McConnell’s X44 wins Extreme E round three
JAMAICAN RALLYCROSS sensation Fraser McConnell maintained X44’s top qualifying form to win round three at the Hydro X Prix in Scotland on Saturday.
The victory marks McConnell’s first win in Extreme E and the Season two champions ’first win of the 2023 campaign.
McConnell and Cristina Gutiérrez crossed the line in second place, but a penalty for on-course winners Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E dropped British-star Catie Munnings and teammate Timmy Hansen down to second place.
“It’s amazing to get my first win for X44. It’s been something that I’ve been working towards, not just for me, but for the whole team.
“It j ust goes to show that prioritising opportunity and inclusivity doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance, and we’re proud to be showing what’s possible here in Extreme E.
“We didn’t have the best starting position – second from the outside – so I knew I was going to have to do something a little risky to get in front which I managed. Then I went a little wide and they got the better run, but that’s racing. We were able to stay close enough to capitalise on their [Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E] penalty. A win is always a win and very happy to do this one for X44.”
Despite the poor starting point, McConnell hung back from the pack, turning early to undercut the ODYSSEY 21s in front and used his Hyperdrive late to storm from fifth to first.
The Jamaican carried this pace into the first steep ascent of the course, but McConnell’s speed caused him to run wide, opening the door for Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E’s Hansen to pull up alongside and exit the climb in the lead.
Third were Carl Cox Motorsport, scoring their maiden podium in the championship after just three rounds.
McConnell’s team is fourth in the overall standings on 51 points with the fourth event set for July 8-9 at the Island XPrix in Sardinia, Italy.
There are seven rounds to come for the defending champions X44.