Extreme E: Maiden victory for Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing as RXR stripped of win
Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing took a maiden victory in Extreme E as RXR was stripped of its win following the collision with Carlos Sainz.
Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price inherited their first win in a stop-start Island X Prix Final, that also saw XITE ENERGY Racing claim a first top-three finish. A red flag was brought out following a big accident for ACCIONA | SAINZ as RXR’s Kristoffersson collided with Sainz Snr. in the early stages.
It was the Spaniard who managed to edge in front of the pack from the start as the teams’ racing lines merged, but as the course narrowed Sainz Snr. collided with Kristoffersson and was sent into a barrel roll. This brought about the red flag at the end of the first lap and, ultimately, a 30-second penalty for the Championship leaders.
Sainz Snr. managed to walk away from the accident, while Kristoffersson continued in the race despite substantial damage to his ODYSSEY 21.
Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “Carlos Sainz Snr. from the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team was involved in a collision with Rosberg X Racing in the opening moments of Extreme E’s NEOM Island X Prix I Final, in Sardinia this afternoon. He received a full check up in hospital as a precaution but was cleared and released this evening.
“The safety of our drivers is our greatest concern. Myself, along with the whole Extreme E family wish Carlos well and we hope to see him back in action this weekend for the next X Prix.”
The 30 second penalty pushed Rosberg X Racing down to third overall in the race, meaning Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price claimed the first ever Extreme E victory for Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing, with XITE ENERGY Racing following behind in second.
The result is not enough to knock Rosberg X Racing off top spot of the championship as it leads with 50 points, ahead of Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing on 37 points and the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team on 28 points.