Rickard Rydell: “It was an emotional final”

Rickard Rydell secured the STCC 2011 title with just two points after a season long battle with Fredrik Ekblom.
“It was awesome to secure the title, especially as the championship has been so tough this year and it was indeed an emotional final,” said Rydell to TouringCarTimes.

Rydell adds the STCC title to his list of previous titles in the form of BTCC in 1998, Macau GP in 1992, Bathurst 1000 in 1998 and GT1 of Le Mans 2007.
“It is hard to compare the different titles and victories, but this title is one that I am going to remember alongside the others,” said Rydell.

The Chevrolet driver claimed pole position with an impressive lap that was over three tenths faster than title rival Ekblom and went on to win the first race in style.
“I think we’ve done a good job with our limited resources compared to Volkswagen, we have not been able to test as much as them and the team has grown from just one car last year to three this year,” said Rydell.

Rydell was joined by Danish racer Michel Nykjaer ahead of the two final STCC races in a third Chevrolet Cruze.
“I would not have won the title without him. He has done a great job, it was a real team work and everyone in the team has done an amazing job this year,” said Rydell.

The second race sparked a lot of controversy as Volkswagen filed a protest against Rydell regarding an overtake of fourth Volkswagen driver Thed Björk in the final race. Should the protest go through, it could mean that Rydell loses his title.
“I do not want to comment that right now,” said Rydell.

With Ekblom leaving Volkswagen right after the STCC final, possibly for Volvo and TTA, a lot of rumors have surfaced on Rydell’s whereabouts for 2012.
“It is too early to say yet. Chevrolet are positive on continuing in the STCC and they want me to continue with them. But I haven’t got anything set yet,” said Rydell.