A technical problem just the before the Final in Chile saw Rosberg X Racing miss out on valuable points, while their nearest championship challengers closed the gap. Ahead of the final round of Season 2 in Uruguay, we caught up last year’s championship winners to check out their preparations ahead of the title decider.
After topping Qualifying at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in Chile before a dominant Semi-Final 1 performance, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) looked on course to get the result they needed to secure back-to-back Extreme E titles.
However, a rare mechanical failure ensured they were unable to take part in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix Final – the first time RXR out have missed out on a Final appearance in Extreme E. Worse still, Nico Rosberg’s outfit had to watch their championship rivals pull back valuable points ensuring the title battle is now a four-way fight ahead of the Season 2 finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
The Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix will mark a fascinating contest, as RXR look to secure their second Extreme E championship in a row with challengers X44 Vida Carbon Racing, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing in hot pursuit.
Despite the team’s Extreme E pedigree, their woes in Chile ensure RXR may not be entering with all of the upward momentum after sitting out the Final last time out.
Nevertheless, since the series’ inception in 2021 they have been the benchmark in the championship having won five of the nine X Prix to date.
So, how will the team fare in Uruguay and will drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky be changing anything in their driving style for the final round of 2022?
Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: “Our team has proven that we have great pace, and we’ve worked really hard this season to remain on top. We still have a healthy lead in the championship, and I’m looking forward to regrouping ahead of the final race in Uruguay.
“We’ll be bringing our a-game and hope to make the dream happen there.”
Not only are RXR serial winners in Extreme E, but they have also demonstrated their outright speed in Qualifying in 2022 making the team even more formidable.
However, given what is at stake at the Uruguay Natural X Prix, could we expect a more cautious approach out on course?
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, added: “There’s definitely a lot at stake going into the final round of this season. You do need to be cautious and not always take big risks, but I just want to get back behind the wheel and give it my all. In Extreme E anything can happen so it’s important that we remain focused, stay on our toes, and do the best that we can do.”
Find out if RXR claim back-to-back Extreme E titles at the Season 2 finale, the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on 26-27 November.
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