Karlsson fighting hard with new car

Nicklas Karlsson is driving a brand new Opel Astra in the STCC. This Astra is the first of its kind in S2000 spec’ and Karlsson has had alot of things to adjust to. “The season has been very though for me and I haven’t had the material to fight for podium finishes,” Karlsson said.

2002 was the best year for Karlsson in STCC with a third place in the championship, driving a Vauxhall Vectra. Last year he drive Porsche Carrera Cup and finished second in the championship before moving on to STCC 2006.

Karlsson started a new relationship with Opel Team Sweden that previously ran a car for Tommy Rustad. The car is completely build by the team and they have had small expectations for this season.

“Opel Came with a new car for this season which is very good looking and sporty in every way. But the technology hasn’t been enough compared to Audi and BMW who really have moved on this year. This is something we have known for the entire season and then you must have patience,” Karlsson said.

“The STCC is very though. That is something the qualifying sessions have shown as it isn’t good enough to be good but you have to hold world class to be able to get in to top eight. Not even in WTCC it is this hard between the drivers and teams,” Karlsson continued.

Karlsson is aiming for a good result at Mantorp, a track that always has been good for Karlsson.