Johan Kristoffersson second in Barcelona’s World RX

Volkswagen Team Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson was strong all throughout the World RX weekend in Spain. On his way to the semi-finals, he won the third qualifying heat and set the fastest lap time on Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

In the semi-final, he was far superior to his competitors and when it was time for the final, the Swede shared first row with Timmy Hansen, who won the two previous events.

Johan and Timmy started well, but when they fought for the lead towards the first corner, they drifted out of line and World RX leader Petter Solberg could pass them on the inside when heading for victory.

Johan came out as third, but jokered already on the first lap and then worked his way up. First he passed Davy Jeanney and when Timmy took the joker lap, Johan could pass him as well.

“Of course it would have been more fun to win, but at the same time I’m very pleased with my second place and the team’s incredible work with the car. It really was fantastic all weekend” said Johan, who consolidated his third place in the overall World RX classification.

“It feels like we have found a key to a new level on these kind of tracks. We’re back in the zone, I feel confident with the car and can deliver great lap times when I need it the most. After this, I’m definitely looking forward to the three remaining events in the championship.”

Tommy Kristoffersson, Team Manager of Volkswagen Team Sweden, was obviously also pleased with how the race in Barcelona developed.

“We have many positive things to take with us from this weekend. It feels like we are back where we were in the beginning of the season with Johan. Now we have what it takes to defeat our competitors by our own strength again” said Tommy, who is also very happy with the efforts of the two other Volkswagen Team Sweden drivers, Ole Christian Veiby and Tord Linnerud.