Formula E driver Zane Maloney is preparing for his return to Rally Barbados this weekend in his home nation — an event that sees the Caribbean island "stop" for three days.
It marks Maloney's first entry into the rally since 2023, making it his first appearance since becoming a professional racing driver.
The Barbadian is regarded as a hero back home, with his return to the Caribbean's biggest annual motorsport event generating major excitement.
Maloney will drive a Porsche 992 Rally GT across the 19-stage event, which gets underway on Friday and concludes on Sunday.
He is competing in the Open R/GT class but is not eligible for overall honours, although he can still pursue class victory.
Discussing his return to the event, Maloney told RacingNews365: "It feels amazing. Obviously, I feel like I am a normal person — I feel like I just drive a race car fast, that's all I really do.
"It's great. I think, obviously, everyone in Barbados loves noise and sideways action, so the Porsche that I'm driving can bring that. I think that's why they're so excited.
"And generally, I get so much support back in Barbados. So, it's my first time back since 2023, and I'm now a professional driver in Formula E.
"So, I mean, maybe more people look up to me now, let's say. I'm looking forward to bringing some joy back to the people in Barbados by letting them watch the car go by."
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Maloney excited for incredible fans
Starting the rally will be a powerful moment for Maloney, whose career has changed completely since his last entry.
In 2023, Maloney was competing in Formula 2; now, he is a professional driver for Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team in Formula E.
The crowd will likely go wild as he passes by in his Porsche 992 Rally GT, at a rally where the fans are what make the event so special.
"I remember when I did it in 2023, I was like four kilos lighter at the end of the day, so I need to stay hydrated," added Maloney. "And the biggest thing about the rally is the fans in Barbados — they're amazing.
"The island stops for three days, and everything is about the rally. So even when you're driving between stages on the road, everyone's with their shirts off going crazy. So, I'm looking forward to it."
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