After the suspension of the races in Brazil and Argentina, because of the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Extreme E is considering options to transfer the show that has been very well received in its debut season.
Alejandro Agag, founder of the series, reported that alternate race locations are currently being explored and “will be announced in due course”. Among the options being considered by the organizers include the possibility of moving the competition to Western Isles, Scotland.
“This was not a decision taken lightly, however the current travel advice and restrictions have also meant that we have not been able to visit the career areas in advance to make the necessary reconnaissance visits, which are especially vital due to the remote nature of our operations,” Agag said in remarks reviewed by Extreme E in a statement.
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Despite the cancellations, Agag clarified that initiatives to help the environment will continue in the two South American countries. “Of course, we will continue to support our important reforestation and agroforestry initiatives that are already underway in the region thanks to the help of Dr. Francisco Olivieira and our partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Brazil. We would also like to thank the local authorities in Brazil and Argentina who have supported us throughout the process and we hope to be able to return in 2022.”
Contingency plans
The organization of the tournament remains alert to any changes that may arise in the other territories. “We have been closely monitoring the situation regarding all Extreme E locations for 2021 and have chosen to make this proactive decision about racing in South America this year,” said Agag.
“As a new series embarking on our opening season, our priority is to deliver a safe and responsible five-race schedule of events for our participants, partners and staff from around the world to travel and attend,” he added.
Image: Extreme E
The initial schedule for Extreme E had among its plans to hold its Amazon X Prix in the Brazilian state of Pará, October 23-24, before heading further south to the Glacier X Prix in Patagonia, Argentina, from October 11 to December 12th. The series maintains its plans to head to those territories when the second season is celebrated.
The series has already completed two of its five X Prix in its inaugural season, the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia and the Ocean X Prix in Senegal, where Nico Rosberg’s team has emerged victorious, and is now in mode of full planning for their Arctic X Prix, which will take place in Greenland at the end of August.
Written by I Jhonattan González
