Rickard Rydell joins Chevrolet

The Chevrolet team will enter a fourth Lacetti WTC in the Race of Sweden (Anderstorp, 28-29 July 2007), the seventh round of the WTCC for local hero Rickard Rydell. The Swedish driver, one of the top touring car drivers in the world, will make a come-back to the WTCC in his home event and on a track he knows particularly well.

Rydell’s presence alongside regular Chevrolet drivers Alain Menu, Nicola Larini and Rob Huff will be a significant plus for the team at a crucial point of the season. It will also boost interest in Sweden for this first-ever WTCC race in the country. The deal has been made possible thanks also to Eurosport. Rickard’s Chevrolet, which will carry the number 88, will be equipped with on-board TV cameras to further enhance his participation.

Rickard Rydell: “I am very pleased of having the opportunity to join a well-established and winning team like Chevrolet and RML for my home race of the WTCC. I am confident we can do an excellent job together and I will do my utmost to contribute to the team’s efforts. I mainly consider myself as a touring car driver, these are the cars I enjoy the most, and I am very happy to be back in the WTCC. This is really a wonderful opportunity and I thank Chevrolet and Eurosport for it. Needless to say, I am anxious to be in Anderstorp. The race is taking place in the holiday season and there should be quite a number of fans and a terrific atmosphere…”

Eric Nève : “Rickard’s participation is a very positive thing for everybody: our team, the Championship and the Chevrolet brand. In general, we are not very favorable to one-shot appearances, but in this case, with the Lacetti and Rickard, we really have a potential winning tandem. In addition, Rickard will carry only 10 kg of ballast at a moment in the season where all front-runners will be carrying many more kilos.

We have organized a one-day test in England early July, so Rickard will have the time to acquaint himself with the Lacetti. His presence will also benefit the Championship, as his name will hopefully attract many local fans to this first WTCC race in Sweden. And, last but not least, his charisma and friendly personality can support us building-up and strengthening the Chevrolet brand in Sweden and in Scandinavia”.

Ray Mallock: “It is fantastic to have Rickard on a Chevrolet in his home event in Sweden. Our Lacetti is working well and Rickard is one of the best touring car drivers in the world and a WTCC race winner. I am sure he will be fighting at the top and that his presence will benefit the entire team”.