Photo: Mediaempire.se

Tommy Rustad on top in first TTA test at Tierp Arena

Tommy Rustad headed the first ever TTA test at the new Tierp Arena circuit. The Volvo man was the sole driver to get below 58 seconds around the track with 57.755.
“I am pleased, a good way to start the weekend. I usually learn new tracks quickly, so I am hopeful,” said Rustad.

Richard Göransson was closest to Rustad, 0.246 seconds behind, with Thed Björk in third, 0.404 seconds behind.

Stefan Söderberg was fastest of the Citroën drivers in fourth ahead of Martin Öhlin and local driver Alx Danielsson.

Robert Dahlgren and Robin Rudholm rounded off the top eight ahead of championship leader Fredrik Ekblom in ninth.
“It is too early to make anything out of the positions yet, but I had a good feeling in the car and I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend,” said Ekblom.

Ekblom’s main rival for the title, Saab driver Linus Ohlsson, had a tough session with 15th fastest time. Ohlsson was unable to set a lap on slicks as he suffered from engine electronic problems in the second half of the test when the track had dried up.

Fredrik Larsson was another unhappy driver as he crashed hard in the barriers after the pit straight, as seen in the picture below.
“It just understeered off track. I think the guys will be able to fix it for tomorrow and I am fine, the crash wasn’t too hard,” said Larsson.

Next up for the TTA drivers is the second test session, starting tomorrow at 08.00 CET, followed by qualifying at 11.10 and the race at 15.15.