Bethonie WaringAustralian Rally Champion and Girls on Track ambassador Molly Taylor joins Rosberg Xtreme Racing for the inaugural season of the Extreme E championship.
The 32-year-old comes into Extreme E with a wealth of experience in off-road racing. As well as back to back Australian Rally Championships, she won a scholarship to compete in the 2011 World Rally Championship, where she took a stage win and claimed the Richard Burns Trophy for the season.
Taylor is one of a number of drivers who had previously been part of the Extreme E Driver’s Programme.
“It feels amazing to be joining Rosberg Xtreme Racing and Extreme E on this new adventure,” said Taylor. “I’m so excited to be able to compete on the international stage again, and to be part of a completely new team and series makes it even more special.
“Alongside fighting climate change, I’m excited to work together as a team and series to promote equality. One part of motorsport I’ve always admitted is that once the helmet goes on, your gender becomes irrelevant and the stopwatch has no bias.
“There’s still a lot of work to do to improve the diversity in our industry, but the work RXR and Extreme E are doing will provide new opportunities to reshape the image of our sport in the eyes of young fans, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”
In Extreme E, each team must run one male and one female driver, with driving duties being shared evenly. Taylor will join the already announced Johan Kristoffersson at RXR for the five-round championship.
“Molly is one of the best rally drivers in the world and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team,” said RXR principal Kimmo Liitmatainen.
“Molly’s track record is a result of her speed and ability to develop a winning car, something that will be more important than ever in Extreme E. Her success and experience are matched by a willingness to work as a team to ensure that we make the best possible start to our new adventure.”
Team founder Nico Rosberg added: “To welcome a driver of Molly’s talent is extremely exciting for RXR. Her experience and success in off-road racing speaks for itself, however Molly’s determination to be proactive in addressing climate change, and support our mission to promote and implement equality are also key factors in Molly joining the team.
“In Molly and Johan, I believe we have one of the most competitive driver line-ups on the grid both inside and outside the car, and I can’t wait to see what they can do with the rest of the team.”
Image courtesy of Rosberg Xtreme Racing
Andrea Perilli