Johan Kristoffersson: “I never gave up”

Johan Kristoffersson has secured a total of five titles this year. His first was the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia title, followed by the STCC title and this weekend another three from the Superstars series. The final three came under spectacular conditions in the season finale of Superstars at Pergusa.

Kristoffersson and the other Audi drivers were way off pace with the Swede qualifying second to last, over 4.5 seconds from pole, at the same as main title rival Vitantonio Liuzzi qualified seventh.
“We were completely off pace. But we decided to do our race, take the car to the finish and see where that got us,” said Kristoffersson.

The Swede finished fifth in the first race, close to one minute and 20 seconds from the race winner. With Liuzzi finishing third, it meant that the title battle was on until the very last race of the season.

Controversy struck early as Nico Caldarola missed his braking point coming in to the Schumacher chicane, eliminating Kristoffersson.
“I got hit hard and the car is scrap. It feels sad to be forced to leave the car back to the team in that state,” said Kristoffersson.

It looked all set for Liuzzi who was in third and only had to finish fifth to secure the title. But Kristoffersson had not given up at this point, despite being forced to watch the race from the pits.
“No, I didn’t give up. In the final races I know from personal experience that anything basically can happen. I was sad that the car was crashed and that I couldn’t fight to the end, but I thought that I still had the chance,” said Kristoffersson.

With just three laps left of the race, “anything” did basically happen as Andrea Larini spun and took out Liuzzi, handing the title to Kristoffersson.
“Everything has gone my way this season. I am really happy,” said Kristoffersson.

Kristoffersson’s five titles of 2012 includes the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, Superstars International Series drivers’ title, Campionato Italiano Superstars drivers’ title and the Superstars Rookie Trophy.

Next up for the Swede is a test along other Porsche Carrera Cup front runners where the drivers can win a seat in the 2013 Porsche Supercup.