Sjökvist claims RX2e runner-up spot with podium in Montalegre

Swedish talent Isak Sjökvist and the #YellowSquad team entered the FIA RX2e series finale at the iconic Montalegre track with the title within reach. The all-electric FIA World Rallycross Championship support category reached an exciting conclusion, and a brilliant second place from Sjökvist in Portugal secured the runner-up spot in the championship.

Second in the series standings by just 11 points as the drivers entered the fourth and final event of 2024, Sjökvist delivered strong performances throughout the weekend. Finishing in the Top 3 across all four of his Qualifying races – including a win in Heat 2 – put the #YellowSquad driver in a good position heading into the Semi-Finals.

A dominant performance to take the win in Semi-Final 2, despite never having raced at Montalegre before the Saturday, secured Sjökvist a spot on the front row of the Final. In the last race of the RX2e season, Sjökvist would chase down fellow Swede Nils Andersson, before contact with Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky would set him back and seal his fate in second place.

In the running for the title ever since his podium at Nyirád in Hungary – another unfamiliar track – Sjökvist just missed out on the championship title but took home the silver medal to accompany his three podium finishes from the year’s four events.

Racing the sister #YellowSquad machine, Australian star Molly Taylor returned to RX2e for a second event thank to the support of E.ON and Veloce. Demonstrating the importance of seat time, Taylor stormed to her first ever Heat win in her first race. Securing a spot in the main event with third in Semi-Final 2, Taylor would go on to finish in fifth but gained valuable experience along the way.

In Euro RX1, Patrick O’Donovan arrived at the season finale with a comfortable lead in the championship standings. Having won all three of the events leading up to Montalegre, O’Donovan secured the European Rallycross title with a win in the Semi-Finals in just his second season of competing in the category. While the young British driver fell just short of a clean sweep of wins, third place in Portugal marked a podium at every event and a dominant performance from O’Donovan all season.

Isak Sjökvist, #YellowSquad driver, said: “It’s a bittersweet pill to swallow. We knew it was going to be a big mountain to climb at the weekend, but we did everything that we could, and the team delivered a superb car. P2 in the championship is great but naturally I want more.

“We will take some time to reset and go through the whole season to see where we can improve for next time. It has been so great being with the #YellowSquad team and I want to thank all of them for their support and their hard work. We keep on working and we never give up.”

Molly Taylor, #YellowSquad driver, said: “P5 in Portugal! It was an amazing weekend, and I reached a few rallycross milestones with a first Heat win, a fastest overall time of a Heat, and a fastest lap in our Semi-Final.

“In the Final I tried to go around the outside in Turn 1 and it didn’t work out so well, but the progress and pace over the weekend was positive and I’m feeling very satisfied with what we have achieved. I can’t thank E.ON, Veloce, and the #YellowSquad crew enough for making this all happen. Let’s do some more!”

Eric Färén, #YellowSquad Team Principal, added: “It’s great to get another RX2e championship medal but it wasn’t what we all hoped for. We pushed hard to get the title this year, but it wasn’t meant to be. Nils Andersson was very strong. Isak had some ups and downs, but he fought through it well and we put up a great fight. A huge thank you to all the team for their hard work, we’ll come back even stronger next year.”