Ekblom takes over championship lead at Sturup

Fredrik Ekblom took his 20th Swedish Touring Car Championship victory today at Sturup Raceway. The WestCoast Racing-driver led the race home ahead of Mattias Andersson in second and Thed Björk in third.
“It was a really good race! We have the team, the car and the strength to take a fourth title this year,” said a very happy Ekblom after the race.

Mattias Andersson made the most of the chaos in the race and took an impressive second place in his Alfa Romeo 156.
“It was the perfect race! I was fourth and had contact with Ekblom. The team said to me over the radio to go for a podium finish. When Björk and Dahlgren went off it felt like a victory to take second place,” said Andersson.

Third went to Thed Björk, but it was an controversial race for the Honda-man. Robert Dahlgren led the race, starting from pole position but was pushed off the track in an overtaking attempt by Björk.
“I do not think it was an unfair move. I positioned my self clearly and he leaves me no room. The situation reminds me of the premiere race when Rudholm hit me,” said Björk.

Volvo-man Dahlgren on the other hand was not convinced by Björk and was very sad after ending up in the gravel trap from the lead.
“It must have been total brain failure for Björk. You cannot overtake on that place of the track,” said Dahlgren.

How ever, no protest was filed by the Volvo-team and no penalty was issued by the race stewards.

Richard Göransson and Tomas Engström were penalised on the other hand. Both drivers forgot to put out their pit stop light after their stop and got drive through-penalties. Göransson finished fifth while Engström finished tenth. The Flash Engineering-driver lost the lead in the championship to Ekblom.
“I am not pleased with this day. I had enough speed for a win, but sadly the penalty ruined that. But thats racing and I am looking forward to the next race at Mantorp,” said Göransson.

The safety car was issued twice. The first period was due to Alexander Lvov going in to the barriers on the first lap and the second one due to Tommy Rustad retiring in a dangerous position on the track with his Volvo C30 due to engine failure.

The next race takes place at Mantorp Park in two weeks.