Preview: Many up for the win at Mantorp
Mantorp Park is the setting for the third round of the STCC this weekend. The track is 3.1km, containing a long straight at the back. The circuit is located in the South of Sweden between Linköping and Mjölby. Richard Göransson won the first race here last year and will be hoping for a repeat to move back to the top spot of the championship.
Previously at Mantorp Park
In 2007 Richard Göransson won the race in 2007 overtaking Frank Stippler on lap four. A first corner collision occurred that took out Tommy Rustad and Joakim Frid. Rustad however got revenge during the final race of the championship in 2007 at Mantorp Park when he won the race for Opel. This year Rustad is behind the wheel of the Polestar Volvo C30.
The season so far
Fredrick Ekblom currently leads the championship with 18 points followed by Richard Göransson who has 14 points. Both the leading two drivers have 1 race win each however Richard Göransson could only manage 5th place at Sturup knocking him off the top spot.
Quotes prior to the race
Fredrik Ekblom – BMW 320si
“Things are going quite well now. But it is also a result of how well prepared the entire team is. Out of that comes results. But for this race I think things will be a bit more difficult. We have maximum penalty weight and we have a couple of drivers that are quite light.”
Richard Göransson – BMW 320si
“Things are already settled. I am going to Mantorp to take home the biggest trophy. Everything but a victory is a failure.”
Mattias Andersson – Alfa Romeo 156
“We have a good flow now with the new car. It feels like there are few things that can stop us now. I know every last centimeter of the track in my sleep. To get here with the confidence we have with us now feels really good, of course I want to show the audience what we are capable of.”
Thed Björk – Honda Accord
“I think I have gained respect since the last race at Sturup. If people see me in the rear view mirror they should be worried. I am looking forward to Mantorp.”
Robert Dahlgren – Volvo C30
“We are still testing some quite big stuff. But I have full focus on the four moments we have ahead of us – practice, qualifying, super pole and race. There are no other alternatives for us but go for the win.”
Schedule – Sunday 18 May
09.00 – Pro Superbike
09.30 – STCC Test
10.30 – Ferrari Challenge
11.00 – Carrera Cup
11.30 – Gridshow/Lunch
12.25 – STCC qualifying
12.50 – STCC Super Pole
13.20 – Camaro
14.00 – Pro Superbike
15.00 – STCC Race
16.00 – Radical
