Extreme H unveils format for inaugural World Cup

A unique three-discipline format has been unveiled for the inaugural Extreme H World Cup.

As well as the typical multi-car races that have been commonplace in Extreme E, time trials and head-to-head duels will also take place.

The event will begin on Thursday October 9 with single car runs on the main race course. Each team will take to the track independently, with a driver change taking place after a single lap and their time being a cumulative one based on both drivers’ times. The running order for the first round will be random, but for the second, teams will go in reverse order of their first round results with the fastest team going last.

On Friday October 10, head-to-head duels will take place on a mostly straight course with a chicane towards its end. After 16 heats – where points will be awarded: five points will be awarded to the winner, with three going to the loser if they finish within 105 percent of the winner's time, and two points if they finish outside that 105 percent buffer. The competition will progress to a knock-out stage.

On the final day, Saturday October 11, two rounds of two four lap, four car races will take place with a driver switch mid-way through and grid positions determined by a random draw.

After that, an eight-car World Cup Final will take place, again over four laps with a mid-race driver change. Grid positions will be determined by the intermediate points standings racked up in the three disciplines so far. The winner of the eight car race will be declared the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup winner.

As with Extreme E, each team will have to field one female and one male driver, with each needing to start the same number of rounds as the other over the course of the event. How the teams divide that is up to them.

“Extreme H is not only pioneering hydrogen-powered racing, but also reimagining what motorsport can look like,” said Extreme H founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. “This multi-discipline format is designed to showcase the versatility of our drivers, and push teams, and the Pioneer 25 hydrogen racing car, to their limits, and deliver a truly spectacular show for fans worldwide.

“To crown our first FIA World Cup champion with an eight-car Final will be a landmark moment for everyone to build towards.”