Photo: SEAT Dealer Team

Tobias Johansson returns to STCC with SEAT

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Tobias Johansson, who became the first ever privateer to win a STCC race in 1999, returns to the championship this year. The 38-year-old is going to drive a SEAT León for his own team Brovallen Design/SEAT Dealer Team.
“I like to race, so this is going to be great fun,” said Johansson.

Johansson is going to drive together with Roger Eriksson who finished 13th in the championship last year.

“I think we are going to have a good year. I get along really well with Tobias and he has got great technical competence that is going to give us a great concept this year,” said Eriksson.

Brovallen Design was named Mattias Ekström Junior Team last year, but the double DTM champion is not going to be a part of the team this year, hence the name change to SEAT Dealer Team.

“Mattias and his partner are going to have a baby soon and his commitment in the DTM takes more time than ever. He has not got the ability to commit to the team as he used to in 2010. The name change to SEAT Dealer Team also means that we are getting a closer relationship to SEAT,” said Johansson.

SEAT Sweden are pleased to expand their cooperation with the team ahead of STCC 2011.

“The factory team of SEAT won the WTCC in 2008 and 2009, we want to connect that success with the racing in Sweden,” said Niclas Helmersson, Managing Director for SEAT Sweden.

The team scored one victory last year, with Dick Sahlén who has left the team, and three podium positions. The team is aiming higher for 2011.

“We have the capacity to win races which we did in 2010. We had some bad luck last year and we are going to change that for good luck this year. We have also got one more year of experience of the cars,” said Johansson.

Team mate Eriksson had a tough season last year with fourth as his best finish and three retired races.

“I have learned a lot from my mistakes last year. I want to leave everyone in the dust and I know that I can when everything works. But at the same time I realise that the opposition is extremely tough this year. I want to win races and be in the top five to be pleased this season,” said Eriksson.