Rosberg X Racing take the win in Extreme E’s Continental Traction Challenge

Proving to be traction supremos, the Rosberg outfit scored three out of five fastest sector times throughout the season.

Standout moments such as Åhlin-Kottulinsky’s prowess over nine-time World Rally champion Sébastien Loeb’s sector time in Sardinia’s NEOM Island X Prix II proved just how competitive this challenge is. With vital make-or-break points at stake, it all came down to raw speed and determination.

But what exactly is the Continental Traction Challenge and why is it so important?

Designed by Extreme E’s Founding Partner, Continental Tyres, this is a predefined timed section (formerly known as the ‘Super Sector’) of each specially designed off-road course.

From the Qualifying rounds at each event, through to the Final, the fastest Traction Challenge time for each individual driver is recorded. The fastest times of both drivers in a team are added together, and the team with the lowest combined time is then given those five, potentially crucial, bonus points, courtesy of Continental.

X44 Vida Carbon Racing claimed their first Extreme E title in dramatic fashion last month in Uruguay, just two points clear of RXR in the standings, having bagged a crucial five points from the Continental Traction Challenge in Qualifying 2 in Punta del Este.

In the Driver's Championship, where Continental Traction Challenge points are not accounted for, Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky were also runners up with 69 points.

The RXR drivers were 12 points behind winners Cristina Gutiérrez and Sébastien Loeb for X44 Vida Carbon Racing and just three points ahead of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team's Carlos Sainz Snr. and Laia Sanz, further demonstrating the difference the Continental Traction Challenge made in the Extreme E title chase.

Enno Straten, Head of Strategy, Analytics and Marketing Continental Tires, said: “The Continental Traction Challenge demands maximum concentration from every driver.

“The tyres and the vehicles are constantly pushed to the limit and beyond, and with just seconds often separating the drivers here, our sector provides important points that can make the difference at the end of each season.”

In some ways, Extreme E’s season is one big international traction challenge – just ask the Extreme E drivers that use Continental’s CrossContact tyres!

Scorching heat or blistering cold; muddy, sandy or icy – no matter how extreme the conditions, a reliable tyre that provides grip, traction and excellent performance at every stage of the race is absolutely vital.

With only 30 tyres provided to each of the ten ODYSSEY 21 race cars for the entire season, the CrossContact requires careful tyre management tactics. In addition, the application of old PET bottles and a new silica material created from rice husks, a waste product from agriculture, also pushes the boundaries in tyre technology and sustainability.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Without a doubt, RXR has been one of the teams to beat this year, and although in the finale they weren’t able to take the overall championship title, the team is thoroughly deserving of the Continental Traction Challenge victory.

“What is so great about the Continental Traction Challenge is that it gives the chance for the drivers to combine their raw speed and take it to the limits – and of course, those extra points can often make the difference between winning or losing not only a race, but even a championship. All this at the same time as showcasing Continental’s superb capabilities in the world’s most inhospitable environments – it’s the perfect partnership!

“Bring on 2023 – we can’t wait to see which team will win the Continental Traction Challenge crown next year!”