Johan Kristoffersson not closing the door on WTCR future despite VW exit
Johan Kristoffersson has refused to rule out a 2020 continuation in the World Touring Car Cup, but admits the likelihood of him staying in the series is slim following long-time partner Volkswagen’s departure.
A story published by SVT, the national public service company in Kristoffersson’s homeland Sweden, gained momentum earlier this week, suggesting the 2019 WTCR rookie was intent on leaving the series in favour for a return to rallying and rallycross.
When asked by TouringCarTimes to clarify the statement, however, Kristoffersson said he has not yet closed the door on world touring cars and that he could even remain in the series with an alternative make in the wake of Volkswagen’s withdrawal.
“The SVT thing was actually my dad [long-serving Swedish Touring Car Championship driver Tommy] speaking out,” Kristoffersson told TouringCarTimes at the Sepang WTCR finale.
“I guess it does lean that way [quitting], but it’s not 100%. There are still some opportunities to remain here, but at the same time I would prefer to retain my ties with Volkswagen. I’ve been with them for so many years and I don’t think the grass is that much greener on the other side.”
At a time of much uncertainty in the WTCR paddock, Kristoffersson believes his versatility as a driver – with two world rallycross titles, double STCC triumphs and several rallying outings on his CV – makes him better placed than most to face the future.
“What is really good for me is the fact that I’m driving a lot of different things, with the rallying and rallycross etcetera. That does open the window a little bit more. I would say there are discussions within the WTCR, but also in many other areas,” said Kristoffersson.
“The market is tough at the moment, so I don’t want to close any doors. Especially now with Volkswagen basically not having any programme, I need to be open-minded. I think it’s fair to say that I most likely won’t be on the [WTCR] grid next year, but we will see.
“At the end of the day, I have enjoyed the support from Volkswagen Sweden and my partner Bauhaus basically since I started out in 2008, and that is something I am appreciating. Preferably, I want to do something that involves them.”
Volkswagen’s decision to focus on electrification, and stop all of their combustion-engine programmes, has cast clouds of ambiguity over all four of the marque’s current WTCR drivers, with Kristoffersson’s team-mate Rob Huff recently telling TouringCarTimes he could face his first season out of the sport in 15 years as a result.
