Title fight still open before Copper X Prix: Preview of the 2023 Extreme E season finale in Chile

As one of the last racing events in 2023, Extreme E will hold its season finale in the Atacama Desert in Chile on the first weekend of Advent. As in the previous year, the focus of the Copper X Prix will be on sustainable copper mining. In sporting terms, five teams still have the opportunity to become season 3 champion, with Acciona Sainz and Rosberg X Racing probably having the best chances. We have summarised everything you need to know about the Copper X Prix - driver line-up, schedule, location and legacy project - in our preview.

Where will the Extreme E race take place?

Extreme E returns to Calama in the north of Chile for the season finale. The series had held its South American debut there a year earlier. The location has been chosen so that the races take place in the middle of the Atacama Desert, but are as close as possible to the three largest copper mines in the world - operated by main sponsor Antofagasta Minerals.

What has happened since the last race

The driver line-up has been thoroughly shuffled again. Following an accident at the last race in Sardinia, Emma Gilmour is recovering at home in New Zealand and is not yet ready to return to action. McLaren has therefore been looking for a replacement driver and has found one in the form of the actual JBXE driver Hedda Hosas. Her cockpit will in turn be taken over by the actual Extreme E reserve driver Tamara Molinaro. Christine GZ steps in as the female Championship Driver.

There has also been a change at ABT: Sebastien Loeb is not available as a replacement for Nasser Al-Attiyah this time. Instead, ETCR champion and Formula E tester Adrien Tambay will make his debut in Extreme E.

Apart from that, things have been quiet around Extreme E of late. However, there has been some news: Veloce has launched a fan vote for a special livery, which will now be used at the season finale. The team is starting with a completely new colour scheme: the focus is on chrome and purple. In addition, Jenny Gow is back in the Extreme E TV world signal team almost a year after her stroke.

Not long to go until our final battle of the season - we can’t wait! ?#copperxprix | @vextoken pic.twitter.com/CmquqrKFKn

— Veloce Racing (@Veloce_Racing) November 17, 2023

When are the sessions, who is broadcasting them on TV & livestream?

The schedule for the season finale double header is as follows.

Day of the week	Date	Session	Time	Platform
Saturday	02.12.2023	Qualifying 1	13:00-14:30 (CET)	extreme-e.com, YouTube, Facebook, X
Saturday	02.12.2023	Final broadcast	19:00-21:00 (CET)	extreme-e.com, YouTube, Facebook, X
Sunday	03.12.2023	Qualifying 1	13:00-14:30 (CET)	extreme-e.com, YouTube, Facebook, X
Sunday	03.12.2023	Final broadcast	19:00-21:00 (CET)	extreme-e.com, YouTube, Facebook, X

 

TV coverage depends on your country. To get a detailed overview, please visit the series' website.

What is the race track about?

Nothing has changed regarding the track layout, which the series itself describes as one of the most popular on the calendar. The 3.4-kilometre circuit consists of a technical section with tight bends and a faster second section with many straights. The track is spectacular due to the many uphill and downhill sections with jumps and banked corners that are similar to those of oval circuits.

It can be assumed that the "Continental Traction Challenge" section will also remain unchanged. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world, which is why the surface is particularly sandy and dusty.

What is the Legacy Programme?

After last year's Legacy Programme focussed on the livelihood of bees, in 2023 the focus will be on flamingos. Despite the drought, the Atacama Desert is a potential habitat for flamingos, but it is endangered by global warming and the decline in biodiversity.

The Extreme E therefore supports the non-profit ranger network "Force For Nature". While active intervention has taken place in other places - for example by planting trees - this time Extreme E is supplying binoculars to Chile, which the rangers need for their work.

What will the weather be like?

Chile is not set to experience a heatwave like during the recent race weekend in Sardinia. Nevertheless, the weather is expected to be sunny with 13 hours of sunshine and temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius. No rain is forecast, but gusty winds in places.

Who are the favourites?

The question of the favourites at the Copper X Prix goes hand in hand with the question of who has the best chance of winning the title. The Spanish team Acciona Sainz, which has already won two races and also finished on the podium three times, ist in the best position. However, their lead over Season 1 champion Rosberg X Racing is just three points. Things could therefore get exciting between the two.

Molly Taylor and Kevin Hansen and their Veloce Racing team are already 21 points behind in third place, but still have every chance of turning the duel into a three-way battle. Chip Ganassi Racing and X44, who won the first Copper X Prix, also still have theoretical title chances in fourth and fifth place in the overall standings, but will have to hope for mistakes from their rivals.

Overall Standings (Drivers & Teams)