as they battled for
position.
The damage following the contact between Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Laia
Sanz ensured both teams were ruled out of contention once more leaving
RXR with a feeling of what could have been from Rounds 3 and 4 in Scotland.
Kristoffersson was in reflective mood after the event: It was a tough
weekend for us. We had to start the Grand Final in a very tricky grid position,
and then due to the rain and my wipers not working, visibility was extremely
limited. It was not a great weekend, but we still managed to make it to the
final on both days and have points on the board, which is important for us.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky added: I think we showed good speed, but it
was tough circumstances. The guys and girls worked hard to get the car ready
for the final, and Johan did the best he could without the wipers. We got
them working again at the Switch, but unfortunately, they stopped working
on my turn, too and then I experienced a hard hit from the car in front, which
is where the race ended for us.
It is definitely not where we want to be, but sometimes you have weekends
like this. We just need to bounce back in Sardinia and do our best there.
Having taken two victories from the searing heat of Sardinia so far in Extreme
E, RXR will look to close the gap at the front when the series returns for
Rounds 5 and 6 of Season 3 in July.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-18 XE Explains: storms
and flooding in Italy
Parts of Italy are currently experiencing the most extreme weather
conditions in recent memory, with heavy rains causing flooding in Italy's
northern Emilia-Romagna region. As a result, the mayor of Ravenna says his
city is now unrecognisable, while the Emilia-Romagna F1 Grand
Prix which was due to take place this weekend has since been cancelled.
With conditions in the region set to continue, we caught up with Peter Wadhams,
Emeritus Professor of Ocean Physics at the University of Cambridge, and Richard
Washington, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Oxford, from
Extreme Es Scientific Committee to understand more about the extreme
weather and its cause.
Extreme E: Can you explain what's currently happening in Italy?
Professor Peter Wadhams: Italy has been afflicted by an unusually intense
burst of rain which has caused widespread flooding, with further rain on the
way. One of the effects of the storm has been the cancellation of the Emilia-RomagnaGrand
Prix at Imola, but of course there is far more to it than that. Nine people
have been killed so far, as 21 rivers have burst their banks and sent masses
of water over surrounding land.
Extreme E: What is the cause of the flooding and such extreme weather?
Professor Peter Wadhams: One cause has been the drought which has affected
northern Italy since January 2022. Rainfall has been at less than a quarter
of the normal level, and this caused rivers to dry up and thus the soil in
the riverbed to become dry and cracked. The river Po, Italys greatest
river, which flows close to where I reside, dried up almost completely. Then
the rains came.
May was a time of almost continuous rain, and the dried riverbeds absorbed
vast quantities of water, which plugged the base of the rivers such that further
rain led to a rapid growth of water level.
The centre of the storm was in the northern Adriatic and the coastline of
Emilia Romagna (near Ravenna) where more than 50cm of rain fell in a few hours
and 14,000 people have been evacuated. Water level rose by more than a metre
in Faenza and Cesena, and the centre of Bologna was flooded. Motorways and
railways have been blocked, too.
Extreme E: Due to the climate crisis, is extreme weather such as this likely
to appear more frequently?
Professor Peter Wadhams: Events of this nature are becoming increasingly common.
They are known as extreme weather events, but because they are
so frequent we ought to be changing the name by now to extreme climate
events. They are related to the breakup of the Jet Stream; this is a
strong westerly wind system which separates cold polar air from warmer tropical
air, but as these two types of air are now very similar, there is less difference
than in the past between the speed of the two flows, so the steady wind streams
tend to break up into chaotic motions which allow extremes to happen.
Professor Richard Washington: In spring, the temperature difference between
the Sahara and Europe is extreme. The temperatures over the Sahara are stinking
hot while snow still lies on the Alps just a short distance to the north.
This temperature difference drives the jet stream, with winds of around 200
kmh over northern Italy during the floods. The jet is unstable and goes through
periods of weeks when it loops around a lot instead of being a straight, non-loopy
west to east wind. In the case of the floods over Italy it was very, very
loopy.
The jet creates weather systems and those from a loopy jet are able to hang
around in the same place for a lot longer than in the case of a less loopy
jet. The rain produced from the weather system made by the loopy jet falls
on the same patch of ground. Half the years total rain can fall in a few days
and this happened for some places in Italy. The jet stream in the northern
hemisphere is becoming much more loopy with climate change, likely because
of changing coverage of ice.
Extreme E: Should it be even more alarming that such a climate emergency is
happening in a mainland European nation?
Professor Peter Wadhams: We certainly should be, however there is little more
we can do about that. Nature takes no notice of the level of economic development
and can send these anomalies at any time.
Extreme E: What measures can be put in place to address the risk of these
occurrences taking place?
Professor Peter Wadhams: The best we can do is strengthen flood defences so
that they can withstand more serious weather impacts than at present. And
as weather forecasting advances, we can hope to obtain a few hours more notice
of an extreme event arrival. These extreme events are a new phenomenon
the first one occurred in 2005- and the frequency is increasing. We need greater
knowledge of what is bearing down on us.
Extreme E Season 3 heads to Sardinia on 8-9 July, co-organised by the Automobile
Club dItalia and Regione Sardegna, where Extreme Es Scientific
Committee will be using the racing to talk about climate issues and solutions
facing the islands, from wildfires to droughts, and its effects on biodiversity
on land and in the surrounding coastlines.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-15 Veloce Racing take
the win in Round 4 at the Hydro X Prix
Veloce Racing took the win in Round 4, marking a second victory of the season
and a return to the top of the standings on home soil at the Hydro X Prix.
Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor led from start to finish, fending off attacks
from the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, who secured their second-ever podium
in Extreme E at also the teams home event.
Coming in third were No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, with a maiden
podium for RJ Anderson and Amanda Sorensen having been in every Grand Final
so far this season.
DNFs for both the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in the
Grand Final see Veloce Racing pull away at the top of the championship standings
by 11 points.
Winners of the Redemption Race were JBXE, having seen off Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme E and ABT CUPRA XE, the only other contenders on course after two
DNFs.
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: We had a tough weekend, much tougher
than Saudi Arabia. We didnt really have anything on our side yesterday,
so to finally get into the Grand Final and have all our support on GridPlay
really helped.
It was nice after Friday, with our double P1s in Free Practice, to come
back and actually get on top! It was a huge effort from the team to pull through
in such difficult conditions. They gave me full reign for an hour before the
Final and quick decisions on set-up and everything. It was really cool to
pull it off."
Grand Final
For the first time in Extreme Es history there was rain falling during
a Final, and it was hard to ignore as the cars battled the elements out on-course.
Veloce Racings Hansen secured the lead out of the first corner, something
that proved crucial as visibility worsened in the increasingly challenging
conditions.
Mattias Ekström and Tanner Foust kept the Swede close, as RXRs
Johan Kristoffersson pulled up alongside the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and NEOM
McLaren Extreme E Team cars in the slow zone by the cliff face implemented
off the back of earlier accidents in the sector.
As the ODYSSEY 21s progressed towards the ascent out of the quarry, Foust
slotted into third for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team behind Ekström
and ahead of Kristoffersson.
With clear air ahead Hansen began to extend his lead for Veloce Racing, while
behind Foust pulled off what felt impossible given the conditions. The American
swung round the outside of Ekström in the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team car,
finding the grip to complete the move and take second for the NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Team.
Following the driver change, where teams were able to clear the windscreens
before the cars exited the Switch Zone, Veloce Racings Taylor picked
up where Hansen left off with a confident drive to take a second victory for
the team this season and a return to the top of the leaderboard.
Behind the Australian, more and more mud was being kicked up by the ODYSSEY
21s as the drivers gave it everything they had. RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy
and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Laia Sanz came head-to-head once again
following their incident in Qualifying 2 which ended with both teams
out of the race.
The Grand Final told a similar tale, but this time it was the RXR car going
into the back of the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team machine. As both drivers struggled
with visibility and grip, they came into contact again as they tried to resume
racing, leaving the door open for No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing
to take third.
The damage caused from the incident left Åhlin-Kottulinsky with no choice
but to come to a stop further down the course. Sanz still had some fight left
in her, but it wasnt long before the Spaniard found herself in the hay
bales, which saw ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team drop out of contention and out of
their top spot in the championship.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Emma Gilmour and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip
Ganassi Racings Sorensen completed their runs without trouble in second
and third place, respectively.
This marked a second-ever podium for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, following
finishing runners-up at the Season 2 finale in Uruguay, and important championship
points achieved on home turf.
Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, said: Its been an amazing
trip and its been very challenging the weather conditions have
made it even more so.
"It was very stressful, especially when there are slow zones and so many
places where you can potentially make a mistake, but you are very happy when
you can hand it over to your teammate having done a good job. To get a podium
was a big relief for the team just a great feeling and everyone
has put in so much work so we are all really happy."
For No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, it marks their first podium since
Sardinia in Season 2, and a first podium with the driver line-up of Anderson
and Sorensen, who now sit fifth in the championship just two points behind
RXR in third.
Amanda Sorensen, No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, said: "Its
the direction we want to be moving in, so Im glad to see that we are
still improving. There were a couple setbacks in Saudi and we are happy to
have taken steps forward, its a positive sign.
For the last four years Ive been doing Formula Drift, which does
have a slippery surface, in a sense. Its on asphalt and has some grip,
but it definitely translates over to this. For me I actually got to rip the
e-brake this weekend which was very exciting it felt like home for
me! Knowing how to take the car into the turn and how to react when the car
was getting sideways was something I definitely had in my favour."
Redemption Race
With their best start of the Hydro X Prix double-header, JBXEs Andreas
Bakkerud charged to the front of the pack, which lacked a Carl Cox Motorsport
car after the damage from the teams crash in Qualifying 2.
Slotting into second was Timmy Hansen for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, with
ABT CUPRA XEs Nasser Al-Attiyah behind in third.
As the cars slid through the tricky slow zone section, X44 Vida Carbon Racings
Fraser McConnell found himself first in the back of the ABT CUPRA XE car and
then into the hay bales to his right, marking a disappointing end to the Hydro
X Prix after the teams win in Round 3.
The front three continued as they were into the Switch Zone, where their teammates
picked up the mantle and overcame the challenge presented by the worsening
weather.
JBXEs Hedda Hosås crossed the line first, a win that brings redemption
for the team after a tough weekend in Scotland that lacked results.
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme Es Catie Munnings finished the race second,
building on the teams podium yesterday to add much needed points to
their championship tally and move up from tenth in the championship to seventh.
Crossing the line third in the Redemption Race marked the end of a challenging
weekend for ABT CUPRA XE which saw two crashes for the team, and theyll
be looking to come back fighting at the next double-header.
Extreme E returns to action in Sardinia for Rounds 5 and 6 in July (8-9).
Find out where you can watch the highlights of the Hydro X Prix here.
RESULTS
Grand Final
1. Veloce Racing 12:52.663
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +6.419
3. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +20.490
4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team DNF
5. Rosberg X Racing DNF
Redemption Race
1. JBXE 12:19.448
2. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +4.968
3. ABT CUPRA XE +30.534
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing DNF
5. Carl Cox Motorsport DNS
Championship Standings
1. Veloce Racing: 80 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 69 points
3. Rosberg X Racing: 52 points
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 51 points
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 50 points
6. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 36 points
7. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 29 points
8. Carl Cox Motorsport: 23 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 20 points
10. JBXE: 15 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-14 Dålig
sikt i Extreme E för Johan
Det blev en stökig helg i Extreme E för Rosberg X Racing. Johan
Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky tog sig visserligen till
final båda dagarna, men tvingades bryta.
- Det var nästan omöjligt med sikten, säger Kristoffersson.
Den andra tävlingshelgen för säsongen med de eldrivna terrängbilarna
kördes i ett tidigare gruvområde i skotska Glenmuckloch. Det visade
sig vara en utmanande terräng där bilarna tog ordentligt med stryk.
Lördagen inleddes annars med helt utebliven körning. Tjock dimma
över området gjorde att Q1 fick ställas in. Därför
blev Q2 helt avgörande för platserna till finalen. Kristoffersson
och Åhlin-Kottulinsky klarade den uppgiften och tog sig till sin tredje
raka final för säsongen.
Kristoffersson inledde finalen, men fick tyvärr inte möjlighet att
lämna över bilen till Åhlin-Kottulinsky. En vindruta fullsmetad
med lera gjorde att sikten blev obefintlig.
- Torkarna fungerade inte som de skulle och därefter tappade jag ena
torkarbladet. Jag såg inte vart jag var på väg så jag
körde in i en vall och rullade. Min första rullning någonsin,
konstaterar Kristoffersson.
Med bilen parkerad vid sidan blev det en femteplats för RXR.
Nya tag på söndagen, som inleddes på ett godkänt sätt.
- En ganska okej Q1 efter att pojkarna hade fixat bilen. Allt var frid och
fröjd.
Men i Q2 var det slut på friden. Åhlin/Kottulinsky kom iväg
bra in mot första svängen, men fick ett par rejäla tryckare
bakifrån av Laiz Sanz. Den andra smällen skickade Mikaela helt
ur riktningen och hon rammade därpå Cristina Gutierrez, med skador
på båda bilarna som följd.
- Laia fick en bestraffning, men det hjälpte ju inte oss, säger
Johan.
Efter en del domaringripanden tog sig RXR ändå till finalen.
- Då var det riktigt halkigt och lerigt och vi startade längst
ut - som vanligt.
Kristoffersson hamnade i smeten - bokstavligen på det leriga underlaget.
- Tjockt med lera på rutan. Jag var tvungen att lämna en lucka
till Mattias Ekström för att kunna åka själv.
Johan lämnade över till Mikaela som fyra. Teamkamraten försökte
ta upp jakten, men åter en gång med näst intill obefintlig
sikt.
- Torkarna fungerade till en början för Mikaela, men sedan slutade
de och då blev det svårt.Efter ny närkontakt med Sanz och
medföljande skador på bilen tvingades Mikaela parkera för
en ny femteplats.
- Där var racet över för vår del, konstaterar Johan Kristoffersson.
RXR var nu inte det enda teamet att ha problem med lera och halka. Det gjorde
att det rörde om en hel del i resultatlistan och tabellsammandraget.
Inför nästa tävlingshelg på Sardinien i början av
juli leder Veloce Racing med Kevin Hansen och Molly Taylor på 80 poäng.
Rosberg X Racing är kvar på sin tredje plats med 52 poäng.
23-05-14 No.99 GMC HUMMER
EV Chip Ganassi Racing top Qualifying in Round 4 at the Hydro X Prix
With a win in both of their Qualifying Heats in Round 4, No.99 GMC HUMMER
EV Chip Ganassi Racing enter their second Grand Final of the Hydro X Prix.
RJ Anderson and Amanda Sorensen came out on top with a perfect score, after
a stop-start Qualifying 2 in which both Heats were red flagged due to incidents
in the first sector of the course.
Making it to the Grand Final for the first time this season, the NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Team recovered well to take second place in Qualifying 2 Heat 1,
after driver Emma Gilmour, along with Carl Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider
and ABT CUPRA XEs Klara Andersson, all crashed into the hay bales below
the cliff face on the opening lap.
Winners of Qualifying 2 Heat 2, Veloce Racing, will also feature in the Round
4 Grand Final. A collision between ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Laia Sanz
and Rosberg X Racings (RXR) Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky at the first
corner of the Heat saw DNFs for both teams, along with damage to the X44 Vida
Carbon Racing car.
The ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team were classified as fifth for causing the incident,
but qualified fourth in overall Qualifying. Meanwhile RXRs fourth place
in Qualifying 2 Heat 2 was enough to secure the last spot in the Grand Final
alongside the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.
The remaining five teams will battle it out in the Redemption Race for crucial
championship points as the second double-header of Extreme E Season 3 comes
to an end.
Qualifying 1 Heat 1
Using the same line that served them well in yesterdays Qualifying 2,
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing swung around the outside of the pack
as RJ Anderson took the lead out of Waypoint 1.
Shutting the door on Rosberg X Racings Johan Kristoffersson, Fraser
McConnell slotted into second for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, with ABT CUPRA XEs
Nasser Al-Attiyah in hot pursuit from fourth. Round 3 podium finishers Carl
Cox Motorsport ran in fifth with Christine GZ as the teams approached the
driver change.
An issue for X44 Vida Carbon Racing saw Cristina Gutiérrez exit the
Switch Zone in fourth, behind RXRs Åhlin-Kottulinsky and ABT CUPRA
XEs Andersson. The Spaniard fought hard to regain third place, and soon
succeeded with a bold overtake up the inside of the ABT CUPRA XE car as they
launched over a jump.
A smooth drive from Sorensen up front secured the win for No.99 GMC HUMMER
EV Chip Ganassi Racing, while Åhlin-Kottulinsky brought the RXR ODYSSEY
21 home in second.
Post-race the stewards identified that contact from Gutiérrez as she
looked to overtake Andersson caused a puncture for the Swede, and X44 Vida
Carbon Racing were demoted to fourth place behind ABT CUPRA XE.
Qualifying 1 Heat 2
A strong start for the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team saw Mattias Ekström dominate
the inside line to take the lead out of the opening corner. Behind, Veloce
Racings Kevin Hansen held his ground to keep second place.
Both Andretti Altawkilat Extreme Es Timmy Hansen and NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Teams Tanner Foust stormed ahead of JBXE to take third and fourth,
respectively, as the teams entered the steep climb out of the quarry.
Soon after Hansen entered a spin, re-joining the race nearly a minute off
the front and with only rear wheel drive engaged. Up ahead, Foust was closing
the gap on Veloce Racings Hansen, and soon stole second as the Veloce
Racing car struggled with a bent drive shaft.
Following the driver switch, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Sanz crossed the
line comfortably first, lapping Catie Munnings as the Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme E car fought to keep going.
Gilmour retained second place for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. Veloce
Racings Molly Taylor kept third, despite a 10-second penalty for Hansen
hitting a Waypoint flag, as he pushed to stay ahead of NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Team's Foust.
Technical issues saw JBXE crawl home in fourth with Hedda Hosås behind
the wheel, while Munnings nearly caught up with the crippled JBXE ODYSSEY
21 but, ultimately, ended the Heat in fifth.
Qualifying 2 Heat 1
A quick launch off the line gave NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Gilmour
the pace she needed to shut out Carl Cox Motorsports Scheider. However,
this pace also saw the New Zealander slide into the hay bales, promptly followed
by Scheider. ABT CUPRA XEs Andersson then veered off-course to avoid
contact with the stationary Carl Cox Motorsport car.
With both Carl Cox Motorsport and ABT CUPRA XE out of contention, the race
restarted with one lap to go until the Switch Zone. Gilmour took the lead
as the teams entered a slow zone through Waypoints 3 and 4 where the incidents
had occurred.
JBXEs Hosås was slow off the line as the ODYSSEY 21 failed to
respond, but the Norwegian was soon on her way, albeit a long way back from
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racings Sorensen in second.
With JBXE far behind, the front two delivered safe runs knowing that, combined
with their Qualifying 1 result, first or second place in the Heat would see
them through to the Grand Final.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Foust maintained the lead on his two-lap
stint after the driver change, but a 30-second penalty for speeding in the
slow zone on Gilmours lap put the team down to second.
Qualifying 2 Heat 2
As the five female drivers set off from the start line, RXRs Åhlin-Kottulinsky
and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Sanz moved closer and closer together as
the pair tussled to secure the inside line in the opening corner.
With neither driver giving up the fight, Sanz clipped the back of Åhlin-Kottulinsky,
sending the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team car into a spin and the RXR ODYSSEY 21
over the banking and across the racing line.
While Veloce Racings Taylor and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme Es
Munnings avoided contact with the out-of-control RXR car, Gutiérrez
took a big hit to the front right of her X44 Vida Carbon Racing machine.
The Heat resumed after the red flag with only three teams on-course. The ACCIONA
| SAINZ XE Team classified fifth, behind RXR, for causing the incident. Despite
the DNFs, both teams make it through to the Grand Final after strong performances
in Qualifying 1.
Off the start line a second time around, Taylor secured the lead once again
for Veloce Racing, with Munnings in second for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme
E ahead of X44 Vida Carbon Racings Gutiérrez.
Taylor played it safe heading into the slow zone, and throughout her remaining
lap, setting the stage for a dramatic battle between the Hansen brothers.
However, difficulties getting Timmy Hansen secured in the Andretti Altawkilat
car put the team too far behind to compete with Veloce Racing.
The Switch Zone incident dropped the team into third behind X44 Vida Carbon
Racing, but McConnell struggled with his damaged car, losing control in a
spin with only rear wheel drive at his dispense.
Hansen soon took second place away from McConnell, but second for Andretti
Altawkilat Extreme E and third for X44 Vida Carbon Racing were not enough
to put either team through to the Grand Final.
The win in Heat 2 was just the comeback that Veloce Racing needed to make
it through to the Grand Final, keeping their hopes of a third podium after
just four rounds alive.
RESULTS
Q1 Heat 1:
1. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 10:07.156
2. Rosberg X Racing +9.968
3. ABT CUPRA XE +21.564
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing +13.458 (change of track position)
5. Carl Cox Motorsport +23.618
Q1 Heat 2:
1. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 10:13.931
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +4.073
3. Veloce Racing +35.251 (PENALISED)
4. JBXE +2:45.950
5. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +1 LAP
Q2 Heat 1:
1. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 55:32.396
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +27.017 (PENALISED)
3. JBXE +1:33.392 (PENALISED)
4. Carl Cox Motorsport DNF
5. ABT CUPRA XE DNF
Q2 Heat 2:
1. Veloce Racing 33:38.652
2. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +46.341
3. X44 Vida Carbon Racing +1:15.676
4. Rosberg X Racing DNF
5. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team DNF
Qualifying Standings:
1. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 20 points
2. Veloce Racing: 16 points
3. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 16 points
4. Rosberg X Racing: 12 points
5. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 12 points
6. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 10 points
7. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 10 points
8. JBXE: 10 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 8 points
10. Carl Cox Motorsport: 6 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-13 X44 Vida Carbon
Racing win Round 3 at homecoming Hydro X Prix
Lewis Hamiltons outfit X44 Vida Carbon Racing maintained
their top Qualifying form to take the win in Round 3 at their home event,
the Hydro X Prix, in Scotland. The victory marks Fraser McConnell's first
win in Extreme E and the Season 2 champions' first win of the 2023 campaign.
McConnell and Cristina Gutiérrez crossed the line in second place,
but a penalty for on-course winners Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E dropped
British star Catie Munnings and team-mate Timmy Hansen down to second place.
Coming in third were Carl Cox Motorsport, scoring their maiden podium in the
championship after just three rounds and at international DJ Carl Cox's home
X Prix.
Winners of the Redemption Race were ACCIONA | SAINZ Extreme E Team having
seen off championship rivals Veloce Racing.
Fraser McConnell, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: "It's amazing to get
my first win for X44. Its been something that Ive been working
towards not just for me but for the whole team.
"It just goes to show that prioritising opportunity and inclusivity doesnt
have to come at the cost of performance, and we're proud to be showing what's
possible here in Extreme E.
"We didn't have the best starting position - second from the outside
- so I knew I was going to have to do something a little risky to get in front
which I managed. Then I went a little wide and I had to settle in behind the
leaders, but thats racing. We were able to stay close enough to capitalise
on their [Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E] penalty. A win is always a win and
I am very happy to do this one for X44."
Grand Final
Of the five cars lining up on the start line, two were there for the first
time in Extreme E Season 3. For Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E a spot in the
Grand Final marked a strong comeback following a difficult Desert X Prix,
while for Carl Cox Motorsport it was their first ever Extreme E Grand Final.
All the teams except X44 Vida Carbon Racing used their ENOWA Hyperdrive as
they charged towards the first corner. Instead McConnell hung back from the
pack, turning early to undercut the ODYSSEY 21s in front and using his ENOWA
Hyperdrive late to storm into the lead.
The Jamaican carried this pace into the first steep ascent of the course,
but McConnells speed caused him to run wide, opening the door for Andretti
Altawkilat Extreme Es Hansen to pull up alongside and exit the climb
in the lead.
Meanwhile Rosberg X Racings (RXR) Johan Kristoffersson kept the tussling
pair close at hand, and soon performed an overtake on McConnell to take second
place. The Swede would not retain it for long, however, as his ODYSSEY 21
connected with a rocky bank of the course, resulting in a roll that put RXR
out of the race.
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racings RJ Anderson slotted into third
place, and Carl Cox Motorsports Christine GZ ran in fourth as the teams
entered the Switch Zone.
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E exited the driver-change with a comfortable
lead that Munnings maintained throughout her two-lap stint. The Brit crossed
the line in first-place, but celebrations were cut short when a 15.3-second
penalty for a Switch Zone infringement dropped Andretti Altawkilat Extreme
E to second. Inheriting the win, X44 Vida Carbon Racing move up into third
place in the championship standings, above Season 1 champions RXR in fourth.
Catie Munnings, Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E, said: "Podiums are amazing
no matter where you are standing, especially when the competition here is
so fast. The course is unbelievably quick and so technical, therefore to come
away with this result is fantastic.
"We crossed the line in first, and I think we had a good few seconds
to spare, but unfortunately we got a pretty hefty penalty in the Switch Zone
for leaving a bit too early. The top step wasnt ours unfortunately,
but it feels like a win for us and its been a little while since weve
been on the podium."
Behind the front two misfortune befell No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing,
as a puncture for RJ Anderson on his run led to trouble for the rest of the
race. Carl Cox Motorsport made the most of the opportunity, with Timo Scheider
overtaking Amanda Sorensen early on in his stint to claim a first podium for
the team and for GZ.
Timo Scheider, Carl Cox Motorsport, said: "Everything is brand new with
the team, so its an awesome result for all of us. We had a different
strategy from some of the others today and we had a long discussion about
if we were going to swap our running order, but our strategy played out well
in the end.
"Carl Cox has been great. We appreciate having so much positive energy
in the team and he is always asking questions. Its very refreshing to
see this and his attitude is all about winning and enjoying what hes
doing. He also has a bit of history in racing, and hes launched a TCR
car in Australia, so he is truly great and Im proud to to be part of
his team here."
Redemption Race
Tied on 46 points as they entered the Hydro X Prix, championship leaders Veloce
Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team found themselves in unfamiliar territority
as they took on their first-ever Redemption Race.
Only four teams lined up for the race, as ABT CUPRA XE were unable to repair
their ODYSSEY 21 following a crash for Klara Andersson in Qualifying.
Veloce Racing nearly secured the early lead as Kevin Hansen stormed up the
outside line, but water on course caused the British squads ODYSSEY
21 to lose momentum, allowing ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Mattias Ekström
to move to the front of the pack.
As Hansen stayed on Ekströms tail, Emma Gilmour kept the front
two in her sights for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. As she pushed to close
the gap, Gilmour ran wide into a corner, dropping further behind but staying
ahead of JBXEs Andreas Bakkerud.
The teams entered the Switch Zone in this order and, following the driver
change, a confident stint from Laia Sanz saw her cross the line in first.
The Redemption Race win for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team was further backed up
with a victory in the Continental Traction Challenge, and puts the team four
points ahead of Veloce Racing at the top of the championship standings.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust pushed hard but took third
behind Veloce Racings Molly Taylor, with Hedda Hosås finishing
the race in fourth for JBXE.
Tomorrows racing action can be viewed live on STV and ITV in the UK
from 1300-1500 BST. Outside of the UK, please visit here for broadcaster details.
RESULTS
Grand Final:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 10:12.670
2. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +8.986 (PENALISED)
3. Carl Cox Motorsport +38.977
4. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +1:01.716
5. Rosberg X Racing DNF
Redemption Race:
1. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 09:49.303
2. Veloce Racing +3.650
3. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +16.200
4. JBXE +32.779
5. ABT CUPRA XE DNS
Championship Standings:
1. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 56 points
2. Veloce Racing: 52 points
3. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 49 points
4. Rosberg X Racing: 42 points
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 33 points
6. Carl Cox Motorsport: 23 points
7. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 23 points
8. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 18 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 16 points
10. JBXE: 7 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-13 X44 Vida Carbon Racing
top an action-packed Qualifying in Round 3
In the fight for a spot in the Round 3 Grand Final at the Hydro X Prix, it
all came down to Qualifying 2 after the opening Qualifying session was cancelled
due to low-lying fog, which meant the medical helicopter was unable to fly.
Finishing first in Heat 1 were defending champions X44 Vida Carbon Racing,
as Cristina Gutiérrez and Fraser McConnell led the race from start
to finish. Winners of Heat 2 were Season 1 champions Rosberg X Racing (RXR),
who finished second overall with a slower time through the Continental Traction
Challenge.
A crash for ABT CUPRA XEs Klara Andersson in the opening stages of Heat
2 resulted in a red flag, while a second DNF in the Heat came from a mechanical
issue for championship leaders Veloce Racing.
Also in the line-up for the Grand Final are No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi
Racing and Carl Cox Motorsport with second place in their respective Heats.
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E complete the Grand Final grid.
The remaining five teams will fight it out in the Redemption Race to determine
sixth to tenth place in the Round 3 standings.
Cristina Gutiérrez, X44 Vida Carbon Racing, said: Its great
to finish first as we can go to the Grand Final and we can fight for everything!
The biggest challenge is the conditions because all the time its
changing and its totally different so the most important thing
is to adapt as much as possible our driving style in the moment that we are
racing so its a double challenge. We need to be clever and not make
mistakes because one mistake makes a lot of difference.
QUALIFYING 2 HEAT 1
Recognising the importance of the first corner ahead of a narrow section of
the course, the teams tussled for position on the short opening stretch. Diving
into the right-hander, X44 Vida Carbon Racings Cristina Gutiérrez
muscled her way to the front of the pack from the innermost line.
Launching from the other side of the start line was Amanda Sorenson for No.99
GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing. The American took the wide line into the
corner and, avoiding contact with the teams battling in the middle, managed
to secure second place heading into her two-lap stint.
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Laia Sanz slotted into third, with British
talent Catie Munnings taking fourth for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E after
a pass on JBXEs Hedda Hosås as they exited the opening corner.
As Sanz closed in on Sorensen, Munnings kept the pair within reach and soon
launched an aggressive overtake on the distracted Sanz. The Brit completed
the manoeuvre just in time as the ODYSSEY 21s entered the steep descent down
to the Switch Zone.
The intense racing saw plenty of ODYSSEY 21s riding two heels at the end of
the third lap, as all five teams pushed for that all-important top three spot
in the Heat needed to reach the Grand Final.
A smooth drive from X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser McConnell saw the
Jamaican cross the line first as the team progresses into the Grand Final.
Joining them are No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, entering their third
Grand Final from three as RJ Anderson brought the team home in second place.
The quickest lap of the Heat came from Hansen as the Swede finished the Heat
in third for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E. This proved crucial, as the team
secured a quicker Continental Traction Challenge time than the third-placed
team in Heat 2 to head into the Grand Final for the first time this season.
Finishing in fourth and fifth were Ekström and Andreas Bakkerud, meaning
both ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and JBXE will battle it out in the Redemption
Race.
QUALIFYING 2 HEAT 2
In the fight for the remaining spots in the Grand Final, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky
got a good start for RXR to put the team ahead of the pack. Behind her, Carl
Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider and ABT CUPRA XEs Klara Andersson
went wheel-to-wheel in pursuit of second place.
As the track narrowed the ODYSSEY 21s only got closer, and the ABT CUPRA XE
car entered a barrel roll as it ran out of room. Andersson came away unscathed
as the session was red flagged.
Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: Physically Im ok, but I'm
upset. The mechanics have been working all weekend repairing the car from
NEOM, and now we are in trouble again and nothing we can do.
I was on my way to pass and there was no room. I'm very frustrated as
we followed the plan but if there's no room there's nowhere for me to go.
Running in fourth, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust avoided
the incident, while behind him a mechanical issue for Veloce Racings
Molly Taylor saw her veer off-course. While the Australian recovered, the
damage to the car brought the championship leaders to a stop out on course,
meaning they enter the Redemption Race alongside their rivals, the ACCIONA
| SAINZ XE Team.
Heat 2 resumed from the start line, with the three remaining teams setting
off at intervals matching those when the session was flagged. NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Teams Foust used his ENOWA Hyperdrive from the outset to close
the gap on Scheider in the Carl Cox Motorsport ODYSSEY 21.
The American set up team-mate Emma Gilmour as best as he could, as the other
drivers took over for the final two laps of the Heat. However, in their push
to make up time, the team received a 5-second penalty for being too far out
of their bay in the Switch Zone.
Despite a valiant drive from Gilmour, which saw her pass Christine GZ on the
uphill Traction Challenge sector, the New Zealander was unable to build enough
of a lead to retain second after the penalty was applied. The NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Team will enter the Redemption Race as their combined time in the
Continental Traction Challenge is slower than that of Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme E.
An untroubled run for RXR saw Johan Kristoffersson finish Heat 2 in first,
taking the team through to the Grand Final alongside Carl Cox Motorsport.
The Grand Final and Redemption Race can be viewed live on STV and ITV in the
UK from 1300-1500 BST. Outside of the UK, please visit here for broadcaster
details.
RESULTS
Q2 Heat 1:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 09:50.935
2. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +6.203
3. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +8.191
4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +10.744
5. JBXE +31.551
Q2 Heat 2:
1. Rosberg X Racing 42:43.301
2. Carl Cox Motorsport +20.971
3. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +24.215 (PENALISED)
4. Veloce Racing DNF
5. ABT CUPRA XE DNF
Overall Qualifying Standings:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 10 points
2. Rosberg X Racing: 10 points
3. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 8 points
4. Carl Cox Motorsport: 8 points
5. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 6 points
6. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 6 points
7. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 4 points
8. Veloce Racing: 4 points
9. JBXE: 2 points
10. ABT CUPRA XE: 2 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-12 Veloce Racing quickest
in Free Practice on challenging Hydro X Prix course
Extreme E debuted in Scotland today for its second-double header of Season
3. The championships ten teams put their ODYSSEY 21s to the test in
Free Practice on one of the most extreme courses in the series to date, situated
in the former opencast coal mine at Glenmuckloch.
The 2.67-kilometre course of the Hydro X Prix provides a new set of challenges
for Extreme Es world-class grid. The 20 drivers are contending with
steep inclines, narrow racing lines, and a drastic change in terrain as they
exit the old coal mine, which is soon to be transformed into a Pumped Storage
Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm.
Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: I think we have
a great story to tell here. Similarly, to Chile with the copper mines, here
we are in an old coal mine which will be converted into a hydro station that
will help restore renewable energy.
The beauty of this site is that you are surrounded by the actual generation
of energy. You can see these wind turbines all around us. Scotland gets 97%
of its energy from renewables so I think its a great place and great
story to tell with Extreme E.
After the Extreme E line-up got a feel for the exciting new course in Free
Practice 1, the times began to tumble in the following session, with all teams
achieving their best laps the second time around.
Fastest in Free Practice 2 were Veloce Racing with a time of 09:58.466mins.
Off the back of a maiden victory at the Desert X Prix, Kevin Hansen and Molly
Taylor laid down the marker as leaders in the championship, with the former
setting the fastest lap of the day.
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: We had a really good day today and
enjoyed the track. I think from the outside it looks maybe more insane than
from the inside. When you are driving you are so focused on the line and everything,
so you dont really take in all the amazing scenery. But it is an incredible
location like I said it is probably the most incredible location weve
been to in terms of surroundings.
Veloce as a team has been working super hard over the past few years
and really tried to achieve this performance. I think all that hard work came
alive and it is such an incredible atmosphere for the team, such a family
vibe. I come from a family racing team and it naturally suits me and Molly
as well, so its a great spirit and that helps us to perform well.
Defending champions X44 Vida Carbon Racing enter the Hydro X Prix outside
of the championship top three, but were the only other team to break the 10-minute
mark in Free Practice with a time of 09:59.988. Just over a second slower
than Veloce Racing, Cristina Gutiérrez and Fraser McConnell secured
the start they need, with McConnell going quickest through two of the four
sectors.
ABT CUPRA XE's Nasser Al-Attiyah went quickest through the first sector, while
teammate Klara Andersson completed their commanding stint to put the team
third with 10:01.567.
Coming in fourth were ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, despite a mechanical failure
cutting their FP1 short, as they look to carry on the momentum from a long-awaited
victory at the season-opener. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team completed the Top
5 with a blistering lap from Tanner Foust which secured the best time through
the last sector.
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing
finished sixth and seventh, respectively, with both teams experiencing issues.
A puncture for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E was kept under control by Timmy
Hansen, while Amanda Sorenson recovered well from a trip off-course and a
subsequent penalty for missing the waypoint.
Also receiving penalties were Carl Cox Motorsport in eighth and JBXE in ninth
place. Jenson Buttons team welcome former Championship Driver Andreas
Bakkerud for this X Prix, who built on his experience of the ODYSSEY 21 today
as he prepares for his first Extreme E race tomorrow.
Finding themselves in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the Free Practice
timesheet were Rosberg X Racing. Nico Rosbergs outfit put forward a
confident performance, setting the second quickest time in FP1, but a culmination
of penalties for dropping waypoint flags impacted their time in FP2.
Free Practice combined timings:
1. Veloce Racing: 09:58.466 (FP2)
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 09:59.988 (FP2)
3. ABT CUPRA XE: 10:01.567 (FP2)
4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 10:05.714 (FP2)
5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 10:07.199 (FP2
6. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 10:18.160 (FP2)
7. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 10:21.197 (FP2)
8. Carl Cox Motorsport: 10:47.474 (FP2)
9. JBXE: 10:49.812 (FP2)
10. Rosberg X Racing: 10:54.845 (FP2)
The racing action can be viewed live on STV and ITV in the UK from 1300-1500
BST, over both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May. Outside of the UK, please visit
here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-12 Extreme E unveils
dramatic Hydro X Prix course
Extreme E has revealed its course in Scotland for the Hydro X Prix, taking
place inside the former opencast coal mine at Glenmuckloch this weekend (13-14
May).
The pioneering series return to the UK brings the 10 teams and 20 world
class drivers face-to-face with the most challenging course by the championship
to date.
The Hydro X Prix course features plenty of fast corners and narrow, technical
sections, challenging the drivers to adapt their driving style over two races
this weekend.
The terrain is that of the old coal mine as the course dives down into the
quarry, meaning plenty of clay to stick to the tyres. The drivers will have
to contend with ever decreasing grip especially if there is some Scottish
rain as the course evolves and the clay is kicked up.
As the ODYSSEY 21s progress along the course, they will tackle corners aptly
named after Scottish words. Creag, brae, gleann, and cnoc all feature in reference
to the rocky hills, slopes, deep valley, and hill pastures that make up the
Scotland course for the Hydro X Prix.
Tamara Molinaro, Extreme E Championship Driver, said: This is probably
one of the most extreme courses we have ever had. It will be quite a challenge
because in some places it is quite narrow so it is hard to overtake, and the
drivers will have to use their creativity to get those overtaking opportunities.
There are changes in the levels of grip, because there is grass, slimy
gravel, and more rocky sections, forcing the drivers to change style at short
notice. The weather is also going to be something that the drivers must really
take into consideration. A lot of elevation changes will make it even more
interesting, and I cant wait to see what the course delivers this weekend.
Off the start line there is a wide section that leads into a sharp ninety-degree
right turn, before the track narrows as the teams approach the rock face,
the key feature of this course with tight lines being taken at high speeds.
It will be crucial to get a better start than your competitors as the narrow
track stretches across the full extent of the rock face towards a ninety-degree
left turn and up a steeply banked hill, where the cars will scrabble for purchase
as they exit the mine.
At the top of the hill is another ninety-degree left into one of the fastest
sections of the course, as the ODYSSEY 21s fly across the ridge. Here the
terrain is similar, but more exposed to the elements, meaning the cars will
slide as they continue to battle for position.
An overtaking opportunity sits directly before a narrow single car section,
challenging the drivers to time their manoeuvres perfectly. Following this
the drivers approach a downhill corner, where steep banking will help the
drivers to hold a slide.
From there the ODYSSEY 21s charge towards the first jump of the course, designed
to unsettle the cars as they land right at the point of needing to turn, presenting
a new challenge for the Extreme E grid.
Another banked hill leads towards another single file section which brings
the drivers into close quarters as they tussle for position.
The next ninety-degree turn takes the cars right and up a steep hill, where
the terrain changes from the clay and rock, to grass and mud. This marks another
challenge for the ODYSSEY 21s to contend with. As the drivers change their
style to instantly adapt to the change in terrain, it will be hard to maintain
a rhythm throughout the double-header.
Joining Tamara Molinaro as her fellow Championship Driver is Tommi Hallman,
an up and coming Rallycross driver from Finland. Hallman most recently competed
in Nitro RX NXT, where he was the overall winner in the 2022/23 season.
Previously, the Finn secured the 2022 Nitro Rallycross Championship NRX NEXT
Europe series title, which followed up his RallyX Nordic Supercar Lites titles
success in 2021. His stint as Championship Driver for the Hydro X Prix will
mark his Extreme E debut and the first time he has got behind the wheel of
the ODYSSEY 21.
The exciting racing action can be seen live on STV and ITV, in the UK from
1300-1500 BST, over both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May. Outside of the UK,
please visit here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-10 Skotsk terräng
för Johan i Extreme E
Efter två månaders uppehåll är det dags för den
andra tävlingshelgen i Extreme E. Skottland är destinationen för
Johan Kristoffersson och hans teamkamrat i Rosberg X Racing, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.
- Man vill alltid vinna, men det viktigaste är att samla poäng och
skaffa sig en bra position för fortsättningen, säger Kristoffersson.
Den tredje säsongen för de eldrivna terrängbilarna inleddes
i mars i Saudiarabien. Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky summerade
två tredjeplatser efter en helg med blandad framgång. Den här
gången får RXR-teamet slå lite ur underläge.
- Vi ligger trea, femton poäng efter Acciona och Veloce som delar ledningen.
Det är ändå rätt okej.
Den här säsongen körs det dubbeltävlingar på samtliga
fem spelplatser, en tydlig ökning från förra året.
- Det är ju totalt tio tävlingar i år så det gäller
att vara med och plocka poäng hela tiden och ha så högt lägstaresultat
som möjligt.
Banan i Skottland är ny för året och är belägen
i området Dumfries och Galloway i sydvästra delen av landet. Tävlingen
kallas Hydro X Prix och körs vid en nedlagd kolgruva i Glenmuckloch,
där man håller på att förvandla området till en
anläggning för produktion av vatten- och vindkraft.
- Terrängen är typiskt brittisk skulle jag säga. Det är
en blandning av sten, grus och gräs med partier som liknar de vi körde
på gräs i Uruguay och på grus i England. Det ser väldigt
kuperat ut.
Tävlingsdagarna kommer att börja med kval kl 8:00 centraleuropeisk
tid och finalpass vid 14:00 på eftermiddagen.
- Det är tidigt på säsongen än, så det gäller
att inte ta alltför stora risker utan att se till att ta poäng i
varje tävling, sammanfattar Johan Kristoffersson.
23-05-08 Andreas Bakkerud joins
Jenson Button's JBXE for Hydro X Prix
Norwegian rallycross star Andreas Bakkerud will race for Jenson Buttons
JBXE team at the upcoming Hydro X Prix in Scotland.
Bakkerud will partner Hedda Hosås at the next round of Extreme E Season
3 (13-14 May), completing an all-Norwegian line-up for the outfit, as well
as the remainder of the 2023 campaign. The off-road ace replaces Heikki Kovalainen
at JBXE, who drove for the team at the season opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia,
in March.
The Hydro X Prix marks Bakkeruds racing debut in the series, but he
is no stranger to Extreme E having signed as a Championship Driver ahead of
the Season 3 opener alongside Tamara Molinaro. Bakkerud also previously experienced
the ODYSSEY 21 during pre-season testing at Chateau de Lastours, France, in
2020.
Andreas Bakkerud, JBXE, said: "Im super excited to be announced
as a competing driver for JBXE. From testing the car in France in the beginning
to stepping in as the Championship Driver in Saudi Arabia learning all about
the car and the Championship, its fantastic to continue being a part
of this journey.
I love what Extreme E is all about, especially their environmental initiatives,
how it champions their actions against climate change, and in general, the
whole race for the planet ethos, which is also something we in Norway are
huge advocates of.
The 31-year-old has had a long and successful career as a rallycross driver,
with his first titles coming in 2011 and 2012 when he clinched back-to-back
Super1600 (now Euro RX3) crowns. The Norwegian went on to win seven times
along the way. In 2014, Bakkerud stepped up to the World Championship stage
and, two years later, following a switch to Hoonigan Racing Division, achieved
three wins resulting in third place in the overall standings.
The Norwegian matched that championship finish in 2018, delivering six podium
finishes, before he fought fellow Extreme E star Timmy Hansen for the World
Rallycross title in 2019, with the pairs duel going right the way down
to the wire. After colliding in a dramatic finale in Cape Town, they ended
up tied on points but Bakkerud was beaten to the championship by Hansen on
countback.
Bakkerud returned to Euro RX in 2021 and lifted his third European Championship
trophy. He also took on Nitro Rallycross in 2021, securing a podium in his
inaugural campaign with third place. Building on this performance in 2022,
he achieved three podiums and a maiden victory within the first five races
for Group E in the Nitro Rallycross calendar.
Jenson Button, Team Owner of JBXE, said: "I am thrilled and honoured
to welcome Andreas Bakkerud to JBXE for the next round of the season in Scotland.
Andreas off-road racing pedigree speaks for itself, and his experience
will be invaluable in our new all Norwegian partnership alongside Hedda in
the team as we look to kickstart our 2023 campaign.
Were hopeful of a positive showing at our home event at the Hydro
X Prix and I am excited to see how our new line-up fares out on track.
Bakkerud added: Being back in the Extreme E paddock, I look forward
to racing with such a great group of drivers, many who Ive raced against
before, I even drove for Mattias! I have never been to Scotland before so
Im excited to visit a new place - I've heard it's an extreme track!
I cant wait to get stuck in and immerse myself in the local culture,
definitely some of their local snacks!
It is my first time racing with a Norwegian so I am looking forward
to teaming up with Hedda. Im hoping we can cultivate a great working
relationship and help each other both improve and succeed. For sure, it will
take some time to get used to things, but I hope I can steer JBXE in the right
direction.
You can find out how Bakkerud fares in his Extreme E debut alongside Hosås
at the Hydro X Prix next month.
The racing action will be available live on STV and ITV, in the UK, over both
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May. Outside of the UK, please visit here for broadcaster
details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-03 Fraser McConnell on
thriving with X44 Vida Carbon Racing
Extreme E: Youve gone from Championship Driver to working with last
seasons champions in the series how does that feel?
Fraser McConnell: Im super excited to be competing full time in the
series. Its an amazing feeling to be driving for the reigning champions
and for boss man Lewis Hamilton! Im also really proud that X44 is such
a diverse team which prioritises giving people an opportunity to work in motorsport,
we have such a young and up and coming team and I love being part of that.
Extreme E: How has your relationship with your new team-mate Cristina Gutiérrez
been since joining the team
FM: Im loving working alongside Cristina. Shes so talented and
has really helped me get to grips with everything during the first race weekend.
We had some great conversations on track at the Desert X Prix and went to
dinner a couple of times too, she has some funny stories about her time with
X44 so far!
Im excited to get back together with her in Scotland and see what we
can achieve for the team.
Extreme E: Looking ahead to the next round in Scotland, what are you expecting
there?
FM: Its always fun going to different locations around the world and
I have high hopes that Scotland is going to be a lot of fun I mean,
racing in an old coal mine, thats pretty cool. To be honest Im
now just looking forward to getting on track and getting a better feel for
the car on the terrain. Im also looking forward to trying some traditional
Scottish food. Maybe haggis, or the team are telling me a battered Mars bar
could be the way to go. I cant wait!
Extreme E: What experiences do you have of racing in the UK?
FM: I raced at Lydden Hill last year in Nitro Rallycross and I loved it, such
an historic circuit and the fans were amazing. Theres such a strong
motorsport tradition in the UK and of course most of the X44 team including
our boss Lewis are from here, so its going to be like a home race for
us.
That said, I always try to bring a bit of that Jamaican flavour so you can
expect to hear some dancehall tunes coming out of the X44 garage over the
weekend.
Extreme E: This season has seen the implementation of double-header events,
which means more racing and wheel-to-wheel action. How have you found it?
FM: The more racing, the better! Its been cool so far; and I love being
able to get more time on track to get to grips with the car and learn as much
as possible on each terrain as well. I feel very comfortable racing wheel-to-wheel
with my go kart and rallycross knowledge so I'm looking forward to being able
to give Cristina the car in the switch with a healthy margin.
Extreme E: Lastly, what are your expectations for the Hydro X Prix?
FM: Well as everyone knows by now, anything can happen in Extreme E, so were
just going to work hard on the car and our strategy to put us in the best
place possible. Were going to go out there and push for the win and
with a team as good as ours, were confident we can do it.
Im hearing rumours of a boat party with DJ Carl Cox too so lots to look
forward to!
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-05-02 Veloce Racing's Kevin
Hansen on preparations for the Hydro X Prix
Extreme E: Youre going into the Hydro X Prix as the championship leader!
How does that feel?
Kevin Hansen: It feels great to be the championship leader! Its exactly
where we aim to be and where we hope to be and where we worked to be as well.
The team has put an incredible effort in over the past six months especially,
but also the last two years to get to this point. Its great to finally
start off on a great note and to be the championship leaders. Its exactly
where we want to be and hope to stay.
Extreme E: Now that the dust has settled - could you sum up in three words
the opening round in NEOM?
KH: Thats an interesting one. I would go with Veloce, Live Fast.
The teams success is down to just hard work and the team spirit that
is incredibly nice. Everybody is so hungry for success. We believe in each
other and have confidence in the whole team, from content to engineering to
drivers and we take on each weekend as a collective group. We go out there
on the track to perform at our best and I think that is what we have created
our success from.
Each individual in the team is doing their upmost and theyre hungry
for doing their best and that is the perfect way to work in this championship.
Extreme E: You picked up a win and a second-place finish in Saudi Arabia.
Does the new sporting format suit you?
KH: Yes, I think it suits me. Its more of a similar amount of driving
to what I am used to. There is a lot of on-track action, three times a day,
and you still have a lot of time to analyse the racing and to work on your
driving. You also get more time in the car which is really cool so I would
say the new race format is great. It is definitely more like rallycross
there are more head-to-heads and that is something that I really enjoy. I
like the challenge of that and just trying to be a bit clever out on course.
Trying different things and being creative is always interesting.
I think the format suits me nicely, and Molly also, which is very good so
we work well together, and can prepare really well for the races and strategy
out on course.
Extreme E: Looking ahead to Scotland, are you confident of another strong
showing at the Hydro X Prix?
KH: I am hopeful that we are going to be up there fighting for wins and podiums
once again in Scotland. You never know where the others will be, but I think
we will do well. I am hoping we have some strong days out on course where
we will be where we want to be with the ODYSSEY 21. Our approach will remain
unchanged, too. We will try to do what we did in the last race and prepare
as well as we can with our driving, and also when we get to the location and
analyse the track, so I think we can be confident in a strong showing so long
as we prepare well.
Theres no reason to believe otherwise. We will just do our thing and
hope that ends up meaning podiums for us again.
Extreme E: Youve actually visited the site as part of the race launch!
What did you make of it?
KH: From what I saw at the race launch, the location looks really cool! I
think it is definitely one of the most interesting and certainly one of the
strongest in terms of sustainability that we can showcase at an Extreme E
race. It is incredible what is being planned for the future at the race locations
in terms of renewable energy and it is going to be exciting to follow that
journey.
Like most Extreme E courses I am sure there will be lots of jumps and difficult
parts to navigate out on track, but we are really looking forward to it. I
think it will be spectacular.
Extreme E: Will it be the most challenging yet and is it comparable to any
other location the Championship has visited?
KH: Although we havent seen the track yet, it wont take all of
us long to get up to speed during race week to understand the small details
that will really boost performance. I think it will be challenging, especially
when it comes to elevation changes, but we are all really excited for the
Hydro X Prix. Also, the courses are much shorter compared to Season 1, so
it is a little bit different in terms of getting familiar with the course
and terrain.
We will be prepared for whatever the weekend throws at us and were hoping
for another strong result!
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-04-13 St. Helena arrives
in Scotland with one month to go until Hydro X Prix
Extreme Es floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, has today dropped anchor
in Scotland for off-loading in preparation for the series much-anticipated
return to the UK for the Hydro X Prix next month.
The championships floating centrepiece has docked in Greenock to unload
the freight and Extreme E ODYSSEY 21s on board as preparations and anticipation
grows for the series debut in Scotland on May 13-14. She will then be
based in Troon throughout the build up to and duration of the Hydro X Prix.
The series equipment departed Saudi Arabia following Marchs Desert
X Prix double-header in NEOM. Passing through the Suez Canal, Egypt, the St.
Helena has travelled across the Mediterranean, stopping in Algeciras, Spain,
before the final leg to Scotland.
Amongst the all-important cargo to be unloaded, including the fleet of ODYSSEY
21 electric race cars; plus all the race freight which includes the temporary
structure based paddock of team garages, Continental tyres, and all operational
equipment required to set up the race site in former Scottish opencast coal
mine at Glenmuckloch.
Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: Its fantastic
to see the St. Helenas safe arrival in Scotland, which marks a huge
milestone in our preparations for Extreme Es next round the Hydro
X Prix.
The UK is where Extreme Es global voyage began and although we
are an international championship it is always important to return to our
roots. Racing in Scotland is going to be unique experience with a backdrop
and setting like no other so far in the championship.
It is going to be an incredible event with a breathtaking landscape
behind some of the fastest drivers in the world battling it out wheel-to-wheel,
as well as telling the story of how climate change, and solutions to combat
the crisis such as the transformation of this former opencast coal mine into
an important source of renewable energy, can be right on our doorstep.
SamuelHoward©-IG-11The repurposing of the St. Helena has been a huge
project for Extreme E. Since her purchase in 2018, she has had a complete
internal refit. In addition to building a science laboratory, there are 62
cabins on board which can sleep up to 165 people, two lounges, an 80-seater
restaurant, a 100-seater exterior deck, an 80-seater presentation area plus
capacity to carry 90 20-foot shipping containers.
The ship uses low-energy LED lights, has low-water consumption bathroom fittings
and chairs made from recycled plastic bottles, collected from the Mediterranean.
There is also a hydroponic system on board in the kitchens which enables the
Chef to grow the ships own herbs and garnishes.
As for the action on course, the Championship first raced in the UK during
its maiden season in 2021, tackling a formidable course located in the British
Ministry of Defence Base, at Bovington in Dorset. Now the Hydro X Prix in
Scotland offers an exciting return home for the sport for purpose series,
as it delivers its third season.
Racing in Dumfries and Galloway will create the exciting opportunity to highlight
climate issues and solutions that are not just global, but also right on our
doorstep. The racetrack lends into this aim, as it is located in the restored
former opencast coal mine, which is about to undergo the next phase of its
major transformation into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind
farm.
Moreover, only 18 months ago world leaders met in Glasgow for COP26, aiming
to secure global net zero by the middle of this century. As an off-road rally
series which focuses on the promotion of electric vehicles and clean energy
innovations, the old mine is the perfect natural amphitheatre to showcase
the necessary industry transition to move from fossil fuels to clean energy
futures. It will also impactfully act as an example of the important role
water can play in future renewables and healthy conservation.
The Hydro X Prix is the second round of Extreme E Season 3. The championship
is joint-led for the first time by Veloce Racing and ACCIONA Sainz XE Team,
who both secured their maiden wins during the Desert X Prix.
With 46 points, Veloce Racing and ACCIONA Sainz XE hold the lead over nearest
rivals Rosberg X Racing, who sit in third on 31 points, followed by X44 Vida
Carbon Racing (23 points) and Chip Ganassi (15 points) in fourth and fifth,
respectively.
The racing action will be best viewed live on STV and ITV, in the UK, over
both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May to enable the best views. Outside of the
UK, please visit here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-31 Mattias Ekström
on his return to the championship
Mattias, welcome back to Extreme E! Can you tell us how you got the call to
race for the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team?
Mattias Ekström: The week after Carlos had his incident and got hurt
is when he asked me if I would be interested, and we started chatting about
it. It took a couple of weeks and then we agreed and finally I arrived in
Saudi Arabia very happy to go racing again!
XE: What are your memories of driving in Extreme E in Season 1?
Ekström: We had a couple of good races in Season 1, but we also had some
issues. Mainly though there was some very cool locations and a lot of adventures,
especially with the first event in Saudi Arabia which was pretty dramatic.
It was in general a season full of excitement.
Carlos is very persuasive. I respect Carlos a lot and I must say it was a
lot of fun to have him with us at the first double-header and hopefully he
can come with us to other races as well.
XE: Do you feel the championship has changed a lot since your last race? Has
anything stood out and impressed you?
Ekström: The girls and how fast they drive. The girls have really picked
up the pace and I see that trend continuing as the series progresses.
Secondly, I would say the cars have also improved quite a bit and Extreme
E has grown in the technical department since the series launched.
Thirdly, I think the new format is much more exciting. I prefer the new set-up
with five cars it will have the heartbeat up and continue to entertain
people.
XE: Does the car feel different since you last drove it in 2021?
Ekström: The biggest difference this season with the cars is the steering.
The car is still very kicky in the jumps, but the dampers have improved which
helps a lot in the jumps.
XE: Whats the key to success in this new racing format?
Ekström: I think success in this very much depends on who you race against,
and which start line you have into Turn 1. You have to try and read the situation
as well as you can with the drivers on the grid.
With so many races happening across a weekend the track changes a lot, too.
I think I have learned so much about driving in ruts and sand over the past
two years in the Dakar Rally. Driving in ruts might look easy, but it requires
a bit more if you want to master it. I'm not scared of ruts anymore
I actually enjoy them!
I always expect really rough racing in this series. There are a lot of winner
mentality drivers here - nobody wants to lose, everybody wants to win.
But I think that's what's motor racing is about, especially for me. We all
want to win, and I think with this format you stimulate that even more.
XE: You were on the podium in Round 1. Tell us about your first race back
in the series.
Ekström: We had a good day on the first day of racing - we were second
in Q1 and we won Q2 so I think you can be fair and say that we are a good
pair and we have good pace. We ended up second in the round and also had the
fastest Continental Traction Challenge time so it was a very positive day.
XE: You and Laia Sanz went on to get a maiden victory for the team in Round
2. What did Carlos have to say to you on the podium?
Ekström: For me, before the start of any Heat when he comes to grab me,
it feels so special. I can really feel he wants me to do well, to show for
himself, but also for the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. Carlos way of treating
me is like my dad used to treat me, and that means a lot.
Extreme E returns to action with the Hydro X Prix in Scotland. The racing
action will be best viewed live on STV and ITV, in the UK, over both Saturday
13 and Sunday 14 May to enable the best views. Outside of the UK, please visit
here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-30 Extreme E reveals
plans to race in former Scottish coal mine
Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric off-road rallying series, has today
confirmed that the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site in Dumfries
and Galloway, Scotland, will host its next race event, the Hydro X Prix, on
13-14 May 2023.
With legendary motorsport names involved in the series including Lewis Hamilton,
Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button, NEOM McLaren, Andretti and Carl Cox, the restored
former coal mine, which is about to undergo the next phase of its major transformation
into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm, will provide a
poignant backdrop for the sport which uses its platform to raise awareness
of climate change and global solutions.
Just 18 months ago world leaders met in Glasgow for COP26, aiming to secure
global net zero by the middle of this century. As an off-road rally series
which focuses on the promotion of electric vehicles and clean energy innovations,
the old mine is the perfect natural amphitheatre to showcase the necessary
industry transition to move from fossil fuels to clean energy futures. It
will also impactfully act as an example of the important role water can play
in future renewables and healthy conservation.
Alongside far flung racing destinations which have so far included Greenland,
the Atacama Desert, Saudi Arabia and Senegal, on the west coast of Africa,
the Hydro X Prix in Scotland represents an exciting return home for the sport
for purpose series as it delivers its third season, creating the opportunity
to highlight climate issues and solutions that are not just global, but also
right on our doorstep.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: Extreme E is a unique
sport for purpose racing series. We are thrilled to be headed to Scotland
in May for the Hydro X Prix, and we could not have found a more perfect racing
site than the former Glenmuckloch coal mine.
Extreme E uses its racing platform to tell inspirational stories of
global locations on the forefront of climate issues. Here in Scotland, our
race site will play homage to the much needed transition of an old coal mine
which is being given a new and exciting lease of life as a hydro-project which
will provide a fully renewable energy source for the region for centuries
to come.
Not only will this site provide one of the most dramatic and extreme
race courses we have seen in our global journey, it will tell a poignant story
about transition and the changing of courses that the energy industry and
communities must all take if we are to succeed in the fight against climate
change.
Extreme E offers an exciting wheel to wheel racing format and also provides
a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform, which sees men and women drivers
race equally for success.
Catie Munnings, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, said: It was really exciting
to be in Scotland to kick off the countdown to the Hydro X Prix in May. Its
always great to have a home event, and racing is Scotland is something I am
really looking forward to.
Theres always something unique about every Extreme E course but
racing in a location like this which is close to home will be something special
for me and the team.
I've heard the track will be a combination of both fast sections on
grass as well as drops into a quarry which will be really interesting to see.
The Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team have a lot to build on and we are more
hungry than ever to achieve a result that we deserve.
Jenson Button, JBXE Team Owner, said: It is brilliant that we will be
returning to the UK for Extreme E Season 3 and we are really looking forward
to the next round of the championship in Scotland. There is such a passion
for motorsport in the UK, and it is great that the series is returning to
its roots once again.
Ive been lucky enough to race on UK soil many times throughout
my career and those memories will always be incredibly special to me, while
the last time the series raced in the UK JBXE were able to pick up a podium
and so we will be aiming for similar at the Hydro X Prix.
Racing in Scotland will provide a totally new challenge for our team,
but I am confident we will be able to kick-start our season there.
Anna Fergusson, Estate Director of Buccleuchs Queensberry Estate, home
of Glenmuckloch said: Hosting Extreme E is a wonderful opportunity for
Buccleuch and the local community. Their commitment to the environment flows
through everything they do, and using the sport to highlight local and international
nature-based projects enables engagement on so many levels. For me, personally,
recognising gender equality sends an incredibly positive message, which is
important to recognise.
The project, which secured funding in 2022, will enhance and aid the balancing
of the UK power system, enabling the integration of more renewable generated
energy into the country.
Once constructed, the Pump Storage Hydropower plant will have a capacity which
can be delivered at a rate of 210 MW per hour, providing eight hours of storage
capacity. 1MW is enough to supply the average power requirement for 2,000
homes for an hour Utilising two 105 MW reversible hydro-turbines, the site
will store power during periods of excess energy supply and release stored
energy at times of peak demand.
The wind farm being built in conjunction with the plant will comprise of eight
4.2 MW turbines and will have the ability, via a direct connection, to power
the Pump Storage Hydropower plant.
Extreme E will also embark on a community led project of its own, as part
of its Legacy Programme, to implement a multi-stage project, focused on mitigating
climate change effects on local salmon stocks. From the impactful re-planting
of over a thousand trees, to using innovative technologies being implemented
by Official Technology Partner Vodafone Business to monitor water quality
and temperatures, Extreme E will focus on a long-term transformation of the
River Nith area that will protect the salmon stocks so important to local
industries.
On the sporting side, the racing in Scotland will be as exciting as ever with
a course currently being designed that will include the natural obstacles
of the Scottish terrain while putting the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 vehicle
to the test.
Extreme Es floating centrepiece, the St. Helena ship, which was built
in Aberdeen and went on to provide a vital lifeline to the island of St Helena
for over 30 years, will arrive in Glasgow in mid April to start unloading
its freight and vehicles ahead of the race event.
Being a sport which takes its impact seriously, many measures are in place
to keep Extreme Es event footprint to a minimum. These measures include
capping the number of team personnel and staff who can attend the event, remote
working, and crucially, not having spectators on site.
The racing action will be best viewed live on STV and ITV, in the UK, over
both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May to enable the best views. Outside of the
UK, please visit here for broadcaster details.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-28 A tale of two halves
for ABT CUPRA XE in opening double-header
t was a weekend of ups and downs for ABT CUPRA XE at the 2023 Desert X Prix,
as the team narrowly missed a spot on the podium in the Round 2 Grand Final,
despite a damaging crash during Round 1.
Off the back of their maiden victory in the Season 2 Finale in Uruguay, the
opening race weekend of Extreme E Season 3 was not without its problems for
ABT CUPRA XE. After a damaging roll in the first rounds Redemption Race,
the team faced a time-pressured night shift to get the car ready in time for
the next day of racing.
Nasser Al-Attiyah started the seasons campaign in Qualifying 1 Heat
1 on the Saturday. The Qatari fell to the back of the pack after contact with
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E. However, a roll for Andretti Altawkilat after
the Switch Zone meant the team were able to climb the order to finish fourth.
While Qualifying 2 Heat 2 was a much more measured drive for the team, with
flashes of speed keeping them in the mix throughout, Al-Attiyah and team-mate
Klara Andersson were unable to make up for the mistakes made in Q1 and had
to settle for a spot in the Redemption Race.
The Redemption Race was a chance to win some much-needed points, with Al-Attiyah
getting a clean jump off the line to chase down NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams
Tanner Foust in first. However, the five-time Dakar winner rolled following
an attempt to pass the leader, forcing an early DNF for the team.
The subsequent task to recover the teams ODYSSEY 21 was an arduous one,
as it soon became clear that the nature of the repairs meant ABT CUPRA XE
would have to switch to the championship car for Round 2.
It was an impressive shift and demonstration of true teamwork to get the ODYSSEY
21 prepared to race in the second half of the double-header, with Extreme
Es new race format offering a much-needed haul of points for the team.
The promise of a fresh start on Sunday initially looked at risk, when ABT
CUPRA XE faced a 30-second penalty for switching to the replacement car in
their first Qualifying Heat of the day.
To make the best of this poor starting position, the team chose a bold strategy,
choosing to hang back and take on the Continental Traction Challenge in clear
air. The tactics paid off as Andersson and Al-Attiyah secured the quickest
time through the sector and improved their chances of reaching the Grand Final
despite a P4 finish in the Heat.
This momentum was carried through to Qualifying 2, where Al-Attiyahs
aggressive overtakes meant he entered in Switch Zone in P1, 16.9 seconds clear
of the pack. Andersson took over from her teammate to defend the advantage
all the way to the finish. That Qualifying 2 win meant a sensational entry
into the Round 2 Grand Final.
With an offset strategy the ABT CUPRA XE duo almost staged another brilliant
comeback to claim a top three finish, but had to settle for fourth after missing
out on a podium by just half a second.
Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT CUPRA XE, said: I will keep the weekend in good
memory especially after everything that happened on Saturday. Our comeback
on Sunday with a win in the Qualifying race and a strong performance in the
Grand Final was at least a small reward for the guys efforts. We learned
a lot and will be racing for trophies and wins next time.
Klara Andersson, ABT CUPRA XE, said: The fact that we were able to race
at all on Sunday is a small miracle and only thanks to the mega guys in the
garage. We fought for a podium finish in the Grand Final until the last metre,
but unfortunately it wasnt quite enough. Were still proud of our
weekend and comeback and now come to the races in Scotland even hungrier for
a win.
With two races down, ABT CUPRA XE sits sixth in the championship standings
with 15 points total. It will be all to play for once more when the Extreme
E Season 3 action resumes on 13-14 May in Scotland.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-17 Consistency is key
for Rosberg X Racing as they bid for second Extreme E title
Despite Rosberg X Racing (RXR) making an impressive start to the season at
the Desert X Prix, the prized top-spot on the podium remained elusive. For
drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, however,
two third place finishes and a strong haul of points from Saudi Arabia sets
RXR up confidently for the remaining eight races of 2023.
Extreme E Season 3 promised to be the most closely fought in the series thus
far and Nico Rosbergs RXR did not have it all their own way in NEOM
having won on the championships two visits to Saudi Arabia.
In Round 1, Qualifying Heat 1 resulted in a shaky start, with RXR finishing
in fourth place, before rallying to complete an impressive comeback in Heat
2 finishing second to bag the crucial points required to secure a spot
in the first Grand Final of Season 3.
An incredible first corner from Kristoffersson, where he overtook four cars
to lead after Turn One, set the tone and some strong defensive driving to
hold off Veloce Racings Kevin Hansen ensured RXR led the field at the
Switch Zone.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky took over and crucially maintained the lead to bring
the car home first, however Nico Rosbergs outfit were soon to be denied
that all-important first win of the campaign.
A misjudgement by the Swede in the Slow Zone following an incident which left
GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racings RJ Anderson stricken ODYSSEY 21 stranded
out on course resulted in a 136-second penalty by race control for over speeding
and gaining an advantage.
This ultimately led to Veloce Racing claiming their maiden victory and RXR
dropping down to third place retrospectively when the penalty was applied.
Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: In the end, third place in Round One
was a good result. We began the day with a tricky start position in Q1. Q2
was better, and I had a good start in the Grand Final. I had a plan and strategy
and managed to execute it. I tried to be safe during the first lap, trying
not to make any mistakes as its difficult to overtake.
During the second lap, I tried to open up some breathing space for Mikaela.
Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication with the slow zone, so the penalty
meant we couldnt take home the win. Of course, It hurts a bit not to
win when you finish first, but thats how it is.
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Rosberg X Racing, said: Johan did an
amazing start, and the pace was good. Unfortunately, I had issues understanding
where the slow zone was regarding the Waypoints. But the team has done an
amazing job, and it was a good start to the season.
Despite the setback, the all-new racing format meant that RXR had a second
chance to fight for the win in Round 2. They certainly set a strong tone,
winning their Q1 Heat and securing second spot in Q2 to comfortably reach
their second Grand Final in Saudi Arabia.
After an initial false start in Q1, Kristoffersson delivered a superb start
once more by timing his ENOWA Hyperdrive usage perfectly to surge to the front
of the pack. After handing over to Åhlin-Kottulinsky, a nail-biting
two laps ensued, with RXR finishing in P1.
Q2 saw contact between RXR, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE and ABT CUPRA XE team following
a feisty start. Despite this, Åhlin-Kottulinsky fiercely stood her ground
to enter the switch zone in third. Kristoffersson then used his ENOWA Hyperdrive
on the shoreline straight, passing X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser McConnell
to finish the Heat in second.
The Grand Final saw RXR finish in third for the second time in two days
with the team embroiled in a race-long battle with Veloce Racing for second
place. It was the British outfit who came out on top in that battle, with
Kristoffersson and Åhlin-Kottulinsky settling for third and banking
a crucial podium.
Although the team would have wanted the victory, securing 31 championship
points and two podiums from the first event ensures RXR remain poised to continue
their success in the upcoming races.
With eight more races, the Extreme E Season 1 champions will have plenty of
opportunities to close the gap to the top of the standings.
Kristoffersson said: Both me and Mikaela had good starts this weekend,
and we had a great race craft, which was key to the result this weekend. This
terrain isnt mine or Mikaela's preferable surface compared to many of
the other races that are coming so, considering that, two podiums are a good
result.
Even though we werent always the fastest on track this weekend,
we still collected good points.
So many strong teams didnt make it to the Grand Final during this
X Prix, so we will take the points, regroup, and analyse this result with
the team ahead of Scotland and come back well-prepared.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky added: I felt like this wasnt my strongest
weekend as I struggled quite a bit to understand the terrain, but all things
considered, Im very happy to bring home two P3s! The team did a great
job with the car, and Im very happy to have Johan as my teammate. Hes
done an amazing job and was super quick. Im looking forward to Scotland
and the next doubleheader.
Kimmo Liimatainen, Rosberg X Racing Team Principal, concluded: Obviously,
we always aim for P1, but all in all, it was a solid and clean weekend. With
a double podium and good points in the bag, we will go home and analyse what
we can do better and find more pace.
"Im optimistic that we can strike back in Scotland.
You can see how RXR fare in their attempts to strike back in Scotland at the
next round of Extreme E Season 3 on 13-14 May.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-16 Focus shifts to Scotland
after challenging opening round for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E
As the first race of Season 3 got underway, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E
suffered a Desert X Prix beset by bad luck with the team coming away
from Saudi Arabia with just five points from the opening round.
The teams weekend had started well with Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen
looking to convert the promise shown last season into podium positions.
On Friday, the driver duo delivered strong performances in both Free Practice
sessions, collecting valuable data about the new off-road course and finished
second in both outings.
However, when the racing got underway is when the trouble began for the Andretti
Altawkilat Extreme E team. In Qualifying 1, Munnings chased Carl Cox Motorsports
Christine GZ hard for second place but in attempting an overtake bounced
on an unforgiving bulge in the terrain, unfortunately rolling her ODYSSEY
21.
It was then all hands-on deck for the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team in
the blistering desert heat, as they impressively got their car onto the start
line for their Qualifying 2 Heat. After negotiating a difficult start, Andretti
Altawkilat Extreme E took fourth and a place in the Round 1 Redemption Race.
However, once more they were unable to demonstrate their earlier Practice
pace in the Redemption Race as the team suffered another roll, this time with
Hansen behind the wheel, ensuring a tenth place finish from the first round
of the new season.
Catie Munnings, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team, said: The new race
format leaves a fair bit to chance, and weve been unlucky to start the
season this way. My incident from the first qualifying session meant we started
from grid slot five and the visibility was so poor for parts of the lap. It
also made it difficult to find any rhythm and pull back some time to the car
ahead.
Overall, Round 1 was not reflective of our pace from the Free Practice
sessions. I know that we are capable of a good result if everything aligns
for us, so thats what well focus on now.
Timmy Hansen, Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team, said: "Round 1 was
probably one of the worst race days Ive had in many years. Two rolls
in one day pretty much sums up how things went for us. It just wasnt
our day today. In Extreme E, the margins are so tight, meaning one incident
may cause bigger problems for the rest of your day."
Round 2 offered a chance at a comeback with plenty of racing and points opportunities
on the table.
Hansen had a great launch off the line in Qualifying 1 and coming into the
Switch Zone the team clocked the fastest time and maintained the lead. However,
late overtakes by Veloce Racing and X44 Vida Carbon Racing ensured the team
finished third in their Heat.
Qualifying 2 also showed promise, yet an unfortunate landing from a jump after
exiting the Switch Zone ensured yet another roll for Hansen and the
teams third across the weekend. Fortunately, their ODYSSEY 21 had only
suffered minor damage, but resultant incident ensured the Swede and Munnings
would have to settle for another Redemption Race for Round 2.
In a scrappy final race of the weekend for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team,
they were able to finish third in the Redemption Race, and eighth overall,
to conclude what had been a frustrating opening X Prix of 2023.
Munnings added: "The Redemption Race in Round 2 was more like the Crazy
Race! I took over the car, but there were yellow zones and cars off from incidents
ahead. From the position that we had after losing a place in the Switch Zone,
there was not much I could do in the conditions but, hopefully, there will
be some valuable data from the race that we can use and learn more about the
car.
We know were far more capable of what weve been able to
show in Saudi Arabia. We always have to look at the positives and, as a team,
were strong at doing so. We know we have the pace, so weve just
got to be able to convert it now.
Hansen concluded: I think we had the pace when there was a clear track
but, unfortunately, we werent able to convert that into any results.
We had a couple of crashes that cost us on both days, which is not how we
were hoping to start the season.
Nonetheless, its been a great event in Saudi Arabia seeing
everyone from Altawkilat and getting the season started in this stunning location.
Weve got a good team behind us who have been with us since Season 1,
so well keep our heads down and focus on Scotland next on the calendar.
Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E will have the opportunity to bounce back at
the next Extreme E round in Scotland on 13-14 May.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-14 Two new winners at
Season 3 opener hints at closest championship yet
Veloce Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team competitive season yet in the series,
with several teams showing signs of challenging for wins in 2023.
Having claimed just one podium from their first two Extreme E campaigns, for
Veloce Racing the Desert X Prix in NEOM was the culmination of a remarkable
turnaround.
Having finished 2022 tenth in the overall standings, the British outfit top
the Extreme E standings at the end of the first X Prix double-header having
taken a debut victory and a deserved second place from their desert excursions
in Saudi Arabia.
For drivers Molly Taylor and Kevin Hansen, their start to life at Veloce Racing
could not have been much stronger.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: As weekends go it couldnt have
gone much better. Everyone in the team has done such a great job and I dont
think I have ever had so much fun along the way.
A victory, a double podium and being inside the top two in every session
is not easy to achieve, particularly in this championship, so we can all be
delighted with the performance and look forward to the rest of the season.
The duo made their debuts for Veloce Racing at the Season 2 finale in Punta
del Este, Uruguay, where they became the first team outside of X44 Vida Carbon
Racing and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) to finish as top Qualifier.
It is evident that such momentum has been carried into the 2023, with the
team aiming to ensure their success in Saudi Arabia is not a flash in the
pan.
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: We have shown that we can lead from
the front, but we can also go wheel-to-wheel for position, as both Molly and
I have made up places during the weekend. Both of us believe so much in what
the engineers and mechanics are doing, so we feel so safe when we get in the
car. We believe in what we are going to drive, and I think that is also giving
some results.
We know we have the right package in place, and we look forward to taking
this confidence to Scotland in May.
Taylor added: I've obviously been out of the car for a little while
so you need confidence in yourself that you can deliver. But the team
have been so supportive and brilliant at bringing the best out of every aspect
that we look into.
Our Team Principal Luc [Alphand] knows what it takes to win. Having
that faith in someone like that, who's got the scores on the board, who knows
what you're feeling, and knows how to translate that into results, I think
that's a real advantage for us.
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team join Veloce Racing at the head of the Extreme E Season
3 standings with their debut win in Round 2 at the first X Prix of the year.
Although a contender throughout their time in Extreme E, their maiden victory
had been elusive up until the second leg in NEOM, where Laia Sanz and new
team-mate Mattias Ekström crossed the line first to secure that long
awaited win.
Having been so close to victory on a number of occasions, Sanz and Ekström
hope that this victory will take the team from front-runner to championship
contender in the series.
Although unable to drive for the team currently due to injury, the Spanish
outfit still has talismanic Carlos Sainz Snr. in their corner this term.
Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: "Finally! I think we did a
great job. Not only this weekend, but these two years with Carlos [Sainz Snr.]
and all the team. I think he really deserved this win and they deserve this
win and I'm super happy also with Mattias [Ekström] who has helped me
so much and played a huge part in the good results in Saudi Arabia.
This victory is for all the people on the team because they truly deserve
it for all the work we have done to be in this position, especially for Carlos.
I learned so much with him as my teammate and it is fantastic that he is with
us here, helping us and giving advice.
"Look how difficult it was to get to the Final that we won, though. For
us, it was really close. We felt we were strong throughout but then you can
see the other teams performing well and being strong it will be a long
season.
We can feel proud, but we must keep up the good work. To win the championship
we need to avoid big mistakes.
Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: It's always great
to be racing and to be on the podium, but I think this one is a little different.
It was a late c-all for me to join the team, and I'm really happy that Carlos
[Sainz Snr.] called me and trusted me to step in for him.
During the weekend, when you are not driving, it can be difficult to
keep looking at data and finding the motivation throughout the days to look
for details. But Carlos can do the same thing five times and he never get
bored. He can repeat, repeat, repeat thats so impressive and
crucial to our performance as a team.
We have had strong pace so far this season, though, with two very positive
days of racing. We can be happy with a lot of things in this championship
to date.
Such strong weekends from the aforementioned debut winners have indicated
just how competitive it will be in Season 3, and that X44 Vida Carbon Racing
and RXR may not have it all their own way in their pursuit of a second Extreme
E championship.
The pioneering series now looks towards its next race weekend in Scotland
(13-14 May), which will be just as closely fought as the opening round in
the desert of Saudi Arabia.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-12 Carlos Sainz's
team claim long-awaited victory at Desert X Prix Round 2
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secured their first ever win in Extreme E with a dominant
run in the Grand Final, finishing ahead of Round 1 winners Veloce Racing in
second and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in third on the sands of NEOM, Saudi Arabia.
Laia Sanz and Mattias Ekström, supported on-site by team owner Carlos
Sainz Snr., dominated the race from start to finish, establishing a comfortable
lead as Veloce Racing and RXR fought over the runners-up spot.
In fourth place were ABT CUPRA XE, having recovered well from a crash in Round
1s Redemption Race to make it to the Grand Final second time around.
No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing finished fifth, marking two Grand
Finals out of two for the teams new driver-pairing of RJ Anderson and
Extreme E newcomer Amanda Sorensen.
Winners of the Redemption Race were X44 Vida Carbon Racing. Having tied fifth
in Qualifying with eventual Round 2 winners, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, Fraser
McConnell and Cristina Gutiérrez lost out on a spot in the Grand Final
due to a slower time in the Continental Traction Challenge.
X44 Vida Carbon Racing came back swinging, ending Round 2 with the quickest
time in the Traction Challenge on their way to victory in the Redemption Race,
securing a valuable 10 points in the championship battle.
The Desert X Prix double-header delivered two maiden victories, with wins
for Veloce Racing and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. Whats more, with the
Round 2 podium featuring the same top three teams from Round 1, they will
be the ones to watch as the series heads into the next X Prix weekend in Scotland
on May 13-14.
Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: I am very happy, both for
myself and the team. We clinched our maiden win in Extreme E! I want to thank
Mattias for giving me the car with such a good advantage over the rest of
the field. I did a good stint and was able to keep the distance, so I am more
than satisfied.
"This victory is for all the people on the team because they truly deserve
it for all the work we have done to be in this position, especially for Carlos
Sainz. It was an honor that he called me to ask if I wanted to race with him
in Extreme E and I am trying to pay back his trust with all my motivation
and my willingness to improve even further. I learned so much with him as
my teammate and it is fantastic that he is with us here, helping us and giving
advice. Today we can feel proud, but we must keep up the good work.
Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: We had designed
a strategy for the Grand Final and I executed it as well as I could. I am
really happy that it turned out to be fruitful. It is always easier to race
in front and have a clear view in front than being behind another car and
having to deal with all the dust. I really enjoyed every corner. Laia drove
very well and managed the gap perfectly. It is a good victory for the team.
"It is also very special for Carlos. We have been teammates at the Dakar
Rally for the past two years, but ever since I joined ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team
he has been really caring. He has taught me many things, as a father would.
He is a great guy and it makes me really happy that we can dedicate this victory
to him.
Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, added: I am really happy
that the first victory of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team is finally here because
we have worked a lot of time to achieve it. Laia and Mattias were spectacular
and they already showed that they are one of the strongest driver pairings
in the Championship.
"We have grown steadily and so have our results. Starting the Championship
in this fashion is a good sign. We must keep up the good work and I hope the
team is able to keep the same trend in the next race because our goal is to
fight for the Championship. Today is also a day to be thankful to our sponsors,
like Acciona, Santander Private Banking, and Asterra because without them
it would be really difficult to achieve a success like this.
Grand Final
As the top five teams from Qualifying took on the Grand Final in Extreme E,
Ekström set the tone for the race as he charged into the lead for ACCIONA
| SAINZ XE Team.
Behind the Swede, Veloce Racings Kevin Hansen dug deep to get ahead
of RXRs Johan Kristoffersson to take second place, as the RXR machine
bounced sideways through the dips in the course.
Just as the front three got some breathing space from No.99 GMC HUMMER EV
Chip Ganassi Racings Anderson and ABT CUPRA XEs Klara Andersson
in fourth and fifth, respectively, Hansen accidentally hit the pit limiter.
The Veloce Racing ODYSSEY 21 dropped back into third while Hansen recovered
from the sudden loss of speed.
Ekström continued to extend his lead for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team as the
other teams lost time tussling for position, with Kristoffersson defending
hard against Hansen until the Veloce Racing driver took a wider line and completed
the overtake on RXR for second place.
Following the driver change, which saw Veloce Racings Molly Taylor and
RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky door-to-door as they exited the
Switch Zone, it was a comfortable run for Sanz in the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team
car.
The Spaniard kept a cool head to complete a clean run, while Taylor brought
her ODYSSEY 21 home in second for Veloce Racing.
RXRs Åhlin-Kottulinsky fended off Nasser Al-Attiyah in the final
stages of the race to claim the third step on the podium, with ABT CUPRA XE
finishing fourth after Al-Attiyah got past No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi
Racings Sorensen.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: "It was a really cool weekend for
us and a great way to start the new season! For me coming back in Ive
obviously been out of the car for a little while so you like to have
confidence and belief in yourself but then youve obviously got to get
out there and prove yourself.
"The new format means theres more racing which is a good thing
and more fun for sure. Weve seen how close everyone is. The teams that
were on the podium were fast but there were plenty of teams that were also
very fast and not on the podium."
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: "It has been great to kick off the
season like this and to get two podiums to start the year. For sure it was
a big challenge, and the ruts were almost the same height as the car at some
points in the finals but we managed to come through.
"It was a treat to start this way but there were the same three teams
up there on the podium so we can expect all the others to improve as well
before the next race and we need to do the same."
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Rosberg X Racing, said: "Getting a double
podium on a weekend like this is obviously great, but it has also been a tough
weekend. I found it hard to pick up pace and be in there, but Ive really
been struggling to improve and to get better.
"We are happy with P3 today and, of course, it was a shame about yesterday,
but its so important just to collect points. There are so many great
teams out there, so to be in the Grand Final every time and keep collecting
those points is what is going to get you the championship in the end."
Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing, said: "The track was very challenging
but was rewarding if you were prepared to take risks. In the final today,
I was a little bit too cautious and that allowed Kevin [Hansen] to pass me,
but I think the weekend wasnt too bad.
"It always feels a little bit like you left something on the table, especially
yesterday and maybe today with that overtaking from Kevin, but in the end
you know with the new format and tricky start conditions from both Q1s
Saturday and Sunday, to score important points is good."
Redemption Race
The remaining five teams fought it out in the Redemption Race in pursuit of
those all important sixth to tenth place championship points.
Carl Cox Motorsport looked to have taken an early lead in the race as Timo
Scheider pushed his ODYSSEY 21 to the limit, bouncing round the outside of
the opening right-hander. X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser McConnell,
however, stuck to his trusted inside line to jump to the front of the pack.
Behind them was Andretti Altawkilat Extreme Es Timmy Hansen, followed
by NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust in fourth, and JBXEs
Heikki Kovalainen in fifth, until Foust pulled out onto a wider line and cut
back in to overtake Hansen for third place.
Scheider kept just two seconds adrift of X44 Vida Carbon Racings McConnell
as the German ran in second for Carl Cox Motorsport. Meanwhile the front three
pulled away from Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E and JBXE, and as they approached
the Switch Zone Scheider was late on the brakes, making contact with McConnell
as they entered.
Carl Cox Motorsport managed to get the better of X44 Vida Carbon Racing at
the driver change, as Christine GZ emerged ahead of Cristina Gutiérrez.
The X44 Vida Carbon Racing driver soon retook the lead, however, as the NEOM
McLaren Extreme E Team continued a trouble free run behind.
The same cannot be said for Carl Cox Motorsports GZ and JBXEs
Hedda Hösas, though, as both suffered a roll during their stint. GZ was
able to crawl home in fourth, handing second and third place to NEOM McLaren
Extreme E Team and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E, respectively, while JBXE
ended their Desert X Prix with a DNF.
Results:
Grand Final:
1. ACCIONA SAINZ XE Team 11:10.821
2. Veloce Racing +5.527
3. Rosberg X Racing +7.429
4. ABT CUPRA XE +7.987
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +22.321
Redemption Race:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 11:10.132
2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +10.150
3. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +33.296
4. Carl Cox Motorsport +2:43.534 (PENALISED)
5. JBXE DNF
Championship Standings:
1. Veloce Racing: 46 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 46 points
3. Rosberg X Racing: 31 points
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 23 points
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 21 points
6. ABT CUPRA XE: 15 points
7. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 14 points
8. Carl Cox Motorsport: 8 points
9. JBXE: 5 points
10. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 5 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-12 Två pallplatser
i Extreme E-premiären
Två tredjeplatser blev facit för Rosberg X Racing i premiären
av Extreme E i Saudiarabien. Johan Kristoffersson och Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky
körde stabilt och undvek misstag i den tuffa terrängen vid Röda
havet.
- När vi får smälta det här kommer vi nog tycka att det
var ganska bra, säger Johan.
Kristoffersson och Åhlin-Kottulinsky fick en tung start i lördagens
race med en fjärdeplats i sitt första kvalificeringsheat.
- Vi fick en dålig lottning och startade i ett svårt läge.
Jag tycker vi hade speeden på fria träningen, men det spelar ingen
roll om man inte startar på rätt ställe, säger Johan.
Bättre gick det i andra heatet, där en andraplats räckte till
sista platsen i finalen. Även där med ett knepigt utgångsläge.
- Vi hamnade längst ut igen. Jag hade valt en plan och satsade allt på
ett kort. Det gick vägen, berättar Johan, som mycket elegant tog
sig in från sitt ytterspår och svepte förbi samtliga motståndare
och upp i ledning.
- Därifrån försökte jag bara ta bilen säkert hem
till Mikaela. Det var ganska slagigt och svårt, men jag kunde i alla
fall öppna upp ett gap på några sekunder.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky tog sedan RXR-bilen över mållinjen som
etta, vilket skulle ha betytt tre raka premiärsegrar för teamet
i Extreme E. Men det stora segerjublet uteblev. RXR hade överskridit
hastigheten i byteszonen under Mikaelas runda och fick en bestraffning som
betydde nerflyttning till tredje plats.
- Det blev en miss i kommunikationen där. Tråkigt, men vi slutade
trea och fick med oss många poäng, så det var ändå
bra, menar Johan.
Till skillnad från första dagen inleddes andra dagens tävling
på allra bästa sätt. RXR tog hem Q1 efter att Johan än
en gång levererat en suverän start från ytterspår.
Den här gången hittade han vinnarspåret längst ut och
svepte hela fältet.
Mikaela skötte resten av jobbet och ordnade maximala tio kvalpoäng
till RXR.
- Gott att vi kunde gå in i Q2 med att redan ha säkrat tio poäng,
tycker Kristoffersson.
I andra kvalheatet var det Åhlin-Kottulinsky som inledde. Hon följde
teamkamratens exempel och levererade ett stycke startmagi fram till ledning.
Denna fick hon dock släppa efter tuff närkontakt från Nasser
al-Attiyah, men läget var ändå bra för Johan när
han gav sig ut och säkrade andraplatsen.
Med kvalplaceringarna 1-2 summerade RXR en andraplats totalt i kvalet, men
hamnade åter en gång långt ut i startspåren.
- Jag fick en bra start där också, men det går inte att göra
så mycket mer därifrån.
Johan kom ut som trea, tog sig förbi Kevin Hansen som strulade till det,
men bjöd tillbaka med ett eget misstag.
- Det var rejält slagigt där. I efterhand kan jag tycka att jag
var lite för försiktig, men det finns ett långsiktigt tänk
där man inte vill tappa poäng genom att köra sönder bilen.
Just säsongen som helhet finns med när Kristoffersson summerar första
tävlingshelgen, med två tredjeplatser och en tredjeplats totalt
i mästerskapet.
- Det är otroligt starka team som inte ens kommer till final någon
av dagarna. Så här kommer det att bli, att det svänger fram
och tillbaka under säsongen. Då är det viktigt att vara med
där framme så mycket som möjligt.
Och de sandiga dynerna i Saudiarabien är inte heller någon specialitet
för Rosberg X Racing-förarna.
- Det svider förstås lite att vi lämnade en del på bordet
åt de andra, men det är inte vare sig min eller Mikaelas favorit
att åka i sand. Nu säkrar vi ändå två tredjeplatser
och får med en bra säck med poäng hem.
- Fantastiskt bra jobb av hela teamet under helgen. Nu ska vi analysera det
här och ta nya tag i Skottland i maj!
23-03-12 Veloce Racing and
Rosberg X Racing win Q1 Heats in Desert X Prix Round 2
Veloce Racing and Rosberg X Racing (RXR) secured a strong start to Round 2
in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, with wins in their respective Qualifying 1 Heats.
Having both made the Final in Round 1 of the Desert X Prix, with Veloce Racing
taking their maiden victory in the series, the two teams continued their impressive
form in an action-packed Q1.
Qualifying 1 - Heat 1
As the five teams charged towards the opening corner, it was the Hansen brothers
who made the best start. Timmy chose the inside line for Andretti Altawkilat
Extreme E as Kevin charged around the outside for Round 1 victors Veloce Racing.
As Veloce Racing slotted into second, X44 Vida Carbon Racings Fraser
McConnell was close behind in third, followed by Timo Scheider in fourth for
Carl Cox Motorsport.
ABT CUPRA XE dropped to the back of the pack at the start, with the team set
to serve a 30-second penalty in the Switch Zone for using the championship
car, following damage to the chassis of their own ODYSSEY 21 when Nasser Al-Attiyah
rolled in Round 1s Redemption Race.
They made the most of their situation, however, hanging back to take on the
Continental Traction Challenge with clear air ahead of them. This bold strategy
paid off as the team went fastest through the sector, which could prove crucial
if they tie on points with another outfit in Round 2s overall Qualifying.
Up ahead the front four remained tightly packed, as Veloce Racings Hansen
put pressure on his brother for first and Carl Cox Motorsports Scheider
attacked X44 Vida Carbon Racings McConnell for third.
The teams approached the driver change in these pairs, but problems for Carl
Cox Motorsport in the Switch Zone saw Christine GZ stuck in her bay as the
team suffered another Qualifying DNF.
Exiting the Switch Zone, Veloce Racings Molly Taylor set her sights
on Catie Munnings in the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E ODYSSEY 21. The Australian
refused to play it safe, pushing Munnings from the very start of their two-lap
stint.
Behind them X44 Vida Carbon Racings Cristina Gutiérrez closed
the gap as the drama continued to build, with Taylors bonnet flying
clean off as she attempted an overtake. Taylor made use of her ENOWA Hyperdrive
to complete the pass on Munnings and claim the lead for Veloce Racing on the
shoreline straight.
Gutiérrez held on to her ENOWA Hyperdrive until late on, timing it
perfectly as she stole second place for X44 Vida Carbon Racing as the teams
approached the finish line. Munnings tried to recover but ran out of course,
thus finishing third just 0.293 seconds behind Gutiérrez, with ABT
CUPRA XEs Al-Attiyah bringing the car home safely in fourth.
Veloce Racing and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E had initially received penalties
for speeding in the Switch Zone giving X44 Vida Carbon Racing the win however,
following a review, these were rescinded ensuring the on-course finishing
positions were retained.
Qualifying 1 - Heat 2
After an initial false start the Heat got going at the second attempt, with
RXRs Johan Kristoffersson sandwiched between the JBXE and ACCIONA |
SAINZ XE Team cars as the teams approached the first corner.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Teams Tanner Foust pushed for the lead as he
charged up the inside line, but despite being squeezed Kristoffersson timed
his ENOWA Hyperdrive perfectly to surge to the front as No.99 GMC HUMMER EVs
RJ Anderson picked up the fight for second with Foust.
Mattias Ekström was close behind for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, and gained
a position as Foust tussled with Anderson, the former dropping to fourth in
the melee for the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team.
All five teams remained congested, but only JBXEs Heikki Kovalainen
had held onto his ENOWA Hyperdrive, which the Finn used to take fourth place
from Foust as the front three pulled away.
Anderson tried new lines as he tried take the lead for No.99 GMC HUMMER EV
Chip Ganassi Racing, but RXRs Kristoffersson shut the door repeatedly
as the teams approached the Switch Zone.
Laia Sanz and Amanda Sorensen were side by side as they exited their bays,
but Sanz soon slotted into third for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team behind the No.99
GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing car.
A nail-biting two laps ensued, with the frontrunners close together as they
approached the end of the race.
As Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky crossed the line in first for RXR, Sanz
attempted to steal second with her ENOWA Hyperdrive. The Spaniard fell 0.619
seconds short of pulling off the overtake, placing ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team
third behind No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racings Sorensen.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team came fourth, despite a penalty for speeding in
the Switch Zone, after Emma Gilmour managed to get round JBXEs Hedda
Hösas who finished a close fifth.
With Qualifying 2, the Redemption Race and the Grand Final all still to come
today, find out where you can watch the action here.
Qualifying 1 Results:
Heat 1:
1. Veloce Racing 11:25.061
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing +2.777
3. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +3.070
4. ABT CUPRA XE +1:09.044 (PENALISED)
5. Carl Cox Motorsport DNF
Heat 2:
1. Rosberg X Racing 11:27.999
2. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing +0.996
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +1.615
4. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +12.047 (PENALISED)
5. JBXE +12.342
Overall Qualifying 1 Standings:
1. Veloce Racing: 10 points
2. Rosberg X Racing: 10 points
3. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 8 points
4. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 8 points
5. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 6 points
6. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 6 points
7. ABT CUPRA XE: 4 points
8. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 4 points
9. JBXE: 2 points
10. Carl Cox Motorsport: 0 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-11 Veloce Racing claims
maiden victory in Desert X Prix Round 1
Veloce Racing secured their first ever victory in Extreme E following a penalty
for on course winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in the Grand Final of the opening
round in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor put in a consistent drive for the Desert X Prix
Round 1 Grand Final, and while it looked like an outright win was within their
grasp they ended the race in second behind Nico Rosbergs outfit.
After crossing the finish line in first place, RXR received a penalty for
speeding under a yellow flag, dropping the team from first to third and ensuring
Veloce Racing took the top step on the podium for the first time. ACCIONA
| Sainz XE Team finished third on course, but jumped up to second after RXR
received their time penalty.
Winners of the series first Redemption Race were the NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Team having seen off championship debutants Carl Cox Motorsport. Tanner
Foust and Emma Gilmour came out as best of the rest in a race of two halves,
as the session was red flagged following racing incidents for Andretti ALTAWKILAT
Extreme E and ABT CUPRA XE.
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing, said: It feels great. To come back to Saudi
Arabia and get my first Extreme E win with this new team, with Molly, and
in the country that I had such a career changing accident, this is such a
highlight.
Both of us believe so much in what the engineers and mechanics are doing,
so we feel so safe when we get in the car. We believe in what we are going
to drive and I think that is also giving some results.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing, said: I think all of us in the team clicking
right from the beginning and developing and improving. We were able to start
at a really good level in Uruguay form there they've been really good at bringing
the best out of every aspect that we look into.
Our Team Principal Luc [Alphand] knows what it takes to win. Having
that faith in someone like that, who's got the scores on the board, who knows
what you're feeling, and knows how to translate that into results, I think
that's a real advantage for us.
Grand Final
As the top five teams from Qualifying took on the first ever Grand Final in
Extreme E, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Teams Mattias Ekström seemed to have
the better start of the group.
As the Swede swung round the outside, RXRs Johan Kristoffersson stayed
closest to the apex of the corner, and the inside line paid off as he charged
to the front of the field.
Veloce Racings Hansen slotted into second place behind Kristofferson
after an impressive move on the outside saw him pass Ekström and No.99
GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganssi Racings RJ Anderson. The American then dropped
to the back of the pack behind Fraser McConnell in the X44 Vida Carbon Racing
ODYSSEY who took fourth.
The front four were nose-to-tail with no team gaining an advantage having
all used their ENOWA Hyperdrive at the start. As the Swedish trio broke away,
Hansen refused to let Kristoffersson go as Ekström also held them both
in his sights.
McConnell began to reel in the cars in front as he pushed his ODYSSEY 21,
with No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing out of contention having come
to a stop on course. The race was soon over for X44 Vida Carbon Racing as
well, as technical issues denied Lewis Hamiltons outfit a shot at the
podium.
Up ahead the drama continued, with Ekström beginning to drop off the
pace as Kristoffersson continued to shut the door on Hansen in the Veloce
Racing ODYSSEY 21 as the teams entered the Switch Zone.
Following the driver change, Veloce Racings Taylor took up the chase
as she looked to take the lead away from RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.
The Australian looked in with a chance, until she ran wide and dropped time.
Åhlin-Kottulinsky crossed the line in first, with Veloce Racing finishing
second and Laia Sanz coming home in third for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. Celebrations
were interrupted, however, when Nico Rosberg;s outfit were penalised
for speeding in a yellow flagged zone. The 136-second penalty saw the team
drop to third, handing Veloce Racing their maiden victory in Extreme E.
Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: We have had a good start to
the championship so I think in the end it was a great day!
We showed good pace in Qualifying and we got the Traction Challenge
points so we are happy as we showed that we can win some races. But the level
is crazy and everyone fights so hard so it will be difficult.
Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: We are really happy
to have finished second today! Im happy for myself on getting the call
from Carlos [Sainz Snr.] but even more happy for him as team boss being here
to see us finish second.
It was all going well until I came to RJs [Anderson] car which
was a misunderstanding on my part with the slow zone but I will take that
lesson with me.
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Rosberg X Racing, said: The team did
an amazing job, there were tough fights out there in Qualifying 1 and 2 but
the team put the car back together amazingly.
We were happy to make it the Final. Johan made an amazing start but
then I made a mistake in the slow zone. I thought it was 18 for the slow zone
not 17, so that was unfortunate of course but in the end a good job from the
team.
Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing, said: Its always nice
to be on the podium but its never the nicest thing to cross the finish
line first and not win!
Given that the track is so rough, its impressive that no cars stopped
because of the hard impacts from the bumps so thats well done to Spark
for making the cars so reliable and also well done to our team.
Redemption Race
The remaining five teams fought it out in the Redemption Race to determine
sixth to tenth place in the Desert X Prix Round 1 standings.
A strong start from eventual race winners NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team saw
Tanner Foust take the lead ahead of ABT CUPRA XEs Nasser Al-Attiyah
and JBXEs Heikki Kovalainen, whose impressive Extreme E debut showed
no signs of faltering.
An incident at the back of the pack saw the Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E
ODYSSEY 21 endure its second roll of the day. As Al-Attiyah shut the door
on Carl Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider, the German veered into Timmy
Hansen sending his ODYSSEY 21 into a spin and Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme
E out of the race.
This was the first of three DNFs in the race, as Al-Attiyah also rolled his
ABT CUPRA XE ODYSSEY 21 over the top of the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team as
the Qatari attempted to undercut Foust for the lead.
The remaining trio still on the move avoided the wreckage, with Kovalainen
taking the lead in the chaos, and pulled into the Switch Zone as the leader
as a Red Flag stopped the race.
As the action got back underway, Gilmour used her ENOWA Hyperdrive immediately
to close the gap on Hedda Hösas, but the JBXE team soon dropped to the
back before retiring from the race with technical issues, meaning the New
Zealander crossed the finish line first ahead of Carl Cox Motorsports
Christine GZ.
Results:
Grand Final:
1. Veloce Racing 11:56.291
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +16.709
3. Rosberg X Racing +2:08.041 (PENALISED)
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing DNF
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing DNF
Redemption Race:
1. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team 28:55.292
2. Carl Cox Motorsport +5.552
3. JBXE DNF
4. ABT CUPRA XE DNF
5. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E DNF
Championship Standings:
1. Veloce Racing: 26 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 21 points
3. Rosberg X Racing: 15 points
4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 13 points
5. No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 11 points
6. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 8 points
7. Carl Cox Motorsport: 6 points
8. JBXE: 4 points
9. ABT CUPRA XE: 2 points
10. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E: 1 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com
23-03-11 X44 Vida Carbon Racing
and GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing win Q1 Heats
Defending champions X44 Vida Carbon Racing and Season 2 title contenders GMC
HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing secured the perfect start to their Season 3
campaign with wins in their respective Qualifying 1 Heats.
Despite both outfits fielding a debutant they secured the top spots in a dramatic
Q1, which saw a roll for Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme Es Catie Munnings
and multiple ODYSSEY 21s missing some bodywork.
Qualifying 1 - Heat 1
As the five teams charged towards the opening corner, it was RJ Anderson in
the lead for GMC HUMMER EV, ahead of Extreme E returner Mattias Ekström
in the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team car.
Carl Cox Motorsports Timo Scheider slotted into third, with Timmy Hansen
and Nasser Al-Attiyah rounding out the pack after the ABT CUPRA XE driver
made contact with the back of the Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E car.
Out in front Ekström soon closed in on Anderson, pulling up alongside
the American but falling short of the overtake as Anderson clung onto the
inside line.
Anderson held off multiple attempts by the Swede before entering the Switch
Zone in first, with Scheider, Hansen and Al-Attiyah maintaining their track
position not far behind the leading pair.
As Laia Sanz took over the wheel for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, she tried an
alternate line, putting the pressure on Extreme E newcomer Amanda Sorensen
as they approached the shoreline section.
The move proved too much as the Spaniard ran wide into the water, giving Sorensen
the breathing room she needed to take a win on debut for GMC HUMMER EV Chip
Ganassi Racing ahead of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team in second.
Klara Andersson suffered a similar fate to Sanz, running wide onto the water
as she pushed to close the gap from fifth for ABT CUPRA XE. Ahead of the Swede,
a tight battle ensued between Carl Cox Motorsport and Andretti ALTAWKILAT
Extreme E as Chirstine GZ and Catie Munnings fought hard for third and those
all important points for a place in the Grand Final.
As the tussling pair left the shoreline, Munnings made an aggressive move
on the inside of GZ but rolled as her ODYSSEY 21 bounced on an unforgiving
bump in the terrain.
The incident put Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E out of the race, ensuring a
comfortable third on debut for Carl Cox Motorsport and fourth place for the
recovering ABT CUPRA XE team.
Qualifying 2 - Heat 2
Heat 2 was no less action-packed, as the new sporting format delivered excitement
from the outset.
NEOM McLaren Extreme Es Tanner Foust emerged at the front of the pack
initially, closely followed by Rosberg X Racings (RXR) Johan Kristoffersson
as the pair took a wider line into the first corner.
In their rear view mirror, X44 Vida Carbon Racing debutant Fraser McConnell
stuck to the inside line of the tight right-hander, and cut through from fourth
place all the way to first.
A steady start from JBXEs Heikki Kovalainen saw the Finn in third, behind
Foust and ahead of Kristoffersson in his first Extreme E race.
Having followed the same line as McConnell, Veloce Racings Kevin Hansen
was cut off and left to chase down Kristoffersson from fifth place. Hansen
soon passed his fellow Swede, making use of his ENOWA Hyperdrive on the shoreline
straight.
Up ahead a confident drive from McConnell saw the Jamaican extend his lead,
though only just over six seconds separated the pack from front to back. The
wheel-to-wheel action behind him resulted in contact between Kovalainen and
Hansen as the latter tried to make the overtake.
Returning to the shoreline straight on the second lap, Foust lost time as
he dipped a wheel into the water, opening the door for Kovalainen to surge
into second place as NEOM McLaren Extreme E dropped to third in front of Veloce
Racing and RXR.
The teams entered the Switch Zone in this order, but Veloce Racings
Molly Taylor managed to leapfrog Emma Gilmour in the NEOM McLaren Extreme
E Team car. As that tight-knit pack launched out of the Switch Zone, Taylor
then got the better of JBXEs Hedda Hosås to take second place,
forcing the Norwegian to take the alternate, and ultimately slower, line.
Behind them RXRs Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky stole fourth place
from Gilmour right by the waters edge. The NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team
driver then made contact with the RXR ODYSSEY 21 as she tried and failed to
take back the position.
X44 Vida Carbon Racing pulled clear to take the win, followed by Veloce Racing
in a comfortable second place after a tricky opening. JBXEs Hosås,
coming under pressure from RXRs Åhlin-Kottulinsky, made use of
her ENOWA Hyperdrive to hold onto that all important third place in the Heat
ahead of RXR and NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team in fifth.
With Qualifying 2, the Redemption Race and the Grand Final all still to come
today, find out where you can watch the action here.
Qualifying 1 Results:
Heat 1:
1. GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 11:32:914
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +3.384
3. Carl Cox Motorsport +18.663
4. ABT CUPRA XE +2:09.126 (PENALISED)
5. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E DNF
Heat 2:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 11:32.993
2. Veloce Racing +8.734
3. JBXE +19.100
4. Rosberg X Racing +20.980
5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E +28.728 (PENALISED)
Overall Qualifying 1 Standings:
1. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 10 points
2. GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 10 points
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 8 points
4. Veloce Racing: 8 points
5. Carl Cox Motorsport: 6 points
6. JBXE: 6 points
7. Rosberg X Racing: 4 points
8. ABT CUPRA XE: 4 points
9. NEOM McLaren Extreme E: 2 points
10. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E: 0 points
To learn more about Extreme E, visit -
www.Extreme-E.com