Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky on RXR's ambitions for Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix 20.09.2022: With two wins from the first three X Prix of Extreme E Season 2, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) are currently favourites to win consecutive championships. Ahead of the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, we caught up with RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky t

With two wins from the first three X Prix of Extreme E Season 2, Rosberg X Racing (RXR) are currently favourites to win consecutive championships.



Ahead of the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, we caught up with RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky to find out how their preparations have gone ahead of the series’ first race in South America.





Extreme E: How have you found Season 2 compared to the inaugural campaign of Extreme E?


Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky: I believe the format and racing scene is being set more and more, allowing us to focus more on the driving side and development of the car, which leads to closer and more exciting racing!





XE: RXR were victorious last season, and you are also out in front this time around - what do you think is the secret ingredient to success in the series?


MA-K: What I have really learned this season with RXR is to make sure that you check and think about every little detail there is. We’ve learned that anything can happen in Extreme E, and that's why it's so important to prepare yourself for all possible scenarios.


The whole season focus has been, and is, on winning the championship - so the goal is to continue doing the very best we can.





XE: Confidence must be sky high after two wins in three events?


MA-K: Of course, I´m very happy with the pace and wins we’ve had so far, however every new track is a new challenge. So we'll have to take it from there and do the same job and preparation as before.





XE: What has been your highlight of the season?


MA-K: Taking the first win with RXR is something I’ll always remember, however the win in Sardinia is also very special to me, especially given the overtake on Jutta on the last lap in the Final.
 






XE: As a team you have also faced some adversity at times during the campaign - what do you do to bounce back?


MA-K: Always focus on the next target and next step. My mentality especially is ‘what has been has been’ so learn from it, and then get back to focusing on the next event.







XE: What has the team dynamic been like between you and your teammate Johan [Kristoffersson] - it seems very strong and positive?


MA-K: I am very grateful to have Johan, who is definitely one of the best drivers that there is on the grid, as my team-mate. He is constantly supporting me and pushing me to be a better driver. I’m also impressed with his patience during the weekends, especially with me always asking over a thousand questions!


He’s a good driver, person, and team-mate, and I'm sure that's the key behind all his championship titles.
 








XE: Looking ahead to Chile - what are you expecting there?



MA-K: I’m personally very excited to go to Chile as I’ve never been to South America before. It will be great to see the country and culture!


Regarding the racing, I believe it's going to be very close and tough. All of the teams have had the time to analyse Sardinia with the new updates on the car we had there and we will all come more prepared in Chile.







XE: Will your approach be different to other events given the terrain expected there or is it something familiar to you all?


MA-K: This is something we’ll have to look at during the Track Walk. So far, we don’t know what the track is going to look like, however we all knew in Greenland that the Rock Garden was a big risk moment, so we’ll see if the course in Chile has its special challenges too.






With 75 points, Nico Rosberg’s RXR hold a commanding lead over nearest rivals No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing (43 points) as the ten Extreme E teams head into the penultimate event of the season, the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix (24-25 September).



To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com




Simra Gulzar- photos Extreme E