Plenty of big-name drivers have signed up for Extreme E

Six-time World Rally champion Sébastien Ogier, W Series winner Jamie Chadwick, Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer, 2016 Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi, double DTM champion Timo Scheider…

Quite a list, we think you’ll agree. Those are just some of the names that have signed up to take part in the inaugural season of Extreme E – Formula E’s off-road cousin – which is set to make its debut in 2021. 

The organisers clearly aren’t messing about. There’s some serious talent there, but not all will have experience of racing over jumps and on loose surfaces, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the different environments.

All of those names, and others who have signed up to the drivers’ programme, will now have the chance to test the 1,650kg, 550bhp Odyssey 21 racer that all teams in Extreme E will use.

The founder of Extreme E, Alejandro Agag, said: “We have revealed the car, and our first race location, but any good championship needs top driver talent in order to be truly successful.

“This world-class list of drivers, representing the very best male and female talent from multiple disciplines across top-tier motorsport, illustrates Extreme E’s serious sporting credentials. It certainly marks another very important step as we continue the development of our exciting new series.”

Ogier, who is the second-most successful WRC driver ever, said: “Extreme E is unlike anything else we have in motorsport, so it is incredibly appealing to me.” 

"The short stages, the power and performance of the Odyssey 21, the head-to-head format and of course the spectacular, unique locations, will make the racing extremely intense and very exciting for drivers and the fans watching from home.

“I’m in love with nature and the planet, and also being a father makes the future protection of our planet a very important fight to me personally. I want us to try and change our habits, and Extreme E’s mission to promote electric future is crucial to that goal.” 

So, what do you reckon people? Will this driver line-up convince you to stream the first event in a couple of years’ time, or are you still sceptical?