ACCIONA SAINZ returns to Extreme E with QEV Technologies
London, 1 October, 2025: ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, powered by Spanish electromobility specialists QEV Technologies, has confirmed its return for the Final Lap of Extreme E this October, with Jamaican star Fraser McConnell and motorsport legend Laia Sanz continuing their successful driver partnership.
Founded by two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz, ACCIONA SAINZ XE TEAM has been a frontrunner in Extreme E since day one, achieving three round victories and multiple podiums. Last season, McConnell and Sanz secured three podiums from four starts, including a win at the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia.
QEV Technologies, a global leader in sustainable mobility and technical partner of the team, has been instrumental in its success. For over 20 years, QEV has delivered race-winning electric drivetrains across Formula E, FIA RX2e, and America’s Nitrocross series, and remains a pioneer in alternative mobility solutions.
It has also been in Extreme E since day one. As technical partner to the ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM – founded by two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner Carlos Sainz – it has overseen three round victories, making it one of the most successful teams in the series' history.
ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, with McConnell and Sainz had a fantastic final season in Extreme E, taking three podiums from four starts, including a win at the second Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia.They will once again take to the starting line for Extreme E’s ‘Final Lap’.
Jamaica's top motorsport star McConnell, who drove for the QEV-led Acciona Sainz team in 2024, is among Extreme E's most successful drivers with three event victories to his name.
He won his first overseas championship title in 2019, taking the ARX2 crown, and made history in 2021 by becoming the first Jamaican to win a Rallycross Supercar race when he defeated Johan Kristoffersson at the RallyX Nordic round at Nysum in Denmark. More recently McConnell has won four times in Nitrocross' premier 'Group E' class.
Fraser McConnell, driver for ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, said: “Having the opportunity to continue with the ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM is a huge honor. From the very first day, I knew we could achieve great results. We’ve built a strong relationship and I’m confident we can continue our podium streak in this special farewell to Extreme E.”
Perhaps best known for her exploits on two wheels, Sanz was an unstoppable force in Trials riding, winning the international Trial World Championship 13 times between 2000-2013. She's also been a regular presence at the Dakar Rally, and in 2015 achieved her best finish – and the best for a female on two wheels – when she took ninth place.
In the 2010s, Sanz transitioned to four wheels, racing in the 24H Series at the 24 Hours of Barcelona. She has also appeared in the SEAT Leon Eurocup, and has competed in the top car class at Dakar since 2022, achieving a best finish of 15th in last year's edition of the event.
In Extreme E she has been a constant presence since day one, firstly partnering ACCIONA SAINZ XE TEAM founder Carlos Sainz, then Mattias Ekstrom, before teaming up with McConnell for the first time last year.
Laia Sanz, driver for ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM, said: "I’m really happy to be back with the ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM alongside Fraser. We finished last season with great momentum and the goal is clear: fight at the front and close Extreme E on a high"
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E and Extreme H, said: “Carlos Sainz is a true giant of motorsport, and his team has been part of Extreme E’s DNA since the very beginning. With Fraser McConnell and Laia Sanz, ACCIONA SAINZ QEV XE TEAM has delivered incredible performances season after season, proving what can be achieved when world-class talent meets technical innovation.
“To have this team back for the Final Lap feels like the perfect way to honour the journey of Extreme E. It is a fitting closing chapter for one of the series’ most iconic teams, and a powerful bridge into the next era with Extreme H.”
Extreme E’s Final Lap will run on 4 to 5 October 2025 in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, before the world’s first hydrogen racing championship, Extreme H, kicks off the following weekend.
Qiddiya City is the world’s first city built entirely for play, where entertainment, sport, and culture converge. The race will take place with the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, close to the site which is currently undergoing transformation to become a world-leading motorsport venue.
