Extreme E extends tire deal with Continental

Extreme E has extended its tire supply deal with Continental for the upcoming season, the final one of the battery-electric formula before it switches to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2025.

Continental has been a series partner since 2019, two years before the championship’s inaugural season of racing, and has used its position in the series to help develop its consumer products.

For the 2023 season, Continental introduced a new CrossContact tire made up of 43 percent recycled material, including silica obtained from the ash of rice husks, waste material of agriculture, and polyester yarn from recycled PET plastic bottles.

It also recycled the tire into rubber paving stones, 400 square meters of which were used to build a new basketball court in Hannover, Germany, as part of the brand’s push to become the most progressive tire company in terms of environmental and social responsibility and to help it become carbon neutral by 2050 at the latest with the help of circular economy solutions.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Continental, not only as our founding partner but it is an organization that shares our commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation,” said managing director Ali Russell. “Continental's continued dedication to creating bespoke tires that perform exceptionally in the world's harshest terrains aligns perfectly with our mission to drive change through motorsport.

“Their unwavering support plays a pivotal role in the success of Extreme E and the message we aim to convey.”

Claudio Toldi, head of marketing communications EMEA at Continental, added: “We are looking forward to entering another exciting season together with Extreme E. With our tire, the Extreme E CrossContact, we guarantee the participating teams perfect performance on all kinds of surfaces and challenges, no matter where the races take place.

“The electric off-road racing championship series is the ideal platform for us to test new tire technologies and developments before their series launch for the passenger car sector.

“Our latest tire consists of around 43 per cent recycled and renewable materials – in this way we actively shape and contribute to a sustainable motorsport and more environmental awareness.”