Isak Sjökvist kickstarts his RX2e season with a podium in Hungary
Isak Sjökvist stormed to second place in Nyirád, Hungary, marking a podium in his maiden event at the circuit and kickstarting his 2024 FIA RX2e Championship title challenge.
The second round of RX2e got underway at the weekend (27-28 July) with the #YellowSquad crew taking on the rest of the field at the Nyirád Racing Centre in Hungary.
Finishing runner-up in the standings last year, Sjökvist arrived in Hungary determined to reignite his 2024 title challenge after missing out on a podium at the season-opener in Höljes, Sweden.
Sjökvist got off to a difficult start with third place in this Heat 1 race, and the Swede needed to turn things around in Heat 2 if he was going to secure a good grid spot in the all-important Final.
A strong launch put Sjökvist in contention for an early lead, before contact from behind sent the young #YellowSquad driver into a spin. A further touch from one of his competitors, however, turned the Swede full circle, allowing him to get on the throttle and get ahead. Managing damage throughout the five laps, an amazing drive from Sjökvist ensured the win in Heat 2.
Two second-place finishes in the remaining Heats saw Sjökvist qualify third in the Ranking stages, putting him on the second row for the Final.
A great reaction off the line elevated Sjökvist to second place, as he passed Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky on the inside going into Turn 1. Closing in on Nils Andersson, Sjökvist was on the hunt for his first victory of 2024, but after great racing from both drivers they held track position until the finish line.
Silverware for Sjökvist in the second event of the season puts him third in the RX2e championship standings, just three points adrift of Åhlin-Kottulinksy in second and 19 away from current leader Andersson.
The third round of RX2e will take place as part of the FIA World Rallycross Championship event in Mettet, Belgium, on August 17-18.
Isak Sjökvist, #YellowSquad driver, said: “I can honestly say that this weekend has been the most rollercoaster weekend that I’ve been through.
“One of the highlights were for sure Heat 2 where I managed to get a win after a 360 spin in the first corner. I gave it everything I had on Sunday and clinched a P3 after the Heats which gave us the second row in the Final. Had a super start in the final and climbed up to P2 which is where we finished. The team and I have been working flat out to reach the golden step, but Nils was the stronger one this time.
“Still plenty to play for, but I’m feeling confident that we will give a great fight until the very end. This podium was for the whole #YellowSquad and Hansen Motorsport team and there’s more to come!”
Eric Färén, #YellowSquad Team Principal, said: “We’re very happy to be back on the podium. It wasn’t the easiest start to the weekend – we didn’t have the best starting spot on the grid. On Sunday though Isak came back stronger, and we got closer to the pace. In the Final we were there but hats off to Nils [Andersson], he was just that bit quicker. All in all, it was a good weekend and Isak drove well. Hopefully we can take that into Belgium and go one better in the Final.”
