ROSBERG X Racing (RXR) triumphed in an electrifying start to Extreme E Season 4, claiming victory in the opening round at the Desert X Prix in Jeddah. The defending champions, RXR, showcased their skill and determination in a nail-biting contest against the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, marking a spectacular beginning to the 2024 season with a win that came down to the wire.
In a race characterized by its numerous lead changes and intense rivalries, Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela í…hlin-Kottulinsky of RXR emerged victorious, edging out the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team’s formidable duo of Mattias Ekstrí¶m and Cristina Gutiérrez by a razor-thin margin of just 0.167 seconds. The thrilling finale was a testament to the high stakes and fierce competition that define Extreme E racing.
E.ON Veloce Racing clinched a commendable third place, adding to the excitement of the race day. Meanwhile, the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, another strong contender, finished in fourth place following a dramatic last-lap roll by Fraser McConnell in the Grand Final, adding a dramatic twist to the race’s conclusion.
Johan Kristoffersson from RXR reflected on the victory with enthusiasm, praising the challenging course for its speed and bumps while commending his teammate Mikaela for her exceptional performance. “Today was a great day,” Kristoffersson stated, highlighting the joy of returning to the top of the podium and his anticipation for future races.
Mikaela í…hlin-Kottulinsky echoed Kristoffersson’s sentiments, expressing her delight at starting the season with a win. She detailed the intense competition, particularly her face-off with Cristina Gutiérrez, and her satisfaction at executing a crucial overtake to secure the win for RXR. “The competition was intense – especially my battle with Cristina. I was very happy to make the overtake and take the win,” í…hlin-Kottulinsky shared.
The race was a rollercoaster of emotions and strategies, with RXR and NEOM McLaren Extreme E constantly trading places at the forefront. Ekstrí¶m initially took the lead with a skillful maneuver, only for Kristoffersson to reclaim the top position, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. The dynamic shifted again after the driver change, with Gutiérrez pushing hard to overtake í…hlin-Kottulinsky in a bid for NEOM McLaren Extreme E’s maiden win.
E.ON Veloce Racing’s Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor remained in close pursuit, contributing to the intense competition, while ASXE’s McConnell’s ambitious attempt to advance ended in a dramatic roll, showcasing the high-risk, high-reward nature of Extreme E racing.
The contest between Gutiérrez and í…hlin-Kottulinsky for the lead was a highlight, featuring close calls and strategic moves that ultimately saw í…hlin-Kottulinsky retake the lead for RXR in a display of skill and determination. This move sealed the first win of the season for Nico Rosberg’s team, with NEOM McLaren Extreme E finishing a close second and E.ON Veloce Racing completing the podium.
The event set a high bar for the rest of the season, illustrating the competitive spirit and drive for excellence that defines the teams and drivers of Extreme E.
