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Is Rustad or Dahlgren number one at Volvo?

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Robert Dahlgren is the official first driver of the Volvo team in the Swedish Touring Car Championship, but this year it is team mate Tommy Rustad who has got the best chance of taking the title.
“I have been focused on supporting Dahlgren, it is in the contract, but now the roles have changed,” said Rustad to Svensk Motorsport.

Rustad is currently second in the championship, only two points behind leading Thed Björk.

Dahlgren is 27 points behind the lead and with four race weekends remaining, the title chances for him are slim. But despite this Dahlgren is not so sure if he is going to support Rustad in the title race.

“I do not know. But if I am going to win I need to take all pole positions. And if I win the rest of the races, I have the chance,” said Dahlgren.

Team boss Christian Dahl is not willing to give a clear answer either.

“The best way to win the championship is if Dahlgren takes points from the competitors,” said Dahl.

Rustad has had a stable season start with two wins and four podiums, compared to Dahlgren’s four retirements due to engine problems. But the Norwegian says it is up to the team to decide the strategy for the remainder of the season.

“It is up for the team to decide, I can only do my best,” said Rustad.

Dahlgren has been hindered by a lot of engine problems. Dahlgren has had to retire no less than four times in ten races, but the team says that the problems are fixed.

“We have adjusted three or four components on the top of the piston together with our supplier, I do not want to be any more specific than that,” said Derek Crabb, Volvo Motorsport Director.

The Volvo team tested many kilometers, mainly in Spain, before the season and never experienced any engine trouble.

“It could be because we tested on higher altitude compared to the races,” said Crabb.

The STCC returns after the summer break this weekend at Gelleråsen. Dahlgren is going to have a very light car, 1144 kilos, after retiring from both previous races. Rustad is going to carry a further 55 kilos.