The Andretti United Extreme E outfit has announced reigning World Rallycross Champion Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings as its two drivers for the inaugural 2021 season.
The team – a collaborative effort between IndyCar giant Andretti Autosport and United Autosports, which won the LMP2 class at Le Mans earlier this month – believes the pair will “complement each other” with their combination of off-road experience.
Extreme E has stipulated that each car’s line-up include one male and one female driver.
Hansen is currently fourth in this year’s World RX points standings, and is the second driver from the series to commit to the fledgling electric off-road racing category’s first campaign, after Mattias Ekström was announced at the Abt Cupra squad.
Photo: World RX media
He said he was “delighted” to be involved in a series that aims to raise awareness of climate change and its impact on the environment.
“That’s something that really drives me,” he added.
“It’s going to be a big adventure in life to see these locations and I’m going to do my best in carrying this responsibility and hopefully making people aware of the challenges we have in the world, together with our passion for racing.”
Munnings, who is 22, finished 14th on her Junior WRC debut in Sweden earlier this year.
The 2016 European Rally Championship’s Ladies trophy winner joined Extreme E’s driver program earlier this year.
“There’s so much history and experience, so I think it’s going to make a very formidable partnership,” said Munnings. “I’m really proud to be part of that.
“I was really excited when I heard about Extreme E, I just knew I had to be part of it.
“I think the way that the male and female drivers are shown in the same light is important. To have the same credibility and to be held accountable in the same role as a male driver is great and I’m really excited about being judged purely on pace.
“This is a positive step forwards for motorsport.”
United Autosports was co-founded by McLaren Formula 1 boss Zak Brown, and already collaborates with Andretti in the Australian Supercars series.
Its team owner and managing director Richard Dean said: “I’d like to welcome Catie and Timmy to team Andretti United Extreme E. I am confident they will do a good job for us.
“They both have plenty of racing experience on rough terrains but I think the Extreme E series will be a step further for both of them.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them working together to get the best out of the car and to hopefully get us some good results.”
