Extreme E, the international SUV electric motor racing series that launched this year, is looking for new hosts for its final two rounds because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic in South America.

The inaugural championship was due to conclude with the Amazon X Prix in Para in Brazil in October and the Glacier X Prix in Patagonia in Argentina in December.

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However, with Covid-19 cases rising in both countries, alternative locations are now being explored, with one option being the Western Isles in Scotland, ahead of the Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November.

Extreme E has stated it will visit the South American locations in season two.

The season started in Saudi Arabia (Desert) in April, and has also visited Senegal (Ocean) in May, with the third leg to take place in Greenland (Arctic) on 28 and 29 August.

Alejandro Agag, founder and chief executive of Extreme E, said: “We’ve been closely monitoring the situation regarding all Extreme E locations for 2021 and have chosen to make this pre-emptive decision on racing in South America this year. As a new series embarking on our opening Season, our priority is to deliver a five-race calendar of events which are safe and responsible for our global participants, partners and staff to travel to and attend.

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“This was not a decision made lightly, however current travel advice and restrictions have also meant we have been unable to visit the race areas in advance to undertake the necessary reconnaissance visits, which are especially vital due to the remote nature of our operations.

“We will of course continue to support our important reforestation and agroforestry initiatives which are already well underway in the region thanks to the help of Dr Francisco Olivieira and our partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Brazil. We would also like to thank the local authorities in Brazil and Argentina who have been supportive throughout the whole process and we hope we can return in 2022.”

Meanwhile, McLaren, the Formula 1 motor racing team, has revealed it will compete in Extreme E in 2022.

The team said that the decision to join the electric series was based on strategic, operational and economic factors such as promoting sustainability and to grow its global brand.