Silverware for Sjökvist as RX2e approaches exciting showdown
Isak Sjökvist took his second podium of 2024 in spectacular fashion at the penultimate round of the season in Mettet, Belgium, as the FIA RX2e Championship title battle approaches a nail-biting conclusion.
The third round of RX2e got underway at the weekend (17-18 August) with the #YellowSquad crew entering the event off the back of a solid second place in Nyirád, Hungary, at the end of July.
Finishing runner-up in the standings last year, Sjökvist continues to improve. Taking the win in Mettet this time around, having struggled at the track in difficult conditions just last season, shines a light on the development of the Hansen Motorsport junior driver.
Determined to not let the momentum gained from Hungary go to waste, Sjökvist took two race wins out of the four Qualifying Heats in Belgium.
For the first, in Heat 2, Sjökvist was leading the race until contact from behind sent him into a spin. The #YellowSquad star recovered to cross the line in second, but was then promoted to the top spot following a penalty for his opponent in the aforementioned incident. Sjökvist carried his dominant pace into his next race, and the Swede took a comfortable win which would secure him second in the Qualifying rankings.
Lining up on the front row for the main event, it was crucial that Sjökvist replicated the quick race starts he achieved in the Heats. Launching to the front of the pack, Sjökvist looked in a strong position through the opening laps. A freshly watered track proved challenging for the whole field, but putting into practice all he has learned, Sjökvist managed to cross the line in second place.
More silverware for Sjökvist in the third event of the season puts him second in the RX2e championship standings, 11 points adrift of the top spot, and in an assertive position heading into the last event of the campaign.
The RX2e finale will take place as part of the FIA World Rallycross Championship event in Montalegre, Portugal, on 7-8 September.
Isak Sjökvist, #YellowSquad driver, said: “It feels great to have such a strong comeback from last year where we struggled with this track. I had a great launch in the Final and I think that moment alone highlighted our potential throughout the weekend. It was a bit of a rollercoaster with some pushing and crashing, but I tried to manage those situations as best as I could. It was a completely different track in the Final due to the watering, but I gave it everything I could.”
Eric Färén, #YellowSquad Team Principal, said: “I think we had a good event. Isak was on it from the beginning, which was impressive when he wasn’t too comfortable here last time. He has clearly learnt a lot and was often the fastest on track. Even though he got pushed and had some trouble in the Heats he managed to qualify on the front row. We’re happy with second and scored a lot of points to close the gap to the top of the standings, so overall it was a very good weekend.”
