RXR seeking positive momentum after Hydro X Prix

Despite making both Grand Finals in Dumfries and Galloway, a pair of fourth-place finishes was the most that Nico Rosberg’s outfit could muster as they slipped to third in the overall standings.

RXR’s Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky were caught up in incidents during the opening stages of each Grand Final, denying the two-time champions a chance of a podium finish in Scotland.

After taking an extra point for a qualifying heat victory as Round 3 got underway, it looked as if the Swedish duo were well placed to take their first podium in Scotland in three attempts. But damage incurred on the opening lap ensured an early retirement, ruling them out of contention.

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: "It was a tricky Round 3. In Q1, a stone shot into my wiper blades, breaking them and making visibility difficult. But in Q2, we had a good start, and I managed to get out in the lead with a clear windscreen, which made life a bit easier. 

“We made some tweaks to the car for the Grand Final, and we were heading in a good direction, especially with Mikaela’s good start, but after an unfortunate contact that broke the car, that was it for us. That’s how it is sometimes. Sometimes you’re lucky, and sometimes you’re not.”

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, added: “It was quite a tough start for me in Q1. Q2 was much better, with Johan making a great start and handing the car over with a good lead. I knew we had to focus on the Continental Traction Challenge to make it to the Grand Final. The team did a great job preparing the car for the Grand Final but, sadly, it was a very short story. I got a good launch into P2, but after contact with my rear right from another team, it was over. It’s a shame because we could have had a great Grand Final.”

Despite showing their speed once more, a podium finish was to elude RXR again in Round 4.

A win in their Qualifying 1 heat ensured a strong start, but a penalty incurred for contact in the Switch Zone with the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team left them sweating for a place in the Grand Final. However, Kristoffersson and Åhlin-Kottulinsky’s speed through the Continental Traction Challenge meant they just managed to squeeze into the Grand Final placings, maintaining their 100 per cent success rate of Grand Final appearances in 2024.

That was as good as it got for RXR, though, as they left Dumfries and Galloway without a podium for the second year in succession.

Early contact with ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E resulted in a puncture, which dropped RXR out of contention for a top-three podium despite returning to the course following repairs.

RXR are now third in the championship standings and 16 points behind E.ON Next Veloce Racing, but will be buoyed by returning to one of their favourite courses when Season 4 resumes in September.

Nico Rosberg’s outfit have always been strong in Sardinia and will hope to score a big haul of points once again. RXR have won four times on the Italian island from seven attempts and will aim to continue that successful streak at the Island X Prix double-header in September.

On Round 4, Åhlin-Kottulinsky said: “Round 4 in Scotland started in much better fashion. We had a heat win in Q1, and it looked like we would get another win in Q2, but due to some contact in the Switch Zone, we were given a 30-second penalty.

“In the Grand Final we chose grid position three, which turned out to be very slippery at the start, so when I went full throttle, I turned to the right and hit Laia [Sanz] and then in the first corner, I had contact from Catie [Munnings] on the rear left, and that gave us a puncture. We still collected important points over the weekend, and everyone worked so hard, so we are now looking forward to Sardinia.”

Kristoffersson added: “In Q1, we had a good heat, and in Q2 I had two good starts. Unfortunately, we dropped some time in the Switch Zone, and then we picked up a penalty, which wasn’t ideal, but we still made it through to the Grand Final. Then, in the Grand Final, Mikaela picked up a puncture, which cost us some time.

“When I took over the car, I tried to focus on the Continental Traction Challenge, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for the team to get those extra two points. Overall, I think we had good speed, and it was good that we made it through to the Grand Final on both days, which was good for points. 

“We had some good performances, but things just didn’t bounce our way this time. We will now regroup and come back stronger in Sardinia.”