STARD enters Extreme E and FIA Extreme H World Cup
London, 26 September, 2025: Extreme E and FIA Extreme H is proud to announce its latest team and driver lineup, with STARD joining the grid with British rising star Patrick O’Donovan and American racer Amanada Sorensen.
STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development), founded by CEO Michael Sakowicz and part of Manfred Stohl's Stohl Group GmbH is one of Austria’s most respected and versatile R&D specialists. Innovating and competing since the 1980s, the outfit has run successful programmes in WRC, rallycross, circuit racing and hill climbs, and has established the team as a leader in alternative-fuel and electric mobility.
STARD was responsible for developing the first FIA-compliant electric rallycross car and delivered the sport’s first all-electric race victory, underlining the team’s ability to turn engineering vision into competitive success. Today, STARD continues to push the boundaries of sustainable performance, uniting deep motorsport knowledge with pioneering research and development.
Manfred Stohl, Founder of Stohl Group GmbH, said: “With STARD being such an innovative company I think it’s a perfect match for us to be on the grid of Extreme H. Combine that with Amanda Sorensen and Patrick O'Donovan, two very gifted and young drivers and you have the recipe to something great.”
As the team prepares to enter Extreme E and Extreme H, it will continue its mission to push innovation from the workshop to the racetrack. By combining technical excellence with a passion for progress, STARD and its drivers Patrick O’Donovan and Amanda Sorensen will help shape the future of sustainable motorsport on a global stage.
In O’Donovan and Sorensen, Stohl has a driver lineup packed with youthful energy and promise. O’Donovan claimed Motorsport UK's Young Driver of the Year accolade in 2021, the same year he clinched the RX150 Rallycross Championship. After winning twice in RX2e in 2022, he took third in the 2023 European Rallycross Supercar standings and made his World RX debut. The following season he took the European RX crown with three wins from four rounds.
Patrick O’Donovan, Driver for STARD, said: “I’m buzzing to be stepping into a whole new era of motorsport with STARD. First up is the final-ever round of Extreme E and a car I’ll truly be sad to say goodbye to after all the battles it’s been through. But the exciting part is what comes next. Together we’ll be making history as we transition into the world’s first ever hydrogen racing category.”
Sorensen has made her name with her versatility. She became the youngest female driver to claim a Formula Drift podium in 2024, and has also competed in the likes of Nitrocross' Side-by-Side category, and Extreme E. Partnering with off-road racing superstar RJ Anderson, Sorensen made her debut in 2023 and claimed podiums in just her second and third race weekends, with third place finishes at the Hydro X Prix and first Island X Prix.
Amanda Sorensen, Driver for STARD, said: “I’m thrilled to return to Extreme E and to race with the STARD team for the first time. Joining such a respected organization is a huge opportunity, and I’m eager to give it my all. I’ve also been eagerly awaiting the launch of Extreme H, and to be among the first drivers chosen is a true honor. It feels like the start of something historic, and I couldn’t be more excited to help showcase this new era of motorsport.”
James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer, Extreme E and Extreme H: “We’re delighted to welcome STARD to the Extreme family as we prepare for this landmark moment in motorsport. Their pedigree in pioneering alternative-fuel technologies and delivering competitive success makes them a natural fit for both Extreme E’s Final Lap and the launch of Extreme H.
“With Patrick O’Donovan and Amanda Sorensen behind the wheel, STARD brings youthful energy, proven talent, and the kind of innovation that will help shape the future of sustainable racing. This is exactly the type of team we want leading the charge into hydrogen-powered motorsport.”
Racing will begin with a ‘Final Lap’ Extreme E race taking place from Saturday, 4th and Sunday, 5th October 2025, providing an official farewell to the previous championship, before the official start of Extreme H on Thursday, 9th, through to Saturday, 11th October 2025.
Qiddiya City is the world’s first city built entirely for play, where entertainment, sport, and culture converge. The race will take place with the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, close to the site which is currently undergoing transformation to become a world-leading motorsport venue.
The FIA Extreme H World Cup Presented by PIF will make history as the first international race event to use hydrogen-powered vehicles. Marking a new future for motorsport, defined by cutting-edge technology and bold ambition.
Further details on the event will be revealed over the coming weeks as the event countdown continues at pace.