Photo: Mediaempire.se

Third win for Honda-man Thed Björk

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Thed Björk took his third win of the year and an important step towards the title fight of the Swedish Touring Car Championship 2008. The Honda-man crossed the finish line ahead of his main rivals Fredrik Ekblom, second, and Richard Göransson, third.
“I’ve never had to concentrate this hard during a race before. It is a great feeling to win on your home track,” said a very happy Björk after the race.

Björk started third, got past Volvo-man Tommy Rustad during the first lap. Robert Dahlgren held the lead from pole position and the both went in to the pits at the same time. But the Honda-team made the faster pitstop of the both and Björk was able to get out in the lead.
“I saw that Dahlgren still was up on his air jacks when I was about to pass him in the pits and thought, yes, I will never let him past again,” said Björk.

Championship leader Ekblom extended his lead in the championship over Göransson but had a hard race. Ekblom got wide in the first corner of the first lap and dropped several positions. But the reigning champion then started an excellent drive through the field and passed a large number of drivers.
“I had a though start of the race. It took me a while to get past Roger (Eriksson) who’s SEAT leaked fuel. After that I was able to squeeze my way up through the field,” said Ekblom.

Göransson got out in the lead after the pit stop thanks to a very quick pitstop. But he was unable to answer to Björk who came charging from behind on warm tyres.
“I got hit in the first corner which resulted in my steering wheel getting off center. The car was very hard to drive after that and I am more than pleased to get third place despite this,” said Göransson.

The two Volvo-drivers Dahlgren and Rudstad looked strong in the early parts of the race. But due to slow pitstops and extensive tyre wear the duo finished sixth and seventh respectively.

Three races remains of the STCC 2008, next up is Knutstorp in two weeks. Ekblom leads the championship, four points ahead of Göransson and seven points ahead of Björk.