Mikael Karlsson joins Lestrup Racing Team’s four-car STCC programme

Mikael Karlsson completes Lestrup Racing Team’s four-car line-up for the 2021 STCC TCR Scandinavia season, joining team-mates Rob Huff, Oliver Söderström and Robin Knutsson.

“I am very excited to join Lestrup Racing Team, especially after their impressive season last year and I hope to play a part in their title defense this year,” said Karlsson.

The 48-year-old made his STCC debut last year for Kågered Racing, finishing tenth overall with one victory at Skellefteå Arena.

“Mikael impressed us last year and we know that he has a lot of potential,” said Fredrik Lestrup, team co-owner.

“We have a strong line-up with two very experienced drivers with Mikael and Rob, as well as two young talents with Oliver and Robin.

“To expand from two to four cars is a massive task that we by no means underestimate. But I know that everyone involved has got what it takes for it and we will work methodically towards our goal of defending out titles.”

Karlsson will drive one of the team’s four Volkswagen Golf GTI TCRs, with the team line-up being Karlsson and Knutsson at Lestrup Racing team by Volkswagen Stockholm and Huff/Söderström at Lestrup Racing Team.

“I’m quite comfortable behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR now and it’s going to be really interesting to work with the team with all the new data they have,” said Karlsson.

“I have high goals personally for this season, but I know that we have an even tougher field this year compared to last. The main thing will be to claw into the top five and score points consistently.”

The Swede, who claimed the 2000 Formula 3 Sweden and Nordic titles, will complete his first test with the team next week during the first official STCC TCR Scandinavia pre-season test at Knutstorp.