Michel Nykjær: “It was a disastrous weekend”

The European Touring Car Cup 2011 proved to be extremely tough for double champion Michel Nykjær.
“It was a disastrous weekend. I think it was one of the worst weekends I have ever had,” said Nykjær.

Nykjær joined Chevrolet Team Sweden for the ETC Cup, driving a Chevrolet Cruze instead of the SEAT León he usually races in the WTCC this season.

The trouble started in qualifying when the engine starter died. Nykjær got out before the end of the session, but to no help as the rain had increased in intensity and the Dane was unable to set a competitive time. The technical difficulties continued for the first race when the car once again refused to start.

“The mechanics changed everything last night and they were able to start the engine a few times. But when it was time for the warm up, it was down again. The starter and flywheel did not move. The mechanics changed a lot, but we could not get ready in time for the first race. I came out eventually, but then I had a puncture,” said Nykjær.

The Dane started from the pits for the second race, but had to retire again due to technical problems after a short while.

“The instrument panel began to warn for low battery as I caught up some of the slower drivers. The power steering then began to go out before the car stopped. I got it going again, but only for 50 meters before it died again,” said Nykjær.

Nykjær showed promising form before the technical difficulties started and was fastest in the saturday morning session.

“I felt that I had a good car but that we had no control over the things that happened. Despite all this, me and the others from Pole Position Denmark were very satisfied with the team’s effort. The co-operation worked perfectly and they worked extremely professional to solve the problems. Unfortunately the problems happened with a very unfortunate timing,” said Nykjær.

The Dane is back in the FIA World Touring Car Championship next weekend at Oschersleben, driving his regular SEAT León.