Photo: Lestrup Racing/Martin Öberg

Rob Huff to focus on WTCR programme after Lestrup Racing split

Rob Huff will focus on his return to the World Touring Car Cup this season after electing against trying to defend his STCC TCR Scandinavia title.

Huff was named as the final driver in the Zengő Motorsport line-up earlier this month, despite the fact he had already signed up for a second season in the Swedish series with Lestrup Racing Team.

With two calendar clashes during the year – including the season opener for both series next month – Huff and Lestrup Racing have taken the mutual decision to part ways, with Huff now only racing in WTCR in 2021.

“I had an awesome season with Lestrup Racing Team last year that really re-sparked my love and passion for motorsport,” the Briton said. “I want to extend a big thank you to Fredrik and everyone in the team for last year, and that we have been able to find a solution that suits us all for 2021.

“I wish them the very best for the coming season and I’m sure they can find their way to the top step again.”

The decision to part company means Lestrup Racing will now run three cars – for Oliver Söderström, Mikael Karlsson and Robin Knutsson – in the STCC TCR Scandinavia season opener at Ljungbyhed, with the team hoping to find a replacement for Huff in due course.

“We had a great 2020 season with Rob, securing our first two STCC titles together,” Fredrik Lestrup, co-owner of Lestrup Racing Team, said. “His contribution to the team has been great and we are sad to part ways with him for 2021.

“We do however understand him wanting to try and become world champion again in the WTCR with Cupra. We wish him the best of luck this season and hope that new opportunities to cooperate again will come in the future.

“With just two weeks left until the season start, we have decided to focus all of our efforts on our three cars for the first race weekend.

“We are working on a solution for our fourth car for the remaining races and further information will be released in due course. Regardless of what happens with that car, we remain confident that – just like last year – we will be able to challenge for the top three positions in the championship.”