Taylor aims
for more WRC
Academy
action

Taylor, from Australia, is one of six Pirelli Star Drivers competing in the World Rally Championship support category at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2. After four events she is 14th in the title standings.

Speaking during Rally Australia earlier this month, where she was present to demonstrate her father Mark Taylor’s old 1970 Ford Falcon [both pictured with Molly above] on the Castrol EDGE Super Special Stage, Taylor said: “I really want to do the Academy again. I’ve learned so much that I feel I can mount a proper attack both in terms of results and championship positions. It would definitely be the smartest move.”

However, in order to continue in the class, Taylor concedes she will need to find the budget to take part. “I’ve had a brilliant opportunity with Pirelli and the FIA this year but it’s a one-year programme. Come November [when the final WRC Academy WRC takes place on Wales Rally GB] I’ll be back to square one so I’ll need to find those dollars to carry on.”

The Falcon Taylor demonstrated on the Coffs Harbour course was actually sold to help fund her burgeoning rallying career. Its new owner, David Thompson, is one of Taylor’s backers through his Trenching Systems Australia firm.

“He’s always said it’s mine to drive if I want to, so when the opportunity arose to do some demonstration laps at my ‘home’ WRC event, I jumped at it,” said the 23-year-old. “It was the first time I have driven a six-litre, V8 rear-wheel-drive car. It’s the polar opposite to what I usually drive - they’re both Fords, but mine is a front-wheel-drive, 1.6-litre Fiesta R2, so a totally different experience.”

Taylor resumes her WRC Academy campaign on Rallye de France Alsace at the end of the month.