Simona De Silvestro Goes Extreme E

The eclectic and talented Swiss driver has joined the electric off-road racing series Drivers’ Programme, which also features top female drivers, Katherine Legge, Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky, and Jamie Chadwick.

“I’ve been lucky enough to race in a lot of cool places but Extreme E’s destinations are all very different – they’ll be incredible to check out and discover whilst raising awareness and changing people’s way of thinking,” de Silvestro said.

Extreme E maiden season will take place in five-race locations around the globe.

The competition starts in January 2021 at Lac Rose – approximately 30 kilometers from the Senegalese capital, Dakar, to then continue its journey to Saudi Arabia, Nepal, and Greenland, concluding the inaugural season in October in Santarém, Pará, Brazil.

BEYOND THE RACE TRACK

The all-electric racing platform aims to raise awareness on climate change, as it brings motorsport to remote locations on the planet affected by the impacts of the climate crisis.

“All of us are well aware that we can’t keep going how we are now if we’re to avoid the worst effects of climate change, remarked de Silvestro, first female point-scorer in the ABB FIA Formula E championship.”

“It’s a privilege to be a driver in this era and be able to try to make a difference. I’ve followed progress of electric motorsport very closely and Alejandro Agag’s vision and drive is clear to see now with Extreme E,” the 31-year-old driver added”

Extreme E commitment to making a difference on and off the 10-kilometer circuits, in which the all-electric ODYSSEY 21 E-SUVs will compete at a whole new level, has also given a step towards equality in motorsport.

The teams committed to the inaugural season of the series will feature a male and a female driver´s line-up.

Each pair will compete as a driver and co-driver, with the teams ultimately deciding which driver will fulfill each role.

“We are striving for equality, and this sporting format is the truest reflection of that goal. Everybody will race together and the most effective combination of drivers, team, engineer, and car will rise to the top,” stated Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO.

“In most of motorsport, as drivers, you’re kind of alone. Having the opportunity to team up with someone is great and it’s going to be a lot of fun. You’ll be approaching everything as a pair and as a team. There will be no room for selfishness and it’ll be something new to work together with the boys and try and win races,” explained Simona who is also TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team test and development driver.

Experienced driver Katherine Legge also highlighted the importance of the recent announcement. 

“Hearing the format was like waking up on Christmas morning. It is a giant step in the right direction for motorsport as a whole. I have been looking forward to something like this my entire racing career!

“Formula E and now Extreme E, are at forefront of breaking boundaries in technology, sustainability, and climate change, and now Extreme E will challenge perceptions with gender equality too,” added Legge.

Image courtesy of Extreme E Media.