Johansson wants to build a new Mercedes

Tobias Johansson has completed his three year plan with his Mercedes C-Class S2000. The car has been build on his own with little or no support from any dealer. His current car was introduced at the STCC final in 2004 and now Johansson is looking for a new one.
“We are negotiating with Mercedes on building a new car with the new body,” said Johansson to STCC.se.

The past three years have been hard for Johansson with few good results. But going for his own car is nothing that Johansson regrets.
“I do not regret that we started this project, we have learned a lot. Currently the car is good enough for us to be around fifth to seventh in a race,” said Johansson.

Upon the obvious question if it would not have been easier for him to buy a BMW for almost the same money and have a car he could win with, his reply is quick.
“For sure we have had those thoughts. But then I would not have been unique, just another one of the others. I also think it would have been harder to get my sponsors, especially the local ones, if we would have bought a ready car. Now we have a car that is very special,” Johansson continued.

What does it cost to run a car one season?
“We say around 200.000 to 220.000 Euro. Getting sponsors has been hard. It is one thing to get the money to race, but then we also need to test. A single test day can easily cost over 10.000 Euro.”

What has been the biggest setback during these three years?
“Without a doubt the engine trouble the first year. It was a big miscalculation.”

What has been the best part?
“I have got many new connections. For example Roland Gingtorp that has buil a lot of things on the body. What he has done is top class.”

What happens next year?
“There are a number of options. One is to continue with this body shell, but then with one car only. But we are also working on a new project, to build a new Mercedes C-Class of the current body. Then we have the option to switch to another car like a BMW. Mercedes have not supported us during this project after all.”

“We are going to take a decision soon. It looks most likely that we will build a new car. Our sponsors have said that they want to be onboard next year and I love building a new car,” Johansson said with a smile.
“If we decide to build a new car we will do just like the big manufacturers – first build the car and then apply for dispensation.”