NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team withdraw from Round 8 Island X Prix

As a result of the damage sustained in yesterday’s Redemption Race, the team have opted to withdraw from the final round of the Island X Prix, co-organised by the Automobile Club d'Italia and Regione Sardegna.

In Free Practice 1, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team driver Emma Gilmour was involved in a crash. Emma underwent tests at Cagliari Hospital following her incident in the Free Practice session, where further examination showed she had a small rib fracture.

Due to damage sustained to the team’s ODYSSEY 21 following Gilmour’s incident, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team decided to use the series’ championship car for the remainder of the Island X Prix.

With Gilmour unable to take part in the Island X Prix following the crash, Tamara Molinaro, Extreme E’s Championship Driver, replaced the New Zealander to partner Tanner Foust in the championship car for NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team – as per the series’ regulations.

In the Round 7 Redemption Race, Molinaro was involved in an incident with another car shortly after the start, crashing out of the race. The Italian was taken to the Medical Centre for precautionary checks.

As a result of the damage to the replacement championship car, as well as being unable to repair the team’s own ODYSSEY 21, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team have withdrawn from Round 8 at the Island X Prix.

It is testament to the safety of the Extreme E ODYSSEY 21 cars that both drivers were able to walk away from the incidents. We wish Emma well in her recovery and are pleased Tamara was unhurt. We look forward to seeing Emma and the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team return for the Season 3 finale in Chile.

In a statement following Round 7 in Sardinia, the team said: “The NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team regrets to confirm that we will not be competing in Round 8 of the 2023 Extreme E season.

“Due to damage sustained to the chassis during the Redemption Race earlier today, it will not be possible to repair the car in time for tomorrow’s running and we have therefore taken the difficult decision to not participate in Round 8. 

“As racers, this is not a call we take lightly, especially given the efforts of the team to prepare for and during the event. However, the number one priority is that both Emma and Tamara are alright and in good spirits following their incidents. 

“Our full focus will now be on the final two rounds in Chile and ending the season on a high.”

You can catch up on all the action from the Island X Prix so far, as well as watch Round 8 of Extreme E Season 3 in Sardinia, live today as the 2023 campaign reaches its final stages. The racing action can be viewed on ITV and STV in the UK, while outside of the UK please visit here for broadcaster details.