Alejandro Agag, the Founder and CEO of Extreme E, says it was an ‘absolutely fantastic’ opening day of competition on Saturday, with Qualifying taking place for the inaugural #DesertXPrix in Saudi Arabia.
Sébastien Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez took top spot in Qualifying for Team X44 ahead of Acciona Sainz XE Team and Rosberg X Racing, and Agag says it was an amazing spectacle around the AlUla track amid the sand dunes and picturesque landscapes.
Agag says the spectacular first day makes him believe that they are onto something big with Extreme E, and he is looking forward to seeing the races unfold around the desert on Sunday.
“I think the first day of Extreme E has been absolutely fantastic,” said Agag. “I have been blown away by the action and the images – there was just so much to look at. It was even better than we expected, and the feedback on social media has been amazing – and this was only Qualifying!
“I really think we are onto something huge here.”
Agag says it was a testament to the design of the ODYSSEY 21 chassis that the two big accidents during the day on Saturday – first for Veloce Racing’s Stéphane Sarrazin and then ABT CUPRA XE Team’s Claudia Hürtgen – saw both walkaway virtually unharmed.
“There were some heart-in-the-mouth moments today, particularly for ABT CUPRA XE and Claudia Hürtgen,” said Agag.
“I think it’s safe to say we are all pleased to see her walk away from the crash – it is a testament to CBMM Niobium and their robust and tough chassis, which was put to the ultimate test today and delivered.”
