19 Aprile 2024

2022 Desert X Prix – preview

NEOM, Saudi Arabia Round: 1Race terrain: Sand/sand with rocksNumber of teams: 10Lap distance: 6.9 km/4.3 milesTotal race distance: 13.8 km/8.6 milesSustainability issue: Desertification and the loss of biological diversityODYSSEY 21 stats:Maximum power: 400kWh/550bhpAcceleration 0-100km/h (0-62mph): 4.5 seconds Battery capacity: 40kWh of usable energy; twin 250KW motors (550bhp equivalent)Weight: 1,780kgBroadcast times:Friday 18 FebruaryShakedown: 2200 local/1900 MTCSaturday 19 FebruaryQualifying 1: 1100 local/0800 MTCQualifying 2: 1500 local/1200 MTCSunday 20 FebruarySemi-Finals 1 & 2: 1200 local/0900 MTCRace: 1500 local/1200 MTCWhere to watch:Shakedown: XE Social Channels Qualifying / Semis: Eurosport Player, XE Website & XE Social Channels Race: ITV 1, BBC iPlayer & Website, Discovery+, Eurosport Player Find the broadcast options in your territory here.
Emma Gilmour
“I’m really looking forward to the challenges of the Desert X Prix, especially the sand dunes, although I feel certain there will be plenty of other natural obstacles the desert landscape will present. Our team has made some adjustments to the car, which will hopefully stand us in good stead and enable us to put in a solid performance. “I’ll be looking to draw on my previous Extreme E experience, although I’ve never raced in the desert before so this is all new to me and Tanner. Tanner and I have really enjoyed the process of getting to grips with the car – as well as with one another’s humour and previewing the course layout and racing conditions, which are certainly going to be challenging, but we’re raring to go!”
Tanner Foust
“It’s been a long time coming and loads of hard work and dedication has gone into getting everything ready, so I’m stoked to get this season underway. The team and I have spent a lot of time familiarising ourselves with the car at shakedown in December and at the McLaren Technology Centre, so there’s a lot of excitement in the garage. “This will be my first Extreme E race, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the MX58; it’s a monster! It’s a little different to what I’m used to, but it’s a really cool car to drive! I’ve got a fantastic co-driver in Emma, and we’re lucky to have an incredibly talented team behind us. “This is my first time racing in Saudi Arabia and although we have the McLaren name behind us, we’re the new team on the grid. It will be quite a demanding week, however, we’re looking forward to getting out there and here’s hoping for a great race.” 
Mark Grain
Sporting Director
“It’s a huge privilege to lead the team’s entry into Extreme E’s Season 2 Championship. It will be a great feeling to get the season started in Saudi Arabia to showcase all the hard work we’ve put in over the past few months during the testing and development phase.“Having been the first Formula 1 team to be certified fully carbon neutral more than 10 years ago, and with the goal of becoming carbon net zero by 2030; McLaren Racing’s entry into Extreme E is a natural fit and will help to accelerate our own learnings as well as our sustainability objectives.“Aside from the racing, we hope to highlight some of the environmental challenges the regions we race in are facing and we’re looking forward to raising awareness and learning more about the desertification and the loss of biological diversity in this part of the world.”