Genesys Andretti United Extreme E fastest in Practice as Season 2 showdown starts in style
The three-kilometre course of the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix promises an exciting showdown and, with two laps per driver each round, the stage is set for some action-packed wheel-to-wheel racing.
Festivities got underway yesterday with a roadshow in downtown Punta del Este. A welcome speech was delivered by Alejandro Agag, while the drivers in the title contending teams took questions from the crowd of fans.
An autograph session followed, where the spectators got up close and personal with the stars and cars of Extreme E ahead of the final race of 2022.
Fraser McConnell, JBXE, said: “We got an amazing reception from the fans here in Uruguay. To be a part of Extreme E’s first fan event, especially from behind the wheel of the JBXE ODYSSEY 21, is something I’m really proud of.”
Ezequiel Companc, XITE ENERGY Racing, said: “It’s been an amazing event, and to introduce a parade to Extreme E is something quite amazing. Being close to the fans was a great experience - they really appreciated it and so did the drivers.
“This is quite a new series, only two years now, so it was amazing to see so many people coming by to give us the love.”
With Rosberg X Racing (RXR) 17 points clear in the race to lift the championship trophy this weekend, the final round of the season will prove the most nail-biting yet for the other Extreme E contenders as they look to steal glory in Punta del Este.
Ahead of a crucial weekend, quickest out of the blocks in Free Practice were Genesys Andretti United Extreme E with a time of 10:07.248. Having shown pace throughout the campaign, Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings set off in hot pursuit of a second podium for their 2022 campaign.
Timmy Hansen, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: “The whole team is hoping to end the season with a good result. We’ve had strong pace this year but unfortunately, have missed out a few times in the semi-finals which has ultimately resulted in us not getting the results we have been aiming for.
"Our qualifying results show we’ve had a good season from a pace perspective, so we’re hoping we can keep that pace going into the season finale. Our aim is a podium or to end the season with a win, nonetheless I’m excited to be back with the team for the final time this year.”
Catie Munnings, Genesys Andretti United Extreme E, said: "The team is excited for a new race and for the chance to prove our pace out on track. Hopefully, we can have a clean set of runs and a successful race. We haven't had a win this year, so that's the aim but let's see if we can make it happen.”
Close behind were championship contenders X44 Vida Carbon Racing who, off the back of victory in Chile, maintained their momentum with a time of 10:08.851 and a quickest lap of the day from Sébastien Loeb.
Also setting their best time in the second session were ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, who rounded out the top three and kept their title hopes alive going into tomorrow’s Qualifying.
NEOM McLaren Extreme E recovered from a roll for Emma Gilmour in Free Practice 1 to claim the fourth fastest time of the day, while No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing completed the top five runners.
Championship leaders RXR were eighth overall in Free Practice as they search for the consistency needed to win back-to-back Extreme E titles this weekend.
Free Practice combined timings:
1. Genesys Andretti United Extreme E 10:07.248 (FP2)
2. X44 Vida Carbon Racing 10:08.851 (FP2)
3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 10:15.664 (FP2)
4. NEOM McLaren Extreme E 10:18.988 (FP2)
5. GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 10:22.369 (FP2)
6. ABT CUPRA XE 10:22.588 (FP2)
7. JBXE 10:23.311 (FP2)
8. Rosberg X Racing 10:25.891 (FP2)
9. Veloce Racing 10:22.473 (FP2)
10. XITE ENERGY Racing 11:00.288 (FP2)
