2022 Extreme E Vice-Champion Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky will continue with Rosberg X Racing for season 3
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky has been one of the protagonists of the first two Extreme E seasons - claiming four podium finishes in the inaugural year with JBXE and then fighting for the championship in 2022, as she moved to team champions Rosberg X Racing.
With victories in Saudi Arabia and Sardinia, Åhlin-Kottulinsky and her teammate - fellow Swede Johan Kristoffersson - entered the final round at Punta del Este as the points' leaders but were narrowly denied the crown after a really unfortunate weekend, also preceded by a costly technical issue in Chile, where RXR could not take the start of the final.
Nevertheless, Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Kristoffersson were Vice-Champion, often led the qualifying rounds and scored the quickest combined times in the Continental Traction Challenge in three out of the five races.
With such results, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky and Johan Kristoffersson were confirmed by Nico Rosberg's outfit and will be back for their title assault in 2023.
“Joining RXR last year was a dream come true" - said Åhlin-Kottulinsky. "I learnt so much from Johan and the team, so to come back for another season is fantastic. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and give it everything I’ve got. It’s going to be an epic season!”
Mikaela has been one of the stars of the championship from day one, after quickly adapting to the electric SUVs, coming from mainly circuit racing.
Daughter of two established rally drivers, Mikaela started her career in rally-cross but soon moved to circuits, where she consistently broke records.
The young Swede became the first woman to win in the German Scirocco Cup, then continued her winning streak in the highly-competitive Scandinavian Touring Car Championship - where she secured four victories and finished second in the championship in 2021.
Last year, Åhlin-Kottulinsky made her GT4 debut in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia and took an outstanding victory at debut. She would dominate also in a second guest-appearance.
A test driver for Extreme E tyre supplier and founding partner Continental, Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky is now ready to start her third season in the electric off-road series, which kicks off on 11-12 March at Neom, Saudi Arabia, for the Desert X-Prix.
“I’m super happy that Mikaela and Johan have signed for another season", commented Nico Rosberg. "With the experience and track record of both drivers, we will be prepared for the battle and hopefully make for some exciting action on track. Last year, we sadly didn't take home the championship trophy, but this year we plan on giving it our all!”