After a double-podium in a one-off in 2022, Norwegian young talent Isabell Rustad will contest the Scandinavian Porsche Sprint Challenge, switching to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup operated by Fragus Motorsport.
The Scandinavian Porsche Sprint Challenge had its first ever female participant last year – and will have its first full-time female entry in 2023, as 17-year-old Isabell Rustad is set to return after making headlines when finishing twice on the podium in her guest appearance at Rudskogen, in what was also her GT4 debut.
The 17 year old Norwegian is the daughter of former STCC champion Tommy Rustad – and is now ready to write her own motorsport story. Isabell has been racing in karting and GT5, driving a Peugeot 206 GTI in the Norwegian championship. She is also the youngest woman to win a NM heat in the Norwegian racing series, at only 16 years of age.
Tackling the next step in her career, Rustad will continue to build experience in the Porsche one-make series, but instead of driving the 425hp Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 as previously announced, she will contest the GT3 class, at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (991 II), with clear ambitions to progress to the Carrera Cup.
Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia was introduced in 2021 as a support class to the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, which is run by Porsche Sweden in collaboration with Porsche Motorsport. It has become a popular stepping stone for younger drivers, but also with more meritorious drivers and profiles from all over the Nordics.
"I am happy to announce that I will drive in Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia for 2023." – said Isabell, who is now back for a full-time campaign to show her potential throughout the whole season, which starts with the first race at Anderstorp from 12th to 13th May and will return to Rustad's home race at Rudskogen Motorsenter in September.
She will race for top team Fragus Motorsport.
"This is a unique opportunity for me and I am so grateful for being able to do this and living my dream as a racecar driver. Thank you to everyone who made this possible." – she added.
"We really can't wait to work with Isabell and try to help her develop and achieve her goals", said Fragus Motorsport's Robin Hansson. "In her debut in the championship last year, she showed great talent and know-how, and during the winter, it was clear how serious and dedicated she is."
Additionally, Rustad is expected to continue in the Norwegian championship in GT5, contesting the non-conflicting rounds.