Dahlgren: “Nothing to lose” on race day

Robert Dahlgren will start from 16th on the grid after today’s qualifying in Monza. The Swedish driver told TouringCarTimes: “I would call this an average session. Of course without a slipstream and with the 2.0 normally aspirated engine there wasn’t much we could do, especially on a track such as Monza.”

The Swedish driver is focused on the introduction of the new Volvo 1.6 turbo engine.

“All of our attention is on the new power unit,” said Dahlgren.

“At the moment, with the equipment we have, there’s not much we can do, so I’m really looking forward to the new engine. I just hope the developement of the new engine will be as smooth as possible so that we will be able to use it soon!”

The 31-year-old also stated that the development of the chassis has been frozen to focus more on the new engine.

“The car doesn’t differ much from the one we developed for the Swedish tracks. Once we get the new unit we will be able to focus on our chassis performance. Of course we know we have a good basis to start with, and that gives us extra confidence for the future.”

When asked about his expectations for tomorrow’s races, the Volvo Polestar driver said.

“The race is a different story. With the slipstream from the other cars it will be easier to keep their pace and try to overtake. I have nothing to lose, so if there’s a small opportunity to pass I will go for it, flat out.”

Dahlgren currently lies 13th in the championship after scoring six points in Race 2 in Zolder.