New podium and still a strong third place for Johan Kristoffersson in World Rallycross Championship
Johan Kristoffersson did it again – he finished on the podium for the third event in a row in the World Rallycross Championship. The Volkswagen driver, who competes for Volkswagen Team Sweden, finished in second place in Italy and keeps his third place in the championship standings ahead of the grand final in Argentina in…
October 19, 2015
Johan Kristoffersson did it again – he finished on the podium for the third event in a row in the World Rallycross Championship. The Volkswagen driver, who competes for Volkswagen Team Sweden, finished in second place in Italy and keeps his third place in the championship standings ahead of the grand final in Argentina in late November.
“This was a perfect weekend apart from that I got a bit too much wheel spin in the start of the finals” said Johan after the finish.
Johan Kristoffersson dominated the World RX at Franciacorta International Circuit in northern Italy. The Swede was quickest in the opening qualifying round and second in the following two. In the fourth he had to settle for a ninth fastest time, but that did not affect the standings. Johan was number one all through the qualifying heats and took 16 valuable points with him to his semi-final, which he won from pole position with championship leader Petter Solberg second.
Johan also started the final from the first row.
“That was when I got a little too much wheel spin at the start and it was a tough fight for the leading position through the first corner.”
Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud, who shared first row with Johan, challenged him for the lead.
“We had some contact, but I did not think it was the right situation to play even tougher” said Johan, who chose to take the spot behind the Norwegian.
After that, the two of them followed each other through all six laps in the final. Bakkerud in the lead with Johan in the mud behind. Quite a lot of rain had fallen during the day, which made the track muddy and the conditions difficult.
“Maybe I could have taken the joker lap earlier, but I do not think that would have mattered. Me and Andreas had about the same pace” said Johan, who had Petter Solberg crossing the finish line behind him.
The result from the event in Italy does not change the gap between Johan in third place and Bakkerud in fourth place in the overall classification.
“I increased the gap with three points in the qualifying heats, but he took them back in the final” explained Johan.
That means that their fight for third place continues at the very last race of the season, which takes place in Argentina on 26-27 November.