Double trouble: Veloce Racing’s biggest-ever weekend to feature non-stop Extreme E and W Series action
Jamie Chadwick, Bruna Tomaselli, Stéphane Sarrazin and Emma Gilmour gunning for glory in Belgium and Greenland
Veloce Racing’s busiest weekend to date is on the horizon (27-29 August) as the London-based squad is set to compete in Extreme E (Kangerlussuaq, Greenland) and W Series (Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium) across three days of non-stop action.
The weekend will arguably be the team’s biggest challenge yet, as the stars and cars from both championships return from the summer break refreshed and ready for the second half of the season.
Veloce Racing is on something of a hot streak in both series’, as reigning champion Jamie Chadwick claimed a dominant W Series grand slam last time out at the Hungaroring, while the #5 Extreme E car – with Chadwick and Stéphane Sarrazin at the wheel – recorded the team’s first podium in the all-electric championship on the beaches of Senegal.
The W Series title fight now resumes at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps with Chadwick leading the overall standings by one point from rival Alice Powell, whilst Veloce rookie Bruna Tomaselli will be looking to add to her recent points tally.
Practice kicks off proceedings at the legendary Grand Prix circuit on Friday followed by qualifying, before the all-important race commences on Saturday afternoon.
With Chadwick continuing her W Series commitments there will be an exciting change to Veloce Racing’s Extreme E line-up this weekend, as the experienced Emma Gilmour is set to make her first appearance for the squad.
Extreme E will make history as Greenland hosts its first-ever motorsport event – the Arctic X Prix – with an updated race format including a mouth-watering five-car final. Qualifying 1 and 2 are scheduled for Saturday while the finals are set for Sunday.
Fans can watch all of the action unfold with both series’ enjoying live television coverage – for more information visit the Extreme E and W Series websites.
Jamie Chadwick, W Series Driver, Veloce Racing commented:
“I can’t wait to get back to racing this weekend. As always, it’s been nice to enjoy some time off over the summer break but now I’m feeling the need to get back behind the wheel.
“Spa is such a legendary circuit, it’s one of those places that every driver loves just because it’s so challenging and when you get it right it feels amazing. Obviously, the last race was the best result we could’ve asked for so I’ll definitely be targeting more of the same, but I know Alice [Powell] and the rest of the field are going to put up a good fight.”
Stéphane Sarrazin, Extreme E Driver, Veloce Racing added:
“As is often the case with Extreme E locations, Greenland is unlike anywhere I’ve been before so I’m excited to see the location and what they have come up with for the course – they’ve been a good mix of flat-out and technical sections so far this season.
“Obviously the aim is another podium. The strategy we used work perfectly in Senegal, but each event is different so we will have to see how we feel after shakedown and as the weekend progresses. It is so important in this series to know when to push and when to hold back.”
Bruna Tomaselli, W Series Driver, Veloce Racing said:
“It’s been nice to recharge my batteries over the summer break and I’m heading to Spa feeling refreshed and ready to get more points on the board – and maybe even a podium – in the second half of the season.
“These next four races are going to fly by so I want to make sure I maximise each one, learn as much as I can from Jamie [Chadwick] and the rest of the team, and above all else I want to enjoy myself while visiting these amazing locations.”
Emma Gilmour, Extreme E Driver, Veloce Racing commented:
“It is hugely exciting to be stepping into the car for the first time in Greenland, but it’s also going to be a test of my skills and experience. I’m going to have to get up to speed very quickly, but luckily each event is a bit of a reset for all of the drivers as no one has any experience of the next venue, so I think that works in my favour.
“I’m really grateful to Veloce for giving me the opportunity and I hope Stéphane [Sarrazin] and I can get another great result for the team after that amazing podium in Senegal.”
Mariella Bailey, W Series Team Principal, Veloce Racing said:
“What a first half of the season we’ve had. Two wins and the championship lead for Jamie, a good haul of points and lots of experience gained for Bruna [Tomaselli] and I’m learning a lot too during my first season as Team Principal.
“We’re going to some amazing tracks over the next four rounds and Spa is the perfect way to kick things off. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest tracks in the world and always produces amazing action for the fans – I can’t wait for practice to get underway on Friday!”
Rupert Svendsen-Cook, Extreme E Team Principal, Veloce Racing added:
“What an incredible opportunity for Veloce to be racing in two such revolutionary championships on the same weekend. It’s going to be a massive test for the entire team, but I think we’re up to the challenge.
“We’re all excited to see what Emma [Gilmour] can achieve in the car with her wealth of rally experience. Extreme E’s new five-car Final format is an interesting addition as well so I think if we play our cards right, we could be on for another brilliant result for the SW6 squad.”
About Veloce
Veloce is a London-based organisation that focuses on disruptive areas of the sports and entertainment industries – specifically, esports, motorsport and sustainable, EV motorsport. The brand comprises established professional gaming organisation, Veloce Esports, Extreme E outfit, Veloce Racing and W Series team, Veloce Racing W Series, with all three falling under the overarching Veloce umbrella. As a whole, the business occupies the fastest-growing sectors in motorsport.
Veloce Racing was born from Extreme E’s vision of sustainability-focussed, content-rich and gender-equal sport. The team’s remarkable leadership line-up is spearheaded by legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey and Formula E Champion and ex-Formula 1 driver Jean-Éric Vergne. They are joined by a host of other industry entrepreneurs and innovators who are eagerly awaiting the start of the inaugural 2021 season. Extreme E is an innovative new motorsport championship that sees electric SUVs going head-to-head in areas of the world that have been damaged by climate change or environmental issues.
Veloce Esports is the world’s leading esports and racing growth platform focused on innovation within the gaming, sport, media and entertainment sectors; comprising high-profile drivers, influencers and teams from across the globe. Among them are the official Mercedes F1, McLaren Racing, Alfa Romeo, Sauber and YAS HEAT esports programmes as well as YouTube sensations Tiametmarduk, Aarava, Xpertgamingtech and Lando Norris’ Quadrant channel to name but a few. The organisation’s digital broadcast network, across its various channels, generates in excess of 230 million views per month.
To learn more, please visit: veloce.gg
Sources: Izzy Hall/Veloce Racing PR