British driver Catie Munnings' contract at Andretti United has been extended to 2022, following a positive first part of the 2021 Extreme E season. She will again partner Timmy Hansen at the Anglo-American team.
23-year-old British driver Catie Munnings has been confirmed at Andretti Autosport for the 2022 Extreme E season, signing a contract extension with current teammate Timmy Hansen following a positive first part of the season in the electric off-road championship.
“I’ve loved everything about our Extreme E journey with Andretti United Extreme E so far and I couldn’t ask for a better teammate than Timmy." – said Munnings, who is getting ready for this weekend's Artic X Prix in Greenland.
"I’m also delighted to continue racing with Andretti Autosport and United Autosports, two huge names in motorsport, and a team of people I can learn so much from. Extreme E is a series that really can make a difference – it’s more than just racing; we’re helping to highlight climate issues which are affecting everyone’s day-to-day lives."
Munnings was runner up in the first ever Extreme E event in Saudi Arabia in April, after famously bringing the Andretti Autosport SUV across the line in qualifying on three wheels due to a puncture.
In the Ocean X Prix held in Dakar, Senegal, the Andretti duo could not reach the finals due to a technical issue that had hindered their performances throughout the weekend.
Nevertheless, Munnings and Hansen currently hold the fourth place in the point standings, with three rounds remaining on the 2021 calendar.
"Even if the event in Senegal didn’t go to plan for us, I know that we helped make an impact in other ways including planting mangroves plus meeting and working with the local communities." – Munnings added. "At the end of the day, we are competing in a sport that we love but the underlying message about climate change is what is most important."
The Anglo-American team is the combination of two motorsport giants – Andretti Autosport and United Autosport.
“We’ve been very pleased with both Catie and Tommy in the inaugural season of Extreme E and are happy to welcome them back for Season 2." – commented Michael Andretti, co-owner of the Extreme E operation. "Both have shown to be not only competitive, but also great ambassadors for Andretti United, the sport and its climate change message. The continuity of two returning drivers will allow us to maximize on what we’ve learned this season and continue to build upon our experiences and successes thus far.”
“I’m delighted Catie and Timmy are rejoining the team for 2022." – echoed Richard Dean, Andretti Autosport United co-owner. "They have formed an incredible partnership this year and it feels like they have known each other for a long time. They have both fit into Andretti United Extreme E brilliantly and we couldn’t think of a better pairing to work with."
Daughter of a former rally driver, Catie's background is in rally and she has competed in both the European Rally Championship and selected rounds of WRC and J-WRC.
Munnings, who is also a popular television personality in the UK, claimed the ERC Ladies title in 2016 and was runner up in 2017 and 2018.
“Catie and I have worked really well together this season, she has a similar work ethic to me which is really important when it comes to sharing a car together." – said Swedish driver Timmy Hansen. Indeed, the duo has been one of the closest on performance so far and Munning's rallying experience, combined with Hansen's rally-cross background might prove the winning scenario for Andretti Autosport's Extreme E adventure.
At Kangerlussuaq, Extreme E will be focusing on raising awareness on the ice melting surfaces of Greenland, once occupied by glaciers.
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