Rosberg rekindles rivalry with Hamilton with Extreme E team

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Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are set to reignite their F1 rivalry, but off the beaten tracks as the pair field their own team in the adventurous new Extreme E racing series.

In September, Hamilton announced his entry into the all-electric series that will race in five remote areas across the world to raise awareness and support projects to stop climate change.

Rosberg followed suit on Thursday with the launch of Rosberg Xtreme Racing, the ninth team to sign up for the electric odyssey's inaugural edition.

"The series represents an amazing opportunity to inspire action in the fight against climate change - the single biggest threat to our planet today," said Rosberg.

"Since retiring from F1 I have dedicated my career to sustainable technologies, so to be able to combine these endeavours with my passion for racing is incredibly fulfilling."

Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO, said: "We are ecstatic to finally announce that Rosberg Xtreme Racing will be joining our line-up for the first season of Extreme E.

"We have been talking about this project for many months and we are thrilled he has chosen Extreme E for his formal return to motorsport as Founder and CEO of his own racing team.

"There is clearly a great synergy between Nico’s endeavours in the sustainability field and the aims of Extreme E so his team is a hugely welcomed addition to the series."

Read also: Hamilton moves into team ownership in Extreme E

Hamilton and Rosberg might not be F1's only representatives to enter a team in the audacious off-road series, with Valtteri Bottas perhaps mulling a participation after recently testing Extreme E's charger.

Among the teams set to contest the global event is London-based Veloce Racing, who have signed up Red Bull Racing designer Adrian Newey as part of their effort.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.