Johan Kristoffersson: “This is was what I’d hoped for”

Johan Kristoffersson leaves a dramatic season finale at Mantorp Park as the 2018 STCC drivers’ champion, regardless of the outcome of WestCoast Racing and MA:GP’s appeal which could only increase his championship margin.

Kristoffersson put on a perfect display in Race 1 to go from sixth to first in the KMS Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, and set up a perfect showdown in the final race at Mantorp Park, with just three points separating him and reigning champion Robert Dahlgren in the PWR Racing Cupra TCR.

Dahlgren’s team had turned around the performance of the car for the second race, and he was working his way forward, briefly on the tail of Kristoffersson’s car, and should he be able to get ahead, he stood a good chance of retaining his title.

However, on lap five, Dahlgren’s car slowed with a gearbox issue, handing Kristoffersson a certain title.

“This day became just what I hoped for,” said Kristoffersson.

“I want to say a big thanks to the team as we had a really fast car. To become STCC champion for the second time feels incredible.

“I was third with Robert behind me at one stage and knew that if he passed me he would be champion, and if I kept ahead I would be champion. It was a good and clean season finale in contrast to how things usually are at Mantorp.

“We didn’t really have the edge on pace this year, but we took the opportunities that were handed to us. It feels great that the title was decided on track and not behind a desk with appeals.”

Kristoffersson’s title is his second STCC title in only his second full season in the championship. Kristoffersson only competed in partial campaigns in 2016 and 2017 with PWR Racing and KMS due to clashing commitments in the World Rallycross Championship, where he is also set to secure a second title this year.