The electrifying sands of the Saudi Arabian desert witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the Desert X Prix, the opening double-header of the 2024 Extreme E season. While Nico Rosberg's RXR still leads the championship charge after the win in Round 1, it was ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team (ASXE) who stole the show in Round 2, securing their first win of the campaign with a dominant performance.
Fraser McConnell, the talented Jamaican Rally Cross driver, took the wheel first for ASXE and delivered a lightning-fast start, immediately establishing a lead he wouldn't relinquish. With Laia Sanz, the seasoned Spanish star, taking over after the driver change, ASXE held their nerve despite intense pressure from Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E's Catie Munnings. Ultimately, Sanz crossed the finish line first, securing a well-deserved victory for the Spanish outfit.
McConnell, still buzzing from his debut X Prix win, expressed his gratitude and determination: “This is a big, big win,” he stated. “Stepping into this team was huge, and everyone believed in me. This win gives me so much confidence, and I'm living this opportunity as if it's my last.”
Sanz, equally elated, reflected on the significance of the win: “Last year, we narrowly missed the title. This victory feels even more special. The team did a fantastic job, and we proved we have the pace to win. We must keep working hard, but today showed we can be title contenders.”
Behind ASXE, a fierce battle unfolded for the remaining podium positions. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E secured a solid second place, marking their first podium since last summer. E.ON Veloce Racing continued their consistent podium streak, finishing third with Kevin Hansen at the helm. RXR, despite their Round 1 victory, could only manage fourth, but retain their championship lead heading into the next round.
Earlier in the day, the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team emerged victorious in the Redemption Race, after a tense battle with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, demonstrating their fighting spirit and securing valuable points.
This pulsating opening double-header has set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable Extreme E season. With ASXE proving their potential, RXR clinging to their championship lead, and other teams showing strong performances, the battle for the title promises to be fierce. The next round takes the electric off-road series to a yet-to-be-confirmed European location, where the fight for Extreme E supremacy will continue.
Championship standings
1. Rosberg X Racing 41 points
2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 39 points
3. E.ON Veloce Racing 33 points
4. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E 31 points
5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team 30 points
6. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB IN ASSOCIATION WITH JIMMIE JOHNSON 18 points
7. SUN Minimeal Team 10 points
8. JBXE 10 points