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Nico Rosberg launches Extreme E team with view to inspire action in fight against climate change

Nico Rosberg says the series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in fight against climate change -  Geoff Pugh
Nico Rosberg says the series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in fight against climate change - Geoff Pugh

Former Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg has launched a new team for the electric off-road racing series, Extreme E, which will make its racing debut next year.

The team, Rosberg Xtreme Racing (RXR) is an evolution of TeamRosberg, which was founded in 1994 by Nico's father and 1982 F1 World Champion, Keke Rosberg.

Since retiring from Formula One in December 2016, Rosberg has invested in numerous successful sustainability start-ups. Last year he founded the Greentech Festival which showcases green technologies.

“We are thrilled to unveil Rosberg Xtreme Racing as the latest addition to Extreme E," 2016 F1 champion Rosberg said.

"The series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in the fight against climate change - the single biggest threat to our planet today. Since retiring from F1 I have dedicated my career to sustainable technologies so to be able to combine these endeavours with my passion for racing is incredibly fulfilling."

RXR is the ninth team to sign up to Extreme E and follows Lewis Hamilton's decision in September to join the series.

The series, starting in early 2021, will take place in five remote locations; arctic, desert, rainforest, glacier, and coastal; which are already damaged or severely under threat of climate change.

The teams will also be required to field one male and one female driver for races as they push for more diversity in motorsport.

Teams will race an electric SUV named ODYSSEY 21, which can go from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, at gradients of up to 130 per cent.

Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO, said: “We are ecstatic to finally announce that Rosberg Xtreme Racing will be joining our line-up for the first season of Extreme E.

"We have been talking about this project for many months and we are thrilled he has chosen Extreme E for his formal return to motorsport as Founder and CEO of his own racing team. There is clearly a great synergy between Nico’s endeavours in the sustainability field and the aims of Extreme E so his team is a hugely welcomed addition to the series.”