Extreme E: Women like power Stromer
STARTKLAR The Extreme E electric off-road championship, which begins on April 3, 2021, has set itself the goal of ending existing prejudices about gender differences in motorsport, among other things. In just under a month, Extreme E will make its eagerly awaited debut in Saudi Arabia. It will be exciting. In the new series (see also preview [...]
In just under a month, the Extreme E will make its eagerly awaited debut in Saudi Arabia. It will be exciting.
In the new series (See also Preview 2021, Boom in electric series), numerous top female drivers such as Jamie Chadwick, winner of the 2019 W Series, off-road truck champion and X Games medalist Sara Price and Molly Taylor, Australian rally winner, will compete against some of the most successful racing drivers such as F1 champion Jenson Button and WRC legend Sébastien Loeb.
Equal competition conditions for starters
The rules of Extreme E stipulate that each team will field one driver in identical 550 hp electric SUVs during a two-lap race, the X Prix, to ensure a level playing field among the competitors.
The drivers each complete one lap of the track with a driver change, the switch, which is integrated into the race format. It is up to the teams to determine the order in which they send their starters into the race according to their strategy.
Diversity and equality for future generations
Molly Taylor, racing driver for the German team Rosberg X Racing and Australian rally champion: "One of the great things about motorsport is that when you put your helmet on, it doesn't matter what gender you are. I think that was always my philosophy growing up in rallying. But what I noticed when I was competing was the number of young girls who see a woman competing and then want to be there. So I think it's important to have that visibility at the highest level to improve diversity and equality for the next generations."
The focus is on forward-looking topics
Jutta Kleinschmidt, the first and only woman to win the Paris-Dakar Rally, FIA President of the Cross-Country Rally Commission and member of the FIA Commission for Women in Motorsport: "Extreme E deals with two very important forward-looking topics: Eco-friendly technologies in motorsport and support for female racers. Both are very important to gain further support for motorsport in the future. In addition, women have the opportunity to compete against men on a level playing field and show their potential. I just love it!"
The series is a great leap into the unknown
Jamie Chadwick, Veloce driver, Williams F1 development driver and W-Series champion: "Extreme E is definitely a big leap into the unknown for me as I've only driven single-seaters and sports cars before, but I've never shied away from a challenge. When I first tested the car, I knew I wanted to drive it - the electric SUV is a big vehicle, but the breathtaking power it generates when you put your foot down makes it exhilarating to drive. The fact that Extreme E is also committed to gender equality is just the icing on the cake. The prospect of racing against the likes of Jenson Button and Sébastien Loeb - I mean, those guys were heroes to me growing up - is incredible. I can't wait to get started!"
Women can show off their incredible talents
Sara Price, race driver for Chip Ganassi, off-road truck champion and X-Games medalist: "When I put on a helmet, I often know what it's like to be a woman in a male-dominated sport. I say: I'm not a woman, I'm not a man, I'm just a female racer. What Extreme E is doing right now is pretty incredible. It will mean that girls who probably have incredible talent that has never been seen before will be able to show it off. That itself is huge for women in motorsport."
The final in Tierra del Fuego shortly before Christmas
The opening race of Extreme E, the Desert X Prix, will take place on April 3 and 4, 2021 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, before heading to Lac Rose, Senegal, for the Ocean X Prix from May 29 to 30, 2021. The Arctic X Prix will take place in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on August 28 and 29, 2021.
Then it's on to South America for the Amazon X Prix in Pará, Brazil, on October 23 and 24, 2021, followed by the grand finale in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the Glacier X Prix, on December 11 and 12, 2021.
No shortage of female drivers who are good enough
Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Extreme E: "We strive for equality, and the Extreme E sport format reflects this goal. Everyone will race together and only the most effective combination of driver, team, engineers and car will come out on top. I believe that our racing format will challenge all drivers, men and women, which is what makes this concept so exciting. There is no shortage of female drivers who are good enough to take the places."