© McLaren
The new McLaren Extreme E team will be headed up by world rallycross star Tanner Foust when it makes its debut in the all-electric SUV off-roading championship next year.
A four-time and current US rallycross champion, Foust also has four X Games gold medals and two Formula Drift championships under his belt. As well as being a professional stunt driver, he is perhaps best known internationally as a host on the US version of Top Gear.
“We are thrilled that Tanner has joined the McLaren Racing family of drivers," commented CEO Zak Brown. "He is a top-class off-road competitor with a wealth of experience and a winning record.
"Alongside his driving prowess he’s a fantastic personality, who will help us connect with new fans around the world and bring the purpose and important messages of Extreme E to the fore.
“We’re looking forward to announcing Tanner’s team-mate and our first female McLaren driver to complete our exciting line-up," Brown added.
“To be able to race for McLaren is every driver’s dream," said the 48-year-old from Los Angeles, California.
"The opportunity to compete for the team in this innovative and imaginative racing series makes it even more special," he continued.
"The [Extreme E] concept is unique and the challenge compelling. It will enable me to draw on all my experience and skills, while being part of a positive cause addressing key issues for our planet and society.”
©ExtremeE
McLaren confirmed its entry into the new Extreme E championship in June, which aims to use racing to promote sustainability and diversity around the globe. Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button all entered teams in the inaugural season.
“From the moment Extreme E was announced we have been following the progress of the series closely," Brown said. “From the outset, McLaren has always been at the forefront and never afraid to push new boundaries.
"Formula 1 will always remain at the centre of our world," he insisted. "[But] like IndyCar and eSports, our entry into Extreme E is additive to the McLaren Racing franchise and will complement and help support all our programmes.
"We will be competing against big names we’re very familiar with from F1 and IndyCar but, like all series we compete in, the competition objective is clear: we are there to win.”
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