Heavy title contenders in penultimate STCC round of 2015
2015 STCC title heavy weights Thed Björk and Fredrik Ekblom are literally heavy as they carry 50 kilos each in this weekends’ penultimate STCC race weekend at Solvalla, weights that could play a decisive role in the title fight.
Solvalla is a partially paved trotting track, using both the banked track and parts of the infield. The short and twisty layout means a lot of stop and start where extra weight will hurt. Championship leader Björk is nonetheless calm ahead of the races.
“There is no doubt that the kilos will affect us this weekend. But no matter, we are prepared for it and will get on with it just as with any other challenge during a race weekend,” said Björk.
Volvo Cyan Racing team mate Ekblom is just 10 points behind Björk but carries the same amount of weight. BMW driver Fredrik Larsson on the other hand is 40 kilos lighter, carrying only 10 kilos, and needs to go all in to have somewhat of a chance at the title for the season finale two weeks later.
”I like Solvalla and we have got a weight advantage, at least against Volvo. So I am looking forward to the weekend,” said Larsson.
The fight for fourth position in the championship stands between Richard Göransson of Team Tidö and Mattias Andersson of Dacia Dealer Team, a mere seven points separates the two.
”We have taken another step forward and we are going to beat our championship position last year no matter how the duel with Göransson is going to end. I was second at Solvalla last year and I hope my run of strong results from the past three races will continue,” said Andersson.
Team Kia has lost Erik Johansson as the young driver lacked financial backing for the final two races, despite being the best placed Kia driver in sixth position of the championship. The team will despite that have three cars on the grid as Emelie Liljeström is back with Kevin Aabol and Rasmus Mårthen.
The STCC weekend starts on Friday with testing and qualifying. Saturday features two races with the first starting at 14:45 CET.
Solvalla Entry List
No – Driver – Team Name – Car
#1 – Thed Björk – Volvo Cyan Racing – Volvo S60
#3 – Richard Göransson – Team Tidö – Saab 9-3
#4 – Fredrik Larsson – WestCoast Racing – BMW SR
#6 – Erik Jonsson – Sportpromotion – BMW SR
#8 – Roger Samuelsson – Team Tidö – Saab 9-3
#9 – Kevin Aabol – Team Kia – Kia Optima
#10 – Erik Johansson – Team Kia – Kia Optima
#11 – Fredrik Ekblom – Volvo Cyan Racing – Volvo S60
#13 – Carl Philip Bernadotte – Volvo Cyan Racing – Volvo S60
#20 – Mattias Andersson – Dacia Dealer Team – Dacia SE
#28 – Rasmus Mårthen – Team Kia – Kia Optima
#37 – Daniel Haglöf – PWR Racing – Saab 9-3
#93 – Emma Kimiläinen – PWR Racing – Saab 9-3
#95 – Emelie Liljeström – Team Kia – Kia Optima
Solvalla Timetable
Friday 11th September
13:50–14:20 Test 1
16:40–17:10 Test 2
19:30–19:45 Q1
19:50–20:10 Q2
Saturday 12th September
14:45–15:10 Race 1
17:50–18:15 Race 2
All times are in CET.
Solvalla penalty weights
+50 kg – Thed Björk
+50 kg – Fredrik Ekblom
+10 kg – Fredrik Larsson
+10 kg – Mattias Andersson
