2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has joined the XITE Energy Racing team for the upcoming Nitro Rallycross series
Partnering with rallycross driver Oli Bennett, the ex-F1 racer will pilot an XITE Energy-liveried, all-electric FC1-X race car in the new global championship.
The 42-year-old completed initial testing earlier this month, driving a Mini RX Supercar and a Fiesta Supercar at Pembrey in Wales.
“I want to go racing,” said Button. “I love racing, I love competing and I want to have fun."
“I’m looking forward to racing Nitro RX with XITE Energy – a team which has great experience of not just rallycross but also racing Electric Vehicles.”
The FC1-X rallycross car has a peak power output of 787kW (1055bhp) and 811lb ft torque. With the four motor, four-wheel-drive system, the car weighs 1245kg, meaning a 0-60mph time of just 1.4sec - more than half a second faster than a Formula 1 car.
The Nitro RX series will kick-off in June at storied rallycross circuit Lydden Hill in England, followed by events in Sweden, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Canada and four more venues in the USA.
Button’s family history is rooted in rallycross as his father John competed in the British Championship during the 1970s and 1980s.
“There’s a real family connection with rallycross. Dad used to race in a Volkswagen Beetle and then a Volkswagen Golf,” said Button.
“I’d like to emulate what he did – that would be pretty special. I used to love going along and watching him race. I remember it was so loud. That won’t be a problem this time – the FC1 is not loud; it’s awesome that the kids can come and watch and don’t need to wear headsets!”
“Rallycross is night and day different to Formula 1 and that’s why I love it. I left F1 after 17 years because I wanted to try something new. I’m all about new challenges. I’m a racing driver, not a formula one driver so new challenges is what I’m all about. I felt I achieved what I needed to in Formula 1 so it’s nice to try different things.”
Button and Bennett will begin their test programme with the FC1-X in the coming weeks.
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