Extreme E reveals unique new course layout ahead of Sardinia return

The pioneering championship has added some new, exciting features to the Italian course, which offers a new challenge to the 10 teams and 20 world-class drivers behind the wheel of their ODYSSEY 21s.

The new Island X Prix course sits within the Capo Teulada military training area, in collaboration with the Italian Army. There will be plenty to contend with out on course to secure maximum points from the weekend’s racing. 

Extreme E caught up with Championship Driver Patrick O’Donovan to explain the latest three-kilometre Island X Prix course and how its new layout differs from the series’ previous visit in July.

O’Donovan said: “For a fan of Extreme E the start of the races will be really interesting, as there is potential for five cars abreast going over the first jump with a slight kink to the left before you have a braking zone for the opening right-hander.

“That first turn is extremely slippery, as it is a soft surface through there, so I think that will be a really exciting part of the track. There’s potential for a lot of overtaking there and a few drivers will no doubt try to make decisive moves which will be quite cool!

“I think the new additions of the water splash sections could be quite interesting. If one driver goes through they will have the fresh water splash on their windscreen, but if there is a second driver quite close to them, that will mean dispersed water they are driving through. As a result, the driver behind could carry more speed and perhaps get an overtake on the exit, so I’m excited to see how that all pans out.

“I’ve been out there in the ODYSSEY 21 and I’ve seen after the second water splash it can be particularly challenging under braking heading to the next Way Point. It’s quite easy to misjudge, lock up, and make a little mistake which will cost time.

“Heading over the hill and down towards Way Points 11 and 12 will be really challenging for the drivers. We saw that last time out and I think it will be similar this weekend. You’ve got a downhill braking zone into the left-hander, which has a really soft surface there, and could change throughout the weekend. It is also a corner prone to understeer.

“You then have the flick to the right-hander before you go back up the hill and all of a sudden you go from mass understeer to a lot of oversteer hopping over the terrain, so it’s a challenging place to try and find grip.

“You’re never too sure whether you want to come off the throttle slightly to stop the wheel spin or if it’s more beneficial just to keep your foot planted and hope the wheels grab some grip. That can make for some excitement out on course. I think it adds a new element throughout the weekend and it’s one of my favourite things about racing off-road - as the surfaces are always changing and it’s never the same course terrain lap after lap. 

“There are definitely some interesting overtaking spots out on course. You could potentially go for a block pass into the technical section of Way Points 11 and 12. The water splashes will be quite interesting - it might be considered risky to make a move, but I would think about it because not many would anticipate it.

“Heading into the first turn, after that initial jump, is a corner where there’s a bit of braking and you can rotate the car a little bit sideways and manage the throttle from there. I don’t think anyone will be expecting you to make a move up the inside. It will no doubt be on the limit, but there is definitely a chance you could pull it off. 

“I think it’s going to be a really interesting course. There are so many places for potential overtakes and possibilities to see some exciting racing out on track.”

Extreme E has been working closely with Automobile Club d’Italia - the national sports federation co-organising and coordinating the event - the Region of Sardinia, and its Tourism Department, plus the Ministry of Defence and the Italian Army to deliver what promises to be a an action-packed weekend of racing, as the 2023 championship heads towards its closing stages in the stunning setting of Sardinia.

The racing action on the new course design can be viewed on ITV in the UK across the weekend. Outside of the UK, please visit here for broadcaster details.