Cristina Gutiérrez is immersed in the greatest challenge of her sports career when she is signed by Lewis Hamilton’s team in the nascent Extreme E.
Just a year ago she could not even imagine that she would be ‘clothed’ by names like the multi-champion of Formula 1 or Sébastien Loeb and structures like Prodrive or Red Bull, but today it is a reality that has been earned on its own merits. Faced with a situation like this, Cristina is clear: you have to measure up, but also be a “sponge” and learn from all these legends.
The Spanish was in 2020 in a very complicated situation. The coronavirus crisis was a severe blow to its sponsors, leaving the Dakar 2021 almost in a ‘mission impossible’ condition despite having dazzled at the Rally de Andalucía with a sensational performance at the controls of a Mini All4 Racing. However, the call of the X44 team to compete in Extreme E alongside Sébastien Loeb gave a 180-degree turn.
Her signing has rumbled the Extreme E
Now, after having shone in the Dakar with a lightweight prototype and also in the inaugural Extreme E event with the Odyssey 21 – despite mechanical breakdowns – Gutiérrez has not gone unnoticed by anyone, including a David Richards who has owned in its ranks world champions such as Petter Solberg, Jenson Button or Sébastien Loeb himself.
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The Prodrive boss, without going any further, is willing to offer you a test with the BRX Hunter T1 – everything indicates that it will be in Spain – with a view to a possible participation in the next Dakar.
“I never would have imagined putting all these names together and forming a team, because in the end they don’t have much to do with it, but they have made a great team and I am trying to make the most of the opportunity they are giving me. I always try to be at the top, learn to the fullest and be a little sponge, looking at everyone because they are ‘cracks’,”said Gutiérrez in an interview with SoyMotor.com.
Image: Extreme E
“I am enjoying it very much. For me it is a huge opportunity to be with this team and with Sébastien as well. From the first moment there has been a lot of ‘feeling’ because, in addition to being great professionals, they are incredible people and they help me in everything I need,” he stressed.
“I have to thank Loeb very much, and not only for what he teaches me, but also because he takes advantage of any moment to dedicate a few good words to me. He has surprised me a lot as a person,” added Gutiérrez.
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On the other hand, the ‘standard-bearer’ for Red Bull has revealed what Lewis Hamilton’s involvement was in the Desert X-Prix, the first test of the Extreme E season. The seven-time Formula 1 champion called every day to inquire about his team and above all, he gave his opinion on what he had seen on the screen. In addition, Cristina emphasizes that Hamilton wants to win, but at the same time try to transmit values that he shares with this championship.
“He –Hamilton– called us regularly, every day of the race weekend. He encouraged us, wished us luck and above all he really liked the way we started the race,” he commented.
“He saw us around the place and without risking too much. Above all, he told us that what he wanted in this championship, apart from obviously winning, is to follow his idea of transmitting beautiful values, of the environment and of getting involved to be like a speaker and reach people to explain the problems that exist, like this that he is very happy,” Gutiérrez concluded.
Written by I Jhonattan González
