Taylor to battle to be top lady in the IRC

Molly Taylor will take on Ekaterina Stratieva in the battle to be the top female driver in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge when she contests the Geko Ypres Rally in Belgium next week.

Like Bulgarian Stratieva, Australian Taylor will be a contender for IRC 2WD Cup honours when she makes her debut for the Italian BP Racing team with support from management firm United Business.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, and a great step forward in my career,” said Taylor, 24. “To have the opportunity to work with a professional team and a different car from the ones I drove before will allow me to learn a lot. We will take what comes and try to make the most of it.”

Leading female co-driver Fabrizia Pons said: “The Ypres Rally is a beautiful challenge for Molly, but I’m sure that she will rise up to it.”