Molly speaks to the crews immediately after reaching the finish line of the stages. In the moments when emotions are literally pouring out of them, Molly has to be quick and even a little brave in her role as a reporter. "They are superheroes to me," she says of the drivers in an interview with Škoda Motorsport. And she urges young girls to definitely not be afraid of pursuing a career in any area of motorsport.
She's incredibly empathetic, quick-witted and immediate. Molly Pettit comes across that way in person, and not just on screen during the interviews she conducts with the drivers at the stop of each stage, which are broadcast live on WRC Rally.tv. Her job is really demanding and requires perfect preparation when it comes to the competition and the drivers, but she also has to manage the transitions between stages. Still, she says it's incredibly fun and her dream job.
How did you get into motorsport in the first place?
No one in my family was interested in it, but on the other hand, I guess it's in our genes to have a certain desire for adventure. Actually, I've been fascinated with speed since I was young; riding horses, the faster the better. I also ran short distance races, 100 and 200 meters. Then, when I was a teenager, it led me to cars. Later I met people who had their own cars and I liked to drive them just for fun, like at night. Then I decided I wanted to race. It took me about four years to build my first race car on my own, with the support of my friends. And in 2009 I drove my first race in Norway. I fell in love with it; my desire for speed was even greater than before. I raced in different circuit series in Norway, Sweden and especially Denmark. I was actively racing until 2017, before that I had a big accident in 2015, but that didn't deter me. I still love cars and it's not just about racing, I'm interested in everything around them, I'm happy to turn around for a nice car on the street.
There is still a long way to go from cars to rally. How did you get started in rally commentating?
When I was racing on circuits, I had to look for sponsors. And to get their attention, I had to be known. Well, one way to get a bit of a name was TV, so I started working for a smaller TV channel first, then the opportunity came to commentate on rallies on Norwegian TV. I also met my husband, who was a rally driver, before that, in 2007. So I was actually drawn to rallying from several sides.
How demanding is the job? How do you prepare for your job?
I have a notebook full of notes to help me with all the important information. I have the times of the first passes of the stage, the running order and other useful information. I also always walk around the car as it comes to the stop sign to see any damage that indicates a dramatic situation on the stage course. All of these things help me a lot in talking to the driver.
What's it like to ask the drivers right after they reach the finish line about how the stage went?
That's exactly the phrasing I try to avoid (laughs). There are lots of possibilities of what and how to ask them, but you have to be perceptive. The questions pop up when I look at the car or read the body language of the crew.
Sure. There are emotions involved. How do you manage them, anyway?
I think in the long run, it was important to build a relationship. When you know the crews, it's a bit more comfortable than it was at the beginning. And I've also had to learn that if they're maybe upset with the outcome and grumpy in conversation, not to take it personally, because if I dragged it around with me as a burden, it would be hard for me - and it kind of was in the beginning. But it's not their fault. There are really strong emotions, and I'm right there with them, literally inches away, in the moments when they're experiencing happiness, the elation of victory, but also feelings of confusion, anger and irritation. But that's the great thing about it. They show genuine emotion. These are top athletes who have just been through something extreme and made it through. They have my utmost respect and I'm happy to be the first one to talk to them in moments like that. They're superheroes in my opinion.
Do you think they're the best drivers in the world?
Absolutely, I have no doubt whatsoever. I also work with Race of Champions, where you meet the best drivers from almost every area of motorsport. There, you often hear other drivers talk about the rally drivers' abilities with such respect. They master all kinds of surfaces in all kinds of weather conditions at speeds that are completely beyond our comprehension. On gravel tracks where the rest of us would barely go 50 km/h they often go full throttle. Then there's the preparation, watching onboards and other things as well. The complexity and ability of rally drivers is just incredible.
What have been your most emotional or funny moments?
Strong emotions are connected to Craig Breen, who tragically died in 2023. But before that, he had a great run in Sweden and literally shone in interviews. He was always his own man, so honest. And he was always very happy to be doing what he was doing, it was such pure happiness. I think that's something that he helped me understand in my relationship with my work as well. One day I approached him and by mistake addressed him using a name of another driver from France and he started talking to me in French. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. More fresh in my mind, I think of Thiery Neuville at Monte Carlo, for example, where he beamed at the end of one stage and pronounced "that was pure perfection". That was probably the first time I've heard anything like that, drivers are otherwise very demanding drivers and always find some reason to criticise. Or on the other hand, I remember Otto Tänak going for his maiden win in Poland in 2016. But suddenly there was a double puncture and he lost it. That's when I felt like I was in the car with them.
What would you say to young girls thinking about a career in motorsport?
I think the most important message is that there's a place for them. Anywhere they want to be. Whether they want to do my job or drive a car, read an itinerary, become a team boss or a race engineer. You can do anything and don't believe it when someone says you can't. Then I think it's important to study everything around your dream job. The more you know and talk to people about it, the more likely someone will notice. And then you can gradually gain experience. Don't be afraid of challenges, I said yes to a lot of things that actually scared me. Sure, you might make some mistakes at first, but all that experience will make you stronger.
