Michel Nykjaer to replace Di Sabatino in Brazil

Michel Nykjaer will fill in for an unwell Pasquale Di Sabatino at this weekend’s round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Curitiba, racing the Chevrolet Cruze of Bamboo Engineering.

The Danish driver, who finished as runner up in the Yokohama Independents’ Trophy last year in the WTCC and currently sits third in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship drivers’ standings, where he races with an identical Cruze 1.6T, has got the call up to take part in his first WTCC race since Macau in November 2011.

“I am very pleased. I should run for the UK team Bamboo Engineering, who has phoned and asked if I could be in Brazil on Friday morning,” said Nykjaer to Racemag.dk.

“The car I know, and I know they are fast. Last year Chevrolet finished 1-2-3 at the Curitiba circuit, which suits me really well and I was several times right behind them for SUNRED.”

Italian rookie driver Pasquale Di Sabatino has stood down this weekend after a bout of bronchitis and pneumonia, with doctors advising him not to fly.

“We’re all very disappointed that Pasquale is unable to drive this weekend,” said Bamboo Team Principal Richard Coleman. “We are sure he is going to be fit in time for America, and we thank his sponsors for their patience throughout his illness. The whole team wish him the very best and look forward to having him back with us soon.”

“We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of Michel at such short notice. He’s a very highly respected driver and has experience with the Cruze so he’s the perfect replacement and we are confident we can have a good weekend.”

“His only problem is the timescale. He’s pretty much just agreed to drive, is jumping on a plane and will be here in Brazil some time tonight and then be straight out on track on Friday afternoon. We’re all looking forward to working with him here.”