Photo: WTCR

Thed Björk expecting joker lap to mix up Vila Real Race 1

By

Thed Björk says he couldn’t have caught the SLR Volkswagen Golfs in qualifying at Vila Real, but is satisfied with fifth on the grid in his YMR Hyundai i30 N TCR, where the joker lap will play a key part in today’s race.

The 2017 WTCC champion set the pace through both practice sessions, but he put that down to track knowledge on his third visit to the Portuguese street race.

“I know the track, which was a big advantage,” said Björk to TouringCarTimes. “When I first came here I was not in (José María) López’s or Yvan (Muller’s) space, which makes the difference.

“I clearly see the Golfs are doing a good job, and that team has the track knowledge as well. I had a couple of tenths more, but my three last laps I couldn’t get out due to the red flags. I wouldn’t have beaten the Golfs, and it would have been close with (third place) Norbi (Michelisz).”

Looking ahead to today’s race, the Swede says the rallycross-style joker lap will make the race interesting.

“The races are going to be fun with the joker lap. It’s going to be ‘can you stay out’ or do you get a safety car? I think the guys at the back will go straight away in case there’s a safety car, I’m sure it’ll be interesting.”