Larini angry at Rydell after Anderstorp

Rickard Rydell’s overtaking move on team-mate Nicola Larini on the last lap of Race 2 at Anderstorp for the win upset the Italian.

Nicola Larini looked set for his first win since 2003 after having led all the laps in Race 2 at Anderstorp this weekend. But Rickard Rydell, storming through the field on slicks on a drying track, didn’t oblige to hold position. On the last lap he passed teammates Alain Menu and Nicola Larini to take a very popular victory on home ground. A pass that made Larini angry and he made his feelings clear for Rydell on the podium.

“I asked him if he was happy. Normally you respect your teammates and don’t take any risks on the last lap. I was really very cross, to go straight on, and to lose my race on the grass. I think the Swedish fans are happy today, but I’m not.”

Rickard Rydell, making a one-off appearance for Chevrolet in WTCC, felt he had done his teamwork in Race 1 and didn’t feel he did anything wrong when he was so much faster.

“I did everything the team asked of me in race one. I could have done a lot more, and I settled for the worst position of all, finishing ninth. I took the right decision in race 2 and wanted to win the race for Chevrolet and all the Swedish fans. Obviously Nicola and Alain are fighting for the drivers’ championship, but if you look at the table they are quite a way behind. Ultimately I don’t think they are fighting to win the championship as they have said themselves. I’m here for one race, and it’s my home race in Sweden.”

Chevrolet Europe Motorsport manager Eric Neve tuned down the incident after the race.
“I think because the race was in Sweden it maybe blinded Rickard a little bit. When we were 1-2-3 with Rickard third we told the drivers to hold position. But he was so quick then so he couldn’t let the win go. He only had one shot and it was his homerace and he won so good for him.”