Veloce Racing have announced that 2021 Extreme E Champion Molly Taylor and former JBXE star Kevin Hansen will form the team’s new driver pairing for the Season 2 finale in Uruguay, continuing onto Season 3. Veloce Racing’s new line-up boasts considerable Extreme E pedigree, with Taylor securing the inaugural title with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) last term and Hansen taking five podiums from his eight X Prix appearances so far.
The upcoming Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este will not be the first time the duo have been paired together, having linked up at this year’s season-opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, for JBXE. Taylor and Hansen replace outgoing drivers Lance Woolridge and Christine GZ.
“I am absolutely stoked to be joining Veloce Racing on a long-term deal starting in Uruguay. To join a team which is young, ambitious, modern in its ways and doing things that no other team does is fantastic for me. It’s a huge opportunity to continue in Extreme E for the next X Prix and for Season 3,” Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing said.
For Taylor, it is a welcome return to the series after claiming the title with Rosberg X Racing (RXR) in the championship’s inaugural season. Alongside Johan Kristoffersson in Season 1, Taylor helped secure three victories for Nico Rosberg’s team and returns to Extreme E with all the knowledge that comes with winning the series.
In”¯early 2022, as well as competing for JBXE at the Desert X Prix, Taylor became the first Australian woman to drive the gruelling Dakar rally”¯and will take part in the event again in 2023.
“I had an incredible year with Extreme E in 2021 and I believe wholeheartedly in what the competition represents, both with respect to its commitment to sustainability and to gender equality. Having had the benefit of a win in last year’s championship, it feels amazing to know that I’m going to be back in the Extreme E paddock,” Molly Taylor shared elaborating how she is part of building a very special team with the combination of Veloce’s ambition and experience, as well as Kevin’s skill and commitment.
As a driver for JBXE, Hansen achieved an impressive run of four podiums from his four appearances in the inaugural Extreme E season.
Hansen took over from former Formula One World Champion Jenson Button to partner Mikaela í…hlin-Kottulinsky, and the Swedish pairing finished third in the Season 1 standings. Third place finishes in Senegal, where Hansen made his debut in the championship, and Sardinia last year were topped by second place finishes at the Arctic and Jurassic X Prix, respectively.
“We’re delighted to welcome both Kevin and Molly to our Veloce family and we’re excited to see what the future holds for us together. The challenges of Extreme E are unique in the world of motorsport, and Veloce is continuously evolving to adapt to this fast-paced and innovative series. Next year promises to be the team’s biggest yet, but first we are looking to finish Season 2 on a real high,” Daniel Bailey, CEO and Co-Founder of Veloce Racing added.
Veloce Racing’s new driver line-up will take on the final race of the season in Punta del Este, Uruguay, later this month (26-27 Uruguay) as the team looks to end Extreme E Season 2 on a positive note.
