Despite demonstrating ABT CUPRA XE’s potential throughout Season 2, it has been a difficult debut campaign in Extreme E for Nasser Al-Attiyah. As excitement builds ahead of the series’ first X Prix in South America, Extreme E caught up with the four-time Dakar Rally winner who is keen to deliver the team’s maiden win.
Extreme E: How have you found the switch to Extreme E and has it been everything that you anticipated?
Nasser Al-Attiyah: Extreme E is extremely good fun! The competition is high as there are many fast guys and girls on the grid. At the same time, there is a nice family spirit within the entire paddock family.
XE: Would it be fair to say ABT CUPRA XE have been unlucky in the championship so far as the team has shown flashes of speed throughout?
NA-A: Good luck and bad luck are difficult things in motorsport. Our performance is good for trophies and even a victory, but to achieve this you have to bring it all together when it counts. Even the smallest mistakes throw you out of the competition, and that’s what happened to us too many times.
XE: What are the main driving characteristics required for success in Extreme E?
NA-A: Like in Rally-Raid events, you need absolute precision because every second counts. Extreme E requires a very good risk management to be quick, but not over the limit.
XE: Is it comparable to rallying in the Dakar, for instance?
NA-A: Sometimes the area and surface are of course the same as on some Dakar stages. However, in the Dakar Rally we are driving for two weeks and in Extreme E it is all about a few seconds on the timing screen. It is the same sport, but totally different categories.
XE: Speaking of which, how has it felt to renew old rivalries in the X Prix to date?
NA-A: It feels good to race along some good old friends. Other than during the Dakar Rally, in Extreme E we are getting pretty close to each other sometimes…
XE: What has been your highlight so far in the series?
NA-A: Working with the team is great, driving our car is great, coming to the first race and being quick was great. The highlight, though, will be the first time on the podium.
XE: The championship’s Legacy Programmes are unique in motorsport. How have you found the series’ and your team’s commitment to sustainability and the environment?
NA-A: The Legacy Programmes are one of the things that make Extreme E so special and different to all that I have seen before in motorsport. I like being part of that and using my passion for racing also for creating awareness of the challenges in our world.
XE: You were leading in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final until misfortune struck at the halfway point. With this in mind, how close do you feel a victory is for the team?
NA-A: We know that the team, the car, Jutta and I can do it.
XE: Looking ahead to Chile, what are you anticipating there?
NA-A: I believe the surface will be quite similar to Saudi Arabia as we will again be in the middle of the desert. What will be different is the altitude – that might be a challenge here and there. Competition will be high as always with every team being able to fight for the win.
XE: There are just two races to go in Season 2 – what would represent success for ABT CUPRA XE in them?
NA-A: Two races and two trophies – that is our clear goal.
Extreme E takes a step into the unknown for their first South American X Prix, and there is all to play for and plenty of points up for grabs as the series embarks on the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix (24-25 September) in Chile.
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