Nordschleife progress points to strong WTCC future, says Ekblom

Fredrik Ekblom says Polestar Cyan Racing’s Nürburgring Nordschleife debut will make the Volvo factory squad even stronger in next year’s FIA World Touring Car Championship.

Ekblom and team-mate Thed Björk both scored points during a challenging FIA WTCC Race of Germany weekend (26-28 May). However, an engine change for Ekblom and an oil leak for Björk ruled out potentially better results for the all-Swedish team.

“I am happy with this result after the dreadful start I got to the weekend,” said Ekblom, whose engine change was required after the original unit developed a misfire in testing. “We were able to overcome the issues and the car was so much better in the races, enabling me to make my way up through the field. But what this weekend really has been about is building a solid foundation for the race here next year and we have done just that.”

Björk was second overall in Saturday’s Opening Race when he was forced to retire although repairs got him back on track for the Main Race and he finished seventh.

“I just can’t thank the team enough, they gave me a really strong car, fast enough to set the third fastest lap of the race,” said Björk. “This is something everyone in the team can be really proud of.”

Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin, Head of Motorsport at Polestar, added: “At the end of the day, it’s our first time on the ’Ring’ with this car so we are very pleased with the speed. We are progressing well according to plan, team Polestar Cyan Racing is doing a really good job.”