The last few weeks have been busy for Extreme E regarding confirmation of the protagonists who will compete for the 2022 season. The most recent team to be in the news is Rosberg X Racing, reigning champion of the category which unveiled the drivers who will be behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21 for this new challenge.
First of all, Johan Kristoffersson has been renewed for another year. His speed, talent and driving style convinced Nico Rosberg and company to opt for him. What he did during the first season undoubtedly contributed significantly in winning the inaugural title of the 100% electric off-road division.
After the team’s success with the duo, it was expected that Molly Taylor would continue for another year. However, Rosberg X Racing’s recent announcement surprised more than a few after confirming that the Australian will not be part of the team for the 2022 campaign, leaving her seat available to be taken by Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky.
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The Swede has experience at Extreme E, defending the colors of XBXE, Jenson Button’s team, alongside Timmy Hansen, last season. Her talent will come to the German organization in an attempt to retain the trophy obtained in the last race against X44.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join RXR to support the team in the defense of their championship title. Having the opportunity to work with the season 1 winning team is truly a great opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started!…” stated Åhlin-Kottulinsky.
She added that expects to learn a lot from both her teammate and Nico Rosberg, who are world champions with a unique footprint on motorsports. Of course, the commitment to achieving sustainable actions through the category’s main objective is also present.
“With Johan and Mikaela’s experience and track record, we’ll be ready for battle and, hopefully, we’ll get some exciting action on the track. I can’t wait for the starting signal in a couple of weeks,” Nico Rosberg sentenced.
What Happened to Molly Taylor?
Molly Taylor was really fast aboard the Rosberg X Racing ODYSSEY 21 during the inaugural campaign. Her talent was on full display at all five circuits where she competed. She even flipped her car on a couple of occasions and kept going as if it was nothing, showing her grit and competitive spirit.
Therefore, the decision to bring in Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky raised questions. Obviously, the Swede has the potential to be there, but questions arise regarding her departure. Faced with the repercussion of the news, Taylor spoke out via her official Instagram account to explain the reasons for her step aside at RXR.
“As many of you may already know, I will not be continuing with RXR this year in Extreme E. I would like to thank the entire team (which became a family) for an amazing inaugural season. Winning the first championship and holding that trophy up high was an incredible experience, and I am very proud of the result we achieved together,” she noted part of the statement.
However, a sentence that was completely open to interpretation was sure to raise questions, as Taylor noted that “there is no secret about the complex realities that exist within motorsport, often outside of the driver’s control.” However, she went on to state that her time in the category is not over yet, as well as revealing that she will soon be releasing details about her sporting future.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
