Extreme E announces Rookie Invitational test in search of next generation of superstars
Extreme E, the electric motorsport series designed to raise climate change awareness, has today announced its Rookie Invitational test as it seeks to unearth the next generation of off-road racers.
The Rookie Invitational will take place on Monday 25 October 2021 following the fourth round of the inaugural Extreme E season in Sardinia, Italy. Each of the nine Extreme E teams, will be able to test two drivers at the Rookie Invitational, one male and one female, in a bid to give more drivers the opportunity to progress in the world of professional motorsport and also join the electric racing revolution.
Each team will have the choice of the drivers it brings and those chosen will join up with their respective teams for the duration of the Island X Prix in Sardinia to take in the event, get to grips with the unique nature of the series and immerse themselves amongst the Extreme E paddock.
Drivers taking part in the Rookie Invitational will be allocated practice time in the car ahead of completing timed course laps. In between time out on the course, Extreme E will host a number of workshops focussed on careers in professional motorsport from drivers in the series, including 2001 Dakar Rally winner and ABT CUPRA XE driver Jutta Kleinschmidt.
Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “I’m delighted to announce the Rookie Invitational at the penultimate X Prix of Season 1. It aims to offer drivers interested in competing in Extreme E the opportunity to not only get behind the wheel but immerse themselves in our unique series.
“The idea came about from various conversations with our teams that identified a gap in talent - particularly female drivers - so we wanted to organise this testing day to give more racers the opportunity to throw their hat into the ring and get behind the wheel of our all-electric ODYSSEY 21. I’m looking forward to seeing which drivers the teams select, and the wealth of driving talent out there that just need that chance to show off their skills.”
Jutta Kleinschmidt, ABT CUPRA XE driver and President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Cross Country Rally Commission said: “I’m super happy that so many female drivers have the chance to race in Extreme E. The series is the only motorsport event where men and women are mixed 50/50.
“Through the series, and now the Rookie Invitational, we have the chance to discover even more female talents. It is a huge chance for all drivers dreaming of competing in Extreme E that want to prove their skills and talent. I'm very excited and looking forward to seeing a lot of applications. It is an honour to be part of the test programme and have the chance to share my knowledge from my years of experience.”
Interested drivers are advised to apply by contacting talent@extreme-e.com with the subject ‘Rookie Invitational’ attaching their driver CV before 01 October 2021.
