This weekend all eyes are on Africa as Rosberg X Racing prepares to take on the second
round of the inaugural Extreme E season: the Ocean X Prix.
Following on from its historic victory in the opening round of the season in Saudi Arabia, RXR arrives in Senegal looking to continue its forward momentum both on the course and off it, thanks to its newly-announced partnership with worldwide prime brokerage business, IG Prime.
RXR and IG Prime are technological leaders within their own sectors with a common set of goals geared towards supporting environmental and social causes. The partnership is built on a commitment to innovate through collaboration, using the learnings gained from both parties and industries.
IG Prime join the championship leaders following Molly Taylor and Johan Kristoffersson’s win in the opening round of the championship, which saw both drivers reach the top step of the podium after a chaotic weekend of racing in the desert - their pace and racecraft ultimately prevailing to give RXR a 5-point lead over team X44 in the standings.
The Ocean X Prix is the second sand-based event in succession, however the conditions and track layout pose a new challenge compared to the opening event. Set on the shores of Lac Rose, 30km north of the Senegalese capital of Dakar, this weekend’s circuit will be an altogether-more technical layout, with slower speeds and tighter turns set to put a focus on precision for the drivers, and increase overtaking opportunities to provide maximum action for RXR’s fans watching around the world.
Ahead of the weekend’s racing, RXR will undertake its next Driven By Purpose project by joining forces with the Prince Albert II of Monaco foundation to support a project carried out by Action Contre La Faim. The project will see RXR support the Foundation’s work with rural communities in Senegal to monitor available water resources and the status of vegetation. To survive the eight-month dry season, livestock farmers must adapt to climate variability and unreliable water resources. The aim of this initiative is to use satellite technology to better anticipate and respond to climate shocks.
Speaking ahead of the Ocean X Prix, Rosberg X Racing Founder & CEO Nico Rosberg said: “It’s great to be in Senegal for the second event of the season. The course in Lac Rose poses a very different challenge to the opening round of the season, but the team have been working hard over the last few weeks to make sure we are as prepared as we can be as we focus on maintaining our momentum.
“It’s also a pleasure to welcome IG Prime to the RXR family. Not only are they driven to be the best in their field, they have a passion for the environment and sustainability which matches our own and is at the heart of the partnership. We look forward to working together to make a difference off-track as well build on our strong start to
the season - starting in Senegal this weekend."
Fouad Bajjali, CEO of IG Bank said: “Everyone at IG Prime is incredibly proud to partner with Rosberg X Racing and be part of the ground-breaking and exciting Extreme E series. We believe this partnership with a pioneering team led by a true innovator in Nico Rosberg will accelerate our own ESG ambitions and inspire our people and clients. RXR’s passion to succeed echoes IG Group’s values, to empower ambitious people and raise the bar to reach excellence.”
Rosberg X Racing driver Molly Taylor said: "I'm really excited to be back with the team ahead of the next X Prix here in Senegal. To get the win in Saudi Arabia was an amazing feeling, but it has focused the team even more on the goal of being competitive once again in the Ocean X Prix. It's going to be a technical challenge for all the drivers but should provide us with even more overtaking opportunities. Together with the support of our fans around the world via GridPlay, I'm confident we can have another strong weekend of racing."
Johan Kristoffersson, Rosberg X Racing driver, said: "It's always a pleasure to be back with the team and getting ready to race our ODYSSEY 21 again. The team did a great job to give Molly and I a great car in the opening event, and I was so pleased we could repay everyone with the win. But now we need to focus on the Ocean X Prix which will be another unique challenge for everyone."
The first action of the weekend begins on Friday morning with Shakedown (17:00GMT, 18:00BST, 19:00CET), before the first competitive sessions begin on Saturday at 11:30GMT (local time)/12:30 BST/13:30 CET. For information on how to watch the Ocean X Prix, please visit: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/broadcast-information
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