Sjökvist ready to put ‘heart and soul’ into RX2e title tilt

Last year’s FIA RX2e Championship runner-up Isak Sjökvist is heading into the 2023 curtain-raiser in Hell with the top step of the podium firmly in his sights, after #YellowSquad pulled the covers off the cars that will be piloted by the Swede and team-mate Catie Munnings this weekend (17-18 June).

RX2e event-winner Sjökvist and Extreme E race-winner Munnings will line up for #YellowSquad as the Swedish rallycross driver development outfit embarks upon its maiden electric programme, falling in-line with parent company Hansen Motorsport’s target of net-zero emissions by 2040.

Both drivers joined the team for a testing and training programme in Sweden last week in preparation for the opening round in Norway, with Sjökvist in quietly confident mood.

“From my side, it was a really great test,” the 21-year-old remarked. “It was so useful and we gathered a wealth of knowledge about how the car is working. We can take those tools into this season, which is an opportunity I’m really excited about.

“When I looked at the car for the first time, I was impressed and I think we’re really going to stand out on-track. Of course, it’s the first round of the season for us so we’re naturally a bit nervous, but I’m excited for the challenge and will be driving with all my heart and soul.”

The team’s pair of all-electric, four-wheel-drive, 270kW machines will be easily distinguishable in 2023, adorned in #YellowSquad’s signature strong and vibrant yellow livery, which has been given an aggressive twist for the forthcoming campaign, with subtle differences to differentiate between the two cars.

Sjökvist’s has a white front panel on the nose and white wheels, while 25-year-old Munnings’ contender sports a black front panel, accompanied by black wheels, as the British driver prepares to make her second RX2e start this weekend.

“Testing with #YellowSquad for the first time last week was really good as I started to work closely with Eric [Färén – Team Manager], Isak, Kevin and Timmy [Hansen],” she revealed. “It was really useful to have Kevin and Timmy’s experience of electric rallycross cars, and it was a great couple of days.

“Going through set-up options like we did was not the sort of thing I’d done before with this car, so that was great looking ahead to Norway. I’m really looking to lean on the team’s experience and am targeting a great result. The liveries look amazing; it’s been a huge effort to get ready for the season, and I can’t wait to go racing – the team definitely looks the part!”

“The cars look fantastic,” echoed Färén. “Of course, you always go through the process with the designers, but until the livery is applied for real, you never know 100 per cent how the finished product is going to be.

“I have to say, we’re delighted with how they have turned out, and from seeing the cars on-track in testing too, they look even better at full-speed. Our pre-event test in Sweden went well; I’m pleased with how both drivers got on, and importantly they worked together well. We have a good feeling in the team heading to Hell!”