The Extreme H World Cup is the pioneer of hydrogen racing in Saudi Arabia

Timo Scheider is a two-time German Touring Car Champion in a career which includes Le Mans 24 Hours, rallycross and the Le Mans 24 Hours. But on Thursday in the Saudi Arabian Desert, he became a pioneer in motorsport.

The 46-year old self-described petrolhead was one of sixteen drivers from eight teams competing in the offroad Extreme H World Cup, the first FIA sanctioned hydrogen powered race event in the world, in Qiddiya.

"The world is changing and we are trying to decide what the best decision and direction is for us all. I believe hydrogen will play an important, major role in our future. "It feels good," he told reporters after the three-day event.

"We must adapt our daily behavior, our lifestyle." "I think it is right that I am here," he said via video link.

Extreme H is a continuation of the Extreme E Series, in which Scheider raced and promoted electric vehicles and sustainability by racing SUVs through harsh environments already suffering from environmental damage.

The new format features a rally-style race against the clock on Friday, as well as driver-to-driver competitions and an eight car final on Saturday.

Molly Taylor, an Australian, said: "It is very special. I think the entire paddock as well as the teams are very proud to have been part of this first group of people who pioneered this technology in such a format.

"We are taking this technology and making it more than just racing... We love to win, first and foremost. But how can we use racing to become part of something larger?

Everyone here has the goal of making this something that will grow and become bigger and larger. We do more races than just one World Cup.

Alejandro Agag, founder of Extreme H, said last month that a Hydrogen Cup would be held every year. This event could eventually expand to two or even three events across the region.

Scheider stated that the car was very different from the Extreme E and was much more fun to drive. It is heavier, but responds faster.

"The car's weight is in a different place, so the centre of gravity must be very low." The battery is flat on the floor, and the car behaves better and easier. "It makes the car much easier to control, especially when you are pushing on high speeds and on the edge," he said. (Reporting Alan Baldwin Editing Toby Davis).

(source: Reuters)