The Swedish season curtain-raiser back in July
represented only Taylor’s third start in RX2e – or in any rallycross
competition, for that matter, with her background predominantly in rallying. Be
that as it may, it was also her most competitive showing to-date.
Only a puncture cost her a race win in heat
one, and she consistently took the fight to title contender Mikaela
Åhlin-Kottulinsky throughout the second day in torrential conditions, reaching
the final for the first time and missing out on the rostrum by just one position.
Having skipped the subsequent rounds in Hungary
and Belgium, the 36-year-old Sydney native will rejoin the grid with Hansen ‘junior’
outfit #YellowSquad in Portugal, buoyed by back-to-back victories alongside
Kevin Hansen in Extreme E in Scotland over the summer.
“I can’t wait to get back out in RX2e,” Taylor
enthused. “I know I’m still at the very beginning of my rallycross journey, but
I feel like last time at Höljes, we made really good progress and I’m looking
forward to picking up from where we left off.
“These events are all about maximising every
chance I have in the car, and we are ready to do that! I’m very grateful for
the continued support from E.ON Next, Veloce Racing and #YellowSquad to make
this happen.”
In the sister car, Isak Sjökvist is bidding to
turn the tables on countryman Nils Andersson in his quest to clinch the coveted
crown. Championship runner-up in each of the past two campaigns – and the most
prolific podium-finisher in RX2e history, with 11 rostrum appearances to his
credit to-date – the Swede narrowed his deficit to Andersson from 19 points to
11 with a second-place finish at Mettet just under three weeks ago, with 40
remaining in play in Portugal.
“I couldn’t be more excited to race at a
completely new track!” enthused the 23-year-old Uppsala-born ace. “Montalegre
seems super-cool and we have a great chance to reach the top of the podium. I’m
going to enjoy every second in the car and just have loads of fun.”
#YellowSquad Team Principal Eric Färén hopes Taylor’s
return to the RX2e paddock could give Sjökvist the competitive edge he needs to
overturn Andersson’s advantage, as the pair work together to steal championship
points from their rivals.
“It’s great to have two cars again,” he
acknowledged. “Molly is back to try to get that podium she nearly got in
Sweden, and to keep progressing her rallycross skills. Isak took a strong haul
of points in Belgium, so now he is within reach of the top of the leaderboard.
He’ll have no choice but to go flat-out and see if he can get that championship
title. The team will give it everything we’ve got for them both.”
Greece
Poland
Portugal