Extreme E’s maiden season will be the subject of a new documentary series launching later this year.
The five-part Race For The Planet series has been in the works for some time, with it being announced back in January 2019 ahead of the racing series’ own debut.
Initially the plan was for the race results to be kept secret, then revealed as part of the documentary which, at the time, was set to be shown during the Formula E off-season – Formula E being another all-electric racing series to come from the mind of Alejandro Agag.
The novel idea was abandoned after just a few months, still before Extreme E had even run a race, with sponsor and manufacturer pressure said to be behind the decision. Race broadcasts instead became ‘as-live’, and later live, although plans for the documentary series remained.
Produced by NEO Studios, Race For The Planet will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the all-electric off-road championship’s inaugural campaign, with each episode focusing on an individual event.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce our new documentary ‘Race for the Planet’, highlighting the untold stories behind the scenes of Extreme E on and off the track, taking audiences along with us as we race in the most remote locations of the planet,” Ali Russell, Extreme E’s chief marketing officer.
“We have captured what it is like to race and breathe Extreme E. We break down the barriers, bring authenticity to displaying the ups and down of motorsport, the challenges and essentially, how gladiatorial Extreme E is. Listening into the intimate thoughts of some of the best drivers in motorsport makes this documentary even more exciting and entertaining.
“Working with Prime Video was the perfect way to release this original documentary to showcase Extreme E as pioneers and a sport for purpose Championship. Not only will ‘Race for the Planet’ bring our fans and viewers into the heart of our racing and legacy projects, but this documentary will also attract a new audience to Extreme E.”
As well as zeroing in on a specific race weekend, each episode will also shine a spotlight on drivers.
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyle LeDuc will have the spotlight shone on him in Episode 1, with Andretti United’s Catie Munnings featuring in Episode 2. Laia Sanz will take the limelight in Episode 3, while Timmy and Kevin Hansen will feature in Episode 4. The final episode will showcase the series’ ‘Legacy Program’ works – its social, environmental, and ecological projects it undertook away from the track throughout the season.
“Seeing Race for the Planet gave me goosebumps. I could feel myself getting nervous again with my heart beating faster as we were sat on the start line because it brought back so many memories for me,” said Munnings. “It’s really nice to have some time to reflect on last season and see the behind the scenes of other teams’ to understand what goes on as well as the life stories behind each individual athlete, which we would never normally see.
“I think that Extreme E has done it in a great light with lots of humor and competitiveness.
“It’s really important to see the legacy work that happens as well and how that combines with the racing in a really clear and simple way that all fans will understand. I’m looking forward to it coming out and I hope the fans enjoy it.”
Race For The Planet will stream on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Ireland this summer, with an exact date to be revealed later.
