Drivers: Laia Sanz & Mattias EkströmCar: Odyssey 21 (Max 554 PS, 0-100 kph in 4.5s, top speed 200 kph)Location: Antofagasta, ChileDates: 2-3 December
Copper X-Prix, Round 9
Qualifying 1 | 09:30-10:18 local time (13:30-14:18 CET) |
Qualifying 2: | 12:45-13:30 local time (16:45-17:30 CET) |
Grand Final | 16:30-16:45 local time (20:30-20:45 CET) |
ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team leads the 2023 Extreme E Championship as the series arrives in Chile for the Copper X Prix, the great season finale, which takes place in a massive copper mine on the 2nd and the 3rd of December.
The Spanish team tops the standings with 139 points after scoring two victories in Saudi Arabia and Sardinia, and three second places in the same locations. The Championship, nevertheless, is extremely tight.
There are four more teams that have the title within reach: Rosberg X Racing (136 points), Veloce Racing (118), GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi (98) and X44 Vida Carbon Racing (87).
Laia Sanz and Mattias Ekström are aware of the fact that the championship could be decided at any moment because there will be 27 points at stake both on Saturday and Sunday and the smallest details will make all the difference.
The title showdown will take place in the copper mine that Antofagasta Minerals owns in Centinela, Calama, in the Atacama Desert. A massive facility that is fully operational and that innovates with new mining techniques that lessen the environmental impact of this activity that is crucial to the Chilean economy.
Chile hosted its first Extreme E event in 2022 and, in this 2023, it returns as the location of the season finale. The track promises radical elevation changes and a unique combination of dirt and stones, with a harsh surface that will test the skill of the drivers and the durability of the components of the Odyssey 21.
LEGACY PROGRAMME
Extreme E has teamed up with two ranger organizations that strive to preserve the environment and its ecosystems: the Force For Nature global network and the Corporación Nacional Forestal de Chile, CONAF.
On Wednesday, the Extreme E drivers visited a local school to talk to the kids and share their worries about the environment. Then they went to Lagunas Chaxas to learn about a flamingo conservation program, as its population has steadily decreased. They also visited a viewpoint in San Pedro de Atacama, where they could identify species and track their migration patterns.
Quotes:
Laia Sanz, driver:
“I am really looking forward to the Copper X Prix. It has been a long wait, but I have done my homework. I have trained hard these months and I did everything that was within my reach. Anything can happen in Chile, but we will aim to be as strong as possible and stay away from trouble. The margins are so narrow that whoever wins this event will take the Championship. Everything is still at stake and everyone will be pushing hard. We will also follow that philosophy. We must make the most of every chance and give it a last push. The team has worked very well throughout the entire season, we have always been among the best teams, and in Chile, it has to be the same again. We have done a great year and now we must finish the job. I remain calm and I have done my homework. I am ready to go for it.”
Mattias Ekström, driver:
“Season showdown is here and I must admit I am quite excited. The title battle is fully on and we must deliver a good result on every outing. I am ready to race hard and I am sure Laia and the whole team is also ready for the title fight. Chile is a new and very interesting location for me personally. From what I know it’s a bit more like a rallycross-style venue and I feel it will fit me well. But there are many drivers with similar experiences and also with experience from last year, so nothing can be taken for granted. So far the season has been full of action and unexpected twists and turns and I expect nothing less from the race in Chile.”
Carlos Sainz:
“We arrive in Chile for the last race of the 2023 Extreme E Championship leading the series and with a shot at more race victories. We know that the two races that we have ahead of us will be decisive and we are ready to give our best at all times. I trust in Laia and Mattias, and we arrive in Chile with the aim of bringing home the victory. Laia knows this track and it should also suit Mattias, and I am convinced that the gap to the other title contenders will be extremely small. Details can make the difference.”
Joan Orús, Team Principal:
“The Copper X Prix is the most important event so far in the history of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. The progress that the team has made across its three years of history has been spectacular and now we have a shot at clinching our first Extreme E Championship. The two race victories and three-second places that we have taken so far in this 2023 season are a good example of our commitment and ambition, and I couldn’t have more trust in Laia and Mattias ahead of these key hours. The pack is very tight and the best defense is a good attack, so therefore this weekend we will try to go for the win.”
Press contact
Cristóbal Rosaleny
