WITH just under a month to go until Dorset hosts the final round of the Extreme E season, the course route is taking shape.
Following the cancellation of the Argentinian X Prix due to the pandemic, Dorset's Ministry of Defence site in Bovington was chosen to host the season-ending race from Saturday, December 18 to Sunday, December 19.
Organisers have promised a formidable test based on the natural mixed terrain the county has to offer.
Clay, sand, gravel and mud will dominate the course, with a good chance of wintery or inclement conditions adding further difficulty for the drivers.
Racing bypasses the Tank Museum and is expected to include a combination of fast downhill sections, narrow twisty areas and wide-open spaces providing options for different lines and overtaking.
Alejandro Agag, Extreme E founder and CEO, said: “Already, there has been great racing on some epic courses, and the route for Dorset is really coming together.
READ MORE: Dorset to host final round of Extreme E championship
"It will offer a variety of surfaces, natural obstacles and challenges with no doubt lots of rain so expect a wet and muddy course this time round.
“More importantly, though, throughout our first year we have raised awareness of the climate crisis facing us all. We’ve left behind positive impacts in each location and Dorset will be no different as we work alongside local organisations to implement a programme in the area.”
The Bovington Camp area itself is key to the Army’s sustainability undertakings being home to the Defence BattleLab – a facility that provides the opportunity to develop new products and technologies.
A big focus for the military is decarbonisation and electric vehicles play a pivotal role.
The British Army has already invested £10 million in this sector, developing experimental hybrid-electric drive vehicles within its fleet in a bid to create a more sustainable military operation.
Maj Gen Simon Hutchings OBE said: “With Extreme E’s support, we will continue to highlight the environmental importance of the area and demonstrate the ongoing work undertaken by the British Army with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to ensure its longevity as both beautiful countryside and an effective training area.”
Extreme E features nine teams of two drivers each – three of which are fronted by Formula One world champions Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.
Rosberg X Racing has topped the leaderboard all season and takes a 16-point lead over Hamilton’s X44 team into the final race.
Andretti United and Button’s JBXE are also in contention for podium positions.
No spectators will be able to attend as Extreme E reduces its carbon footprint. Fans can watch on ITV 1, Sky Sports, BT Sport and BBC digital channels in the UK, and via the virtual FanWorld.
Extreme E's floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, is sailing to the UK ahead of the Jurassic X Prix. Once docked, all of the series’ cargo will be moved to the Dorset site ready for racing.
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