When it was thought that Rosberg X Racing would win the Island X Prix I after demonstrating reliability and race pace at critical moments, as it has happened during the Extreme E championship, it was not so. While they crossed the finish line in first position, a penalty imposed by race management resulted in Chip Ganassi Racing’s first win in the series.
Behind the wheel of RXR, Swedish drivers Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky took the ODYSSEY 21 through all the rounds, and then closed the Final Race in first position after an event where multiple accidents occurred. In fact, they were involved in a collision with ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team, which resulted in a penalty hours after the race ended.
Among the incidents that occurred, Emma Gilmour overturned her NEOM McLaren XE in the Crazy Race while fighting to get the team into the decisive stage. The vehicle flipped several times in the air to land abruptly on the surface of the Circuit of Sardinia, a track that challenged and demanded drivers throughout.
Related content: Extreme E 2022: Format, Drivers, Teams, Calendar, Car, News and the Most Complete Guide to the Category
On the other hand, veteran Carlos Sainz was out of the final race after colliding his ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team car against Johan Kristoffersson’s car, generating tense moments as the stewards tried to remove the Spaniard from the vehicle.
Later, Extreme E reported that the Dakar Rally champion was conscious and in good spirits, although for safety reasons he was transferred to the hospital. “Carlos remained conscious and is in good spirits, but will be taken to the hospital for further evaluations as a precaution. We will update with any additional information as we receive it.”
Following Rosberg X Racing’s victory, multiple comments of congratulations to the team emerged, although another sector was also unhappy that no penalties were applied against the Swede following his collision with Sainz.
However, moments later Extreme E announced the sanction regarding what happened, leaving as winners the drivers Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price, from Chip Ganassi Racing.
Thus, the podium was completed by Xite Energy Racing in second position and Rosberg X Racing on the final step as a result of the 30-second penalty imposed on the German team.
Now, the action will not take long, because from 9 to 10 July will be held the Island X Prix II, third round of the championship and second battle that will host Sardinia, which is sure to give much to talk about all the events that happened in the first race.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
