Extreme E in pictures: The best images from the Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia’s spectacular AlUla

The new motorsport series starring electric SUVs cutting through the remote desert of Saudi Arabia has made for a picturesque event

The new motorsport series Extreme E is under way in the desert of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, a stunning backdrop for the event’s debut.

The five-race series of fully electric SUVs takes on extreme destinations from the Arctic ice to the Amazon rainforest via the African coast, aiming to raise awareness of environmental degradation and the climate crisis as it goes.

The first location of AlUla for the ‘Desert X Prix’ makes for some dramatic photos, with a 9km circuit which swoops between giant outcrops of sandstone rock and features a stomach-churning 100m drop at 45 degrees – that’s the most brutal of black runs in skiing terms.

After Friday’s shakedown came Saturday qualifying, won by Lewis Hamilton’s team X44, before Sunday’s semi-finals and final – where Nico Rosberg’s XR team clinched the first victory.

Take a look through our gallery above of the best pictures from an eye-catching weekend of brand new motorsport.

Read more:

• Report: Nico Rosberg’s team clinch first race win
• Jenson Button: What it’s like to drive an Extreme E car
• Catie Munnings: ‘Motorsport can be selfish’
• Qualifying report as Hamilton X44 take top spot