Extreme E series starts this weekend with the Desert XPrix in Saudi Arabia. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new motorsport.
What is Extreme E?
Extreme E is an off-road racing championship for all-electric SUVs that will hold races in locations all over the world in areas affected most by climate change. Motorsport has a huge following and it is hoped that using zero-emission vehicles in these areas will promote change.
The championship rules instruct each team to race a female and a male driver in an attempt to take a lead in gender equality in high-profile motorsport.
Who is involved?
There are nine teams, three of which were formed by Formula 1 world champions – Lewis Hamilton (X44), Nico Rosberg (Rosberg X Racing), and Jenson Button (JBXE) who is also a driver himself.
Also among the driver line-up are former world rally champions, Sébastien Loeb & Carlos Sainz.
How does the racing work?
The action takes place over two days, with two qualifying sessions (2 x 2 rounds) on the Saturday of each race weekend, followed by the semi-finals and the final on Sunday. The male and female driver each drive a lap, with a changeover in between.
Unlike other motorsports, there is no time trial. This is pure head-to-head racing, and the qualifying sessions determine the best five teams to progress to semi-final 1 while the remainder head into semi-final 2, also known as the ‘Crazy Race’. On Sunday, the semis take place, with the first four cars of the five in the first contest going through to the final, the winner of the Crazy Race also progresses to the final.
In the final, quite simply the winner of the race is crowned the XPrix winner. Points are awarded per placing, going from 20 points for the winner down to 1 point for eighth place overall.
Fans are unable to attend the races to keep the race’s carbon footprint to a minimum.
Race venues & dates.
The races will take place in 5 countries that have been affected dramatically by climate change.
- Desert X-Prix – 3/4 April 2021 – Wadi Rum, AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
- Ocean X-Prix – 29/30 May 2021 – Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal.
- Artic X-Prix – 28/29 August 2021 – Kangerlussauq, Greenland.
- Amazon X-Prix – 23/24 October 2021 – Santarem, Para, Brazil.
- Glacier X-Prix – 11/12 December 2021 – Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
How can I watch Extreme E?
The Extreme E Desert X Prix will air live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and ITV Hub all for free.
Races will also be available on Sky Sports and BT Sport 1.
Image – extreme-e.com
