Lance Woolridge completes Veloce Racing 2022 Extreme E line-up
South African off-road specialist earns full season drive following Dorset masterclass
Veloce Racing has completed its 2022 Extreme E driver line-up today (Thursday, 13 January) as the returning Lance Woolridge becomes the team’s latest signing for the upcoming season.
The South African joins recently announced Christine Giampaoli Zonca for five rounds of non-stop action this year following a spectacular race debut at the 2021 season finale in Dorset, England.
Woolridge’s spirited recovery drive in Semi-Final 2 of the Jurassic X Prix less than one month ago was enough to secure him a full season race seat in 2022. After a spin early in his run, he masterfully reduced a 10-second deficit down to just three at the switch zone, raising eyebrows across the paddock.
As a double South African Cross Country Series title winner in 2018 and 2019, the 30-year-old’s extensive off-road experience in championships akin to Extreme E speaks for itself. In addition, Woolridge successfully fulfilled his role of Reserve and Development Driver for Veloce in the all-electric off-road series last year.
Lance Woolridge, Driver, Veloce Racing said: “This is a great opportunity to continue with the team after a really promising race in Dorset at the end of last season. Although we didn’t make it to the final, I think it was clear to see that the pace was there, and we have some solid foundations to build on in 2022.
“Veloce Racing is a great team with a really dedicated group of people behind the scenes so I’m happy to be working with them again. Christine (GZ) did a great job last season so I’m confident that we can achieve great things together at Veloce.”
Rupert Svendsen-Cook, Team Principal, Veloce Racing said: “As with any motorsport series – and especially Extreme E due to its unpredictable nature – it’s important to have some level of consistency from one season to another, so it’s great to have Lance [Woolridge] onboard after a really impressive showing in Dorset for us last year. We’ve both had to be patient with each other and I want to recognise Lance’s commitment to Veloce throughout his time as reserve driver for us, where we’re very happy to finally honour him with the full time race seat.
“This year promises to be the team’s biggest yet and with Lance and Christine onboard, we’re excited to see the heights Veloce Racing can reach on the course as Extreme E prepares for another thrilling season.”
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 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: George Wilson/MPA Creative