Gilmour frustrated by failing to reach Grand Finals

Dunedin driver Emma Gilmour is both frustrated and elated as she finishes her week on the sands of Saudi Arabia.

Gilmour and American co-driver Tanner Faust were back in action for the McLaren team in the new season of the all-electric Extreme E-Rally series at the Desert X Prix.

The first two rounds of the 2023 Championship were both held at Neom.

The McLaren pair failed to advance to the top five qualifier grand finals at either round.

However, in the first round, he won the “Atonement Race” of consolation, and finished in second place in the second round.

Gilmore said it was a “slightly frustrating” end to a week with lots of positives for the team.

“It’s a shame we didn’t score more points in this Desert X Prix,” she said.

“But in motorsport it can always be the worst weekend.

“Given where we were at the start of the weekend and the progress we had to make, I think we did really well.

“As a team, we are working together very strongly. Despite the disappointment of not scoring any points, we have achieved a positive result.”

“Besides that, I was still really enjoying the race. It was difficult if you weren’t in the front because of the dust. In the back it was a tough battle.”

The Desert X Prix double-header saw its first two victories with victories for Veloce Racing and Acciona/Sainz.

The next stop in the series will be in Scotland on May 13-14.