Richard Göransson critical of penalty after clash with Fredrik Ekblom

Richard Göransson and Fredrik Ekblom collided in the first STCC race of the weekend in Falkenberg. The clash resulted in a retirement for the both and a five-place grid penalty for Göransson whom the stewards found guilty.
”I don’t understand the stewards’ decision and that costed me a lot of points this weekend,” said Göransson.

The incident was a result of a three corner long battle between Göransson, Ekblom, Thed Björk and Linus Ohlsson. Volvo driver Björk made his way past Kia driver Ohlsson who then got a slow exit out of turn one. Göransson tried to go on the outside of Ohlsson who closed the door on the Saab driver. This enabled Ekblom to get up alongside Göransson who a corner later lost control of his Saab and crashed into the side of Ekblom.

”It was a chain reaction, it started with Thed going past Linus who didn’t really leave enough room for me. Ekblom came from behind with higher speed. I left room, but then I don’t know what happened, I got into a slide. In my view it was a classic racing incident,” said Göransson.

Both cars suffered from substantial damage, but Team Tidö and Volvo Polestar Racing managed to get both cars out in time for the second race.

”I gave Göransson plenty of space and then all of a sudden he just crashed into the side of me. It was unfortunate, but my mechanics did an awesome job to get my car ready for the second race. And especially for giving me a car which was fast enough to win. This was one of the best victories in my career,” said Ekblom.

Despite Ekblom not scoring for two races in a row, gearbox problems in Gothenburg race two, the Volvo driver still keeps in touch with championship leader Fredrik Larsson, 10 points behind. Göransson has dropped to fifth position in the championship, 41 points behind the championship lead.