Knutstorp marks start of STCC’s second half

Knutstorp marks the start of the second half of the this weekend of the 2014 Scandinavian Touring Car Championship. BMW driver Fredrik Larsson heads the championship, ten points ahead of main rival and Volvo driver Fredrik Ekblom.

”It is important to be in the lead ahead of the second season half, especially as the remaining races, including Knutstorp, are tracks that I feel comfortable on. But that does unfortunately go for Ekblom as well,” said Larsson.

The first victory of the year is still waiting for Larsson who has been consistent with two second places and no finish worse than fifth. Ekblom on the other hand has won twice, including the season start at Knutstorp, but has retired twice.

”We have had some snags along the way, but the speed is there. I am confident ahead of Knutstorp, especially as I took pole and a victory last time we were here,” said Ekblom.

Reigning champion and team mate Thed Björk is closest to Ekblom in third position, a further 16 points behind after a mixed first season half.

The real surprise in the championship standings is Dacia driver Mattias Andersson in fourth position. Andersson has started the season in a strong way with two podium finishes and a 100% top five score.

”We are really pleased with our performance so far and we are looking forward to an autumn where we hopefully can score even better. If you look at the points, we are still in it with a shot at the title fight,” said Andersson.

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A driver who has not started the season with consistency is four-time STCC champion Richard Göransson who currently is fifth in the championship. The Saab driver has claimed two podium finishes, but also been involved in several incidents which has cost him vital points.

”We were at the podium in the season start at Knutstorp and we have got to know each other betteer in the team since then. We have the speed to win and my goal is to take my 40th STCC victory and my first together with Team Tidö,” said Göransson.

Not to forget for the victory fight this weekend are drivers like Knutstorp Race 1 winner Mattias Lindberg, his Kia team mate Linus Ohlsson and the ever-improving Emma Kimiläinen.

The STCC weekend in Knutstorp can prove decisive with the 2014 STCC season only featuring six race weekends of which three remain. The weekend starts with testing and qualifying on Friday, followed by two races on Saturday.

2014 STCC Falkenberg Entry List

No – Driver – Team Name – Car
1 – Thed Björk – Volvo Polestar Racing – Volvo S60
3 – Richard Göransson – Team Tidö – Saab 9-3
4 – Fredrik Larsson – WestCoast Racing – BMW SR
6 – Erik Jonsson – WestCoast Racing – BMW SR
7 – Philip Forsman – WestCoast Racing – BMW SR
8 – Roger Samuelsson – Team Tidö – Saab 9-3
9 – Mattias Lindberg – Team Kia – Kia Optima
10 – Andreas Wernersson – Team Kia – Kia Optima
11 – Fredrik Ekblom – Volvo Polestar Racing – Volvo S60
13 – Carl Philip Bernadotte – Volvo Polestar Racing – Volvo S60
20 – Mattias Andersson – Dacia Dealer Team – Dacia SE
93 – Emma Kimiläinen – PWR Racing – Saab 9-3
95 – Linus Ohlsson – Team Kia – Kia Optima

2014 STCC Falkenberg Timetable (CET)

Friday 22nd August
09:40 – Test 1 (30 min)
10:20 – Test 2 (30 min)
12:35 – Q1 (15 min)
12:55 – Q2 (20 min)

Saturday 23rd August
12:10 – Race 1 (25 min)
14:05 – Race 2 (25 min)