Rustad: “I realize that this affects my popularity”

Tommy Rustad is fighting for the STCC 2009 title with rival driver Thed Björk. Rustad’s team mate Robert Dahlgren crashed in to Björk on the penultimate lap at Knutstorp when Björk was on the way of getting a gap of 19 points in the championship, with 20 points left to fight for.
“Some parts are out of my control, but I realize that this affects my popularity if I win (the championship) and I think that is a shame,” said Rustad to STCC.se.

A lot of attention has been put on the fight for the championship at Mantorp in a little less than two weeks after the controversial incident.

“What has happened has happened, but of course you cannot get through it unaffected. But I must focus on my assignment and that is to fight to the final to win the championship,” said Rustad.

Rustad is going to carry less weight compared to Björk during the final two races at Mantorp, a track which the Volvo team took a 1-2 at last time STCC was there.

“It is not going to be easy. Thed (Björk) has driven stable and even during the entire season. If he wins the championship at Mantorp, I am going to be the first one to congratulate him. But I am going to fight in to the end to try and beat him,” said Rustad.