Extreme E’s events will be streamed live via the BBC’s digital services in the UK from its first season.
As part of a multi-year deal, Extreme E rounds will be aired across the broadcaster’s online streaming services, much like its arrangement with Formula E.
“Our goal with Extreme E is to open this innovative new series up to as wide an audience as possible,” said Ali Russell, chief marketing officer at Extreme E.
“Securing this deal with the BBC is a massive coup in what is a key market for us.
“The UK has an insatiable appetite for world-class motor racing and a groundswell of backing for sustainable technologies – particularly pertinent given the government’s plans to bring forward the transition to fully-electric motoring to 2035.
“It’s highly likely that there will be a number of home-grown drivers in the fold come January 2021 for the Brits to back, with the likes of Jamie Chadwick and Billy Monger signalling their intent to compete for a seat in the series by signing up to our drivers’ programme.
“Of course, there’s also an exciting British entry in Veloce Racing – the Esports outfit turned motorsport team – with Adrian Newey on-board as its Lead Visionary. I’m looking forward to seeing what the British talent can do come ‘lights out’ in just under a year’s time.”
The BBC deal is the ninth confirmed broadcast agreement for the all-electric off-road racing series.
It follows agreements with FOX Sports covering the United States, Canada, and the Carribean, FOX Sports Asia, TVNZ in New Zealand, BTRC in Belarus, RTM in Malaysia, SPN in India, Italian broadcaster Mediaset, and Dubai sports in the United Arab Emirates, Middle East and North Africa.
Extreme E will kick off next year with five races in remote locations, such as deserts, rainforests, and mountain ranges.
The season begins in Dakar, Senegal on January 23-24 2021, before heading to Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of March, the Mustang District of Nepal in May, Greenland at the end of August, and Brazil at the end of October.
