Veloce Racing score sensational victory in Saudi Arabia
Veloce Racing sensationally won the opening round of the new Extreme E season in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, earlier today as the British squad claimed a first ever triumph in the all-electric off-road series.
Drivers Molly Taylor and Kevin Hansen kicked off the Desert X Prix doubleheader in fantastic fashion by setting the fastest time during practice, before taking a win and second-place finish from the two Qualifying races.
Hansen made a good getaway from the unfavourable side of the grid in the Grand Final, taking a wide entry into turn one before launching the Hyperdrive system on the run down to the second corner.
The #5 ODYSSEY 21 immediately blasted past the chasing pack, as Hansen soon slotted into second place behind former champions Rosberg X Racing.
The lead duo were rarely separated by more than a few seconds for the opening two tours of the sandy Saudi course, and the same could still be said once the female drivers took over driving duties, as Taylor hounded RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky for much of the remainder.
The critical moment came on the final lap when the rival Rosberg machine failed to slow in a slow zone, leading to a post-race penalty for the RXR car.
Veloce crossed the line in second, having enjoyed a stellar performance throughout the day, but news soon filtered through that the team would be promoted to top spot on the rostrum.
Wild celebrations ensued as Veloce scored its first ever Extreme E victory in front of jubilant team bosses and personnel, with Hansen and Taylor being joined on the podium by Team Principal Luc Alphand.
There was little time to celebrate, however, as the team has to do it all again tomorrow with the second round of the Desert X Prix taking place here in NEOM.
Regardless of the early stages of the season Veloce Racing sits proudly at the top of the Extreme E standings for the first time in its history, with this result providing yet more evidence of its growing stature in the world of motorsport.
Molly Taylor, Veloce Racing driver, said: “Wow, what a week and what a win for everyone at Veloce Racing. Kevin [Hansen] and I have just clicked since the partnership began at the end of 2022, and the whole set-up at Veloce Racing is exactly what we both need in order to perform at our best.
“We have all worked extremely hard in the build-up to this season, and we were feeling confident going into the weekend. It’s great to see that our pace is there and we’re already looking forward to tomorrow.”
Kevin Hansen, Veloce Racing driver, said: “I have finally completed the set! I have had five podiums from nine races in Extreme E, but was yet to get a victory, so to do that today and with this team is something I will never forget.
“Molly [Taylor] has driven brilliantly all weekend and the atmosphere within the team has been incredible since the moment I joined Veloce Racing. We are so delighted with this win, but we are immediately hungry for more moments like this.”
Daniel Bailey, CEO of Veloce Racing, added: “I am so proud of everyone at Veloce Racing and this result is testament to the tireless work that we have all been putting in.
“We are a young and growing race team, but we now have the ingredients in place to deliver at the highest level. Molly [Taylor] and Kevin [Hansen] have been incredible since the moment they joined the team, and the partnership is only getting stronger.
“Bring on the second Desert X Prix tomorrow!”
