Extreme E has confirmed a five-round calendar for its maiden season, which will see it visit four continents with the first event scheduled for March 2021.
The all-electric off-road series aims to highlight the impact of climate change by visiting areas already been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues.
To minimise local impact, Extreme E races will not be open to spectators, with fans instead invited to follow the action through live TV broadcast, and on social media.
A ship, the St. Helena, has undergone a multi-million Euro refit to minimise emissions and transform her into Extreme E’s operations hub, a move which is estimated to lower carbon output by two thirds in comparison to air freight. It will be used to transport the championship’s freight and infrastructure, including vehicles, to the nearest port, minimising Extreme E’s footprint as well as being used to facilitate scientific research through an on-board laboratory.
Extreme E is also pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology which will enable its race fleet to be charged using zero emission energy.
The debut calendar will first visit Saudi Arabia, before heading to Senegal in Africa. Greenland will host the third round before two events in South America; Brazil and Argentina complete the schedule in December.
The virtual launch also included livery unveilings with a number of high profile teams involved; Team X44 by Lewis Hamilton, Team ABT, Andretti United, Chip Ganassi Racing, Team TECHEETAH and Rosberg Xtreme Racing among others.
“Our Virtual Launch has been an incredible format to unveil our Season 1 calendar and the team cars, whilst also refining our virtual experience capabilities – a key theme of Extreme E – particularly during the time of COVID-19,” commented series founder Alejandro Agag.
“Our team has been working really hard behind the scenes and despite the pandemic and the challenges it has provided, we are on track for our first race in March 2021. The series has gained massive momentum with no less than two Formula One™ World Champions signing up with their own teams alongside other powerhouses in the motorsport world, and there is much more to come as we announce drivers in the coming months.”
On the new race location, Alejandro added: “We are delighted to confirm that Patagonia in Argentina will feature in our Season 1 calendar, and it will certainly make an incredible race experience for teams and viewers alike.
“However, of course there is a far more serious reason why Extreme E has chosen to visit Tierra del Fuego. Glacial retreat is one of the devastating effects of the global climate crisis, and unless we act now these incredible places will no longer exist.”
