Veloce Racing set for Sardinian adventure

The 2022 Extreme E season finally gets back underway next week (6-10 July) with Veloce Racing set to take on the Island X Prix double-header in Sardinia, Italy.

Christine GZ and Lance Woolridge will get back behind the wheel of the London-based squad’s ODYSSEY 21 as the team looks to score big in the scorching heat of Sardinia.

Following heartbreak in the opening round in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, back in February when the team crashed out of qualifying while leading, both GZ and Woolridge will be hoping to capitalise on their undoubted pace in the next instalment of the all-electric off-road racing series.

The team enjoyed a successful test over three days in Fontjoncouse, France, earlier this month in what turned out to be excellent preparation for the next event. The rough and rocky terrain in the French Pyrenees – amid sweltering conditions – was a solid proving ground for what the squad may expect to find at the first-ever Extreme E double-header in Italy.

Island X Prix I takes place on the 6/7 July before Island X Prix II is run on 9/10 July, with the series’ important Legacy Projects – providing positive support to local communities – also interjected amongst the racing action.

Extreme E brings together ten of the world’s finest off-road racing teams and one of the most competitive driver line-ups on the planet. With everything still to play for, the event in Sardinia represents a pivotal point in the 2022 XE season ahead of a dramatic conclusion to the campaign in Chile and Uruguay later in the year.

‍Lance Woolridge, Driver, Veloce Racing said: “I'm really looking forward to it! I think we have the pace, but as a team we need to execute it correctly. If we can do that then we think the results from that will be really rewarding. It was great to get a test in prior to Sardinia, especially to get familiar with all of the upgrades and changes we've made to the car. We have been focusing on what we need to do at the event and have put in a lot of training and preparation towards that.“The double-header is going to have a lot of aspects to it, particularly in weighing up the risks versus rewards for points in the first round. There will be a quick reset after the first round to either regroup or ensure we don't rest on our laurels to keep striving for success. We need to maximise our performance.”

‍Christine GZ, Driver, Veloce Racing commented: “It has obviously been a challenging time following the accident, but I can’t wait to get back to competitive action again, and to work with everyone at Veloce Racing. The recent test in France was extremely productive and we feel well prepared for the double-header in Sardinia.“It is going to be a lot hotter than when we raced there last year, plus having two race events on the same surface in quick succession, means the terrain will likely be pretty rough. Our recent test was carried out in similar conditions so I am sure that will serve us well – we believe we have the pace and remain fully focused on getting the right results in Italy. It is also somewhat of a home event for me, so I am very much looking forward to it.”

‍Dan Bailey, CEO, Veloce Racing added: “We are extremely excited to be resuming the Extreme E season with the double-header in Sardinia. With only one round having taken place so far, we’re sure that a positive approach next week will put us right back in the hunt.“We showed we had the pace back in NEOM, and the recent test in France was also good preparation, but we’re well aware that we need to execute our targets in a competitive environment. Spirits are high in the team, Lance and Christine are working well together, and we’re all looking forward to what we hope is a successful trip to Italy.”