Audi confirms STCC retirement (updated)

What TouringCarTimes reported about earlier this week, today is confirmed – Audi pulls out of the Swedish Touring Car Championship. The reason for it, according to Audi, is that Audi Sport Germany does not have the time to develop the new A4 for STCC.

“We would really like to have seen Audi on the start line of STCC next year. The team has done an excellent job for Audi during the years, but to run another season with the model of today when we are launching a completely new A4 is not an option,” said Jens Wetterfors of Audi Sweden.

No information has been released if Audi will return to the STCC in 2009. Audi team boss Tommy Kristoffersson is looking at new alternatives.
“We would of course like to have build new cars and continue in STCC, Audi is one of the strongest manufacturers within motorsport and together we have reached great success. Now it is our task to find new ways, we have a strong team,” said Kristoffersson.

Update:

Team boss Tommy Kristoffersson is aiming to be back on track in 2009 with Audi and the brand new A4-model.
“Our goal is to be back and we are aiming very hard to pick up the co-operation with Audi again and be back on the grid with new cars in 2009. We have one of Sweden’s best racing teams, the plan is to continue with motorsport next year,” said Kristoffersson.

STCC MD Bob Huzell commented the matter:
“Kristoffersson Motorsport is a very strong team that has performed well on the STCC-tracks during the years. It is a team with many fans and we are convinced that they will be back. We look forward to continue co-operatiing with Tommy Kristoffersson and KMS,” said Huzell.

Audi has been in the STCC for nine years, 1998 to 2007.