“Alejandro [Agag, the series’ founder] and his team continue to really support gender equality in our sport with concrete actions that help highlight the ability of female racers and give them a chance. It will be interesting to see the team line-ups as they are announced and I look forward to following Season One when it starts early next year.”

The off-road SUV is targeting its launch in February of 2021. It aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and to do so by racing in locations most affected by climate change.

Agag said the initiative was a great step for equality, and that the format would promote the top drivers and teams to the top of the series regardless of gender.

“This is a first in motor racing. We are ensuring with our sporting format that drivers of all backgrounds will be able to compete with the same tools at their disposal at every event on the calendar.

“We are striving for equality, and this sporting format is the truest reflection of that goal. Everybody will race together and the most effective combination of drivers, team, engineer and car will rise to the top.”

Rounds in Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Brazil and Greenland have been chosen to provide five unique racing environments, ranging from desert to glaciers.