01/12/2022
ExtremeE( Natural Energies Xprix ) Uruguay
Article by Phendlinqaba Mafu
The second season of ExtremeE concluded in dramatic fashion at the Natural Energies Xprix in Punta Del Este Uruguay.
The R.M.S St Helena completed her global voyage for the 2022 season carrying the ridged Odessey 21 electric SUVs as they race for the planet's survival in the midst of an environmental emergency. There are 5 destinations across the world in which ExtremeE stages each entertaining round of competition and outreach programs promoting sustainability and adoption of eclectric vehicles in transport systems to help protect our planet.
The drivers' line up in the series features 1 female and 1 male driver per team creating a gender equal sport which also works towards balancing the environmental imbalances that need our attention apart from the thrill of racing.
There were 4 out of 10 teams with a chance to win the overall championship around the muddy grass field track in Punta Del Este. The championship standings were led by season one champions Rosberg X Racing 17 points clear of 2nd placed X44 Vida Carbon Racing with 66 points followed by Acciona Sainz XE on 60 points and GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi were 5 points behind in 4th position.
Racing on the wet track was going to be tricky as Emma Gilmour dug into the mud and rolled earlier on in free practice. The Neom Mclaren driver and her teammate Tanner Foust did better in the qualifying round coming out 2nd in Semi final 2 behind the 1st qualifier Genesys Andretti United team knocking out Acciona Sainz XE which ended Carlos Sainz's and Laia Sanz's title challenge for this season.
Semi final 1 had Veloce Racing qualifying 1st ahead of ABT Cupra XE in 2nd. The Number 99 GMC Hummer EV team of Sara Price and RJ Anderson finished out of a qualification spot in 3rd subsequently dropping out of championship contention.
The last qualifying position for the final was decided in the Crazy Race showdown with championship leaders RXR and 2nd placed X44 in the race it was more than just a qualifier. The drama began with contact between RXR and X44 with the former failing to negotiate a turn drifting into X44's side and onto the side of JBX E. The scuffle between RXR and JBX E continued eventually taking the JBX E Odessey 21 out of the race and leaving RXR's front suspension broken. Although they fixed the suspension during the switch, the defending champions were disqualified for switch zone infringements as they had too many mechanics for the repairs. That saw the Crazy Race finish with X44 powering to 1st position ahead of team XITE.
In the Final Nasser Al-Attiyah got ABT Cupra XE to a flying start leaving the chasing pack in a cloud of sand and dirt. Sebastian Leob was caught in the low visibility chasing pack as his X44 team fought for the championship. New Veloce Racing driver Kevin Hansen was a stumbling block in front of X44 he didn't give the championship contender an easy race as Loeb's wipers worked overtime to clear the wind shield certainly giving X44 a glimpse of the competition they are going to face next season.
Their championship hopes hanged on the line and every second counted as Leob switched seats with Cristina Gutiérrez. There was contact early on the lap as Cristina made contact with Molly Taylor in the Veloce Racing car as they battled for 4th position.
Lewis Hamilton's X44 managed to push to the finish line in 4th. Their position was upgraded to 3rd earning them the CHAMPIONSHIP title as a 7 second penalty demoted Genesys Andretti United team of Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen from 3rd to 4th.
It was a fantastic win for ABT Cupra XE finishing 1st in a final for the first time a great reward for superb driving from Nasser Al-Attiyah and Klara Andersson. In 2nd place was Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust for team Neom Mclaren ExtremeE.
The season overall has been exciting and competitive thanks to the spirit of all participants on track and off track. ExtremeE has indeed highlighted the future of our environment, entertainment, equality and electrification.
CONGRATULATIONS ExtremeE.
