Photo: wirdheim.com

Björn Wirdheim aiming for STCC wins and title fight

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Björn Wirdheim returns to race a full season in Sweden for the first time since 1997. The Swede, who has raced in Japan since 2006, is aiming high for his first STCC season.
“I know that the opposition is tough in STCC, but I am not here for fun. We want to win races and be in the title fight,” said Wirdheim.

The former CART driver is going to drive for Picko Troberg Racing in STCC this year.
“When Picko decides to do something, you know it is serious. I would not have entered this if I didn’t believe in the setup. Picko Troberg makes things happen and I have full confidence in him,” said Wirdheim.

While returning to Sweden, Wirdheim is still going to race in the Japanese Super GT series this year for team Gainer in a Mercedes. One race weekend clashes, meaning that Wirdheim is going to miss the STCC race at Tierp Arena.
“There are many reasons to why this feels just right now. Firstly, I have been looking for a way back to european racing for the last couple of years. And as a Swede I have of course followed the development of STCC and my interest has grown for the championship over time. This year is the first time that I can combine my commitments in Japan with a drive at home and with the right conditions as well,” said Wirdheim.

Picko Troberg Racing is back in the STCC for the first time since 2007. The team is going to field one car this year, rumored to be a Saab 9-3 or Citroën C5, with the plan to expand in the future.
“What happens in 2014 and 2015 depends on the results we can deliver this year, but the ambition must be to create the best racing team in Sweden and perhaps expand the number of cars from one to two, or even more,” said Picko Troberg.

Team owner Picko Troberg is confident that Wirdheim is going to fight for the very top, despite missing one race.
“You just have to look at our level of ambition. Björn Wirdheim has won F3000 and has got experience from Formula One. With such a driver, you can’t settle with being fifth. The mindset must be that my mechanics and engineers, led by Börje Wessman, is going to provide Björn with a car that he feels comfortable with. If we can do that, he is going to win. The race at Tierp collides with one of Björn’s races in Japan unfortunately, but even if he would miss one race, he is experienced and quick enough to fight for the title anyway,” said Troberg.