Rollercoaster course set to return in Chile
The three-kilometre layout, set in the driest place on the planet and in an inherently remote setting, will once again feature multiple elevation changes, variations in gradient, high-speed corners, and jumps. And as it did last year, will result in arguably the calendar’s fastest, most thrilling race course for Extreme E’s world-class drivers and teams.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are all hugely excited to return to Chile and what more fitting place than the Atacama Desert for our season finale. The course last year was without doubt hugely exciting, pushing the drivers and teams to their limits, and the racing here last year proved that in abundance.
“This year, we have made some minor tweaks but kept the emphasis on the layout which features plenty of fast, sweeping corners, putting the drivers’ technical skillset to the test, alongside the jumps which should guarantee edge-of-the-seat action all the way throughout the weekend with five teams still battling for the championship.”
From the start of the lap there is plenty of opportunity for overtaking, making the deployment of the ENOWA Hyperdrive crucial as the drivers will look to take several alternate lines to get the upper hand. Having plenty of passing room throughout for the drivers is the key for this Chilean course. It’s a design characteristic that is always sought in Extreme E – allowing potential for overtaking right from the beginning is crucial.
One thing that will again create plenty of excitement are the jumps out on course… and there are plenty of them! There is always a fine line between carrying too much speed over them or not enough, and similarly to last year, the drivers will be trying to find the sweet spot to make up time and not overextend the ODYSSEY 21s by overdriving.
Making use of different levels of banking across the course will also be vital. The quick change in direction through the use of the banking and gradients means there are also plenty of blind spots, so the drivers really have to be on their game.
The finishing line coincides with one final jump which, as it did in 2022, will provide an exciting climax to the course layout and plenty of airborne ODYSSEY 21s.
Christine GZ, Extreme E Championship Driver, said: “The course has not changed too much since last year, which is great as it is extremely fast. The terrain is definitely unique, while there are lots of jumps throughout the lap which is cool.
“It is a perfect course to show the performance of the ODYSSEY 21, which should mean for some great racing out on track. The start will be crucial and coming out ahead by Way Point 2 is going to be key, and then throughout the lap I am sure there will be plenty of battles.”
Patrick O’Donovan, Extreme E Championship Driver, said: “It is an incredible course. The feeling behind the wheel is amazing – a lot of people I had spoken to had described it as a rollercoaster and I would definitely agree with that. You are trying to find the limits of the car and the tyre, but at the same time taking into consideration the fact that you are coming into these corners at 120kph and flicking it through with a ‘full send’ approach.
“It is a really technical course, especially the opening few corners and so it is really tricky to get it right. There is a large variation of lines in that initial section, so that should make for plenty of overtaking opportunities both on the inside or braving it on the outside of the turns. That should be pretty special.”
The crowning of the 2023 champions will be live across ITV and STV in the UK, while outside of the UK please visit here for broadcaster details.
