Encouraging first WTCC test for Polestar Cyan Racing

Drivers Thed Björk and Fredrik Ekblom completed an extensive testing programme during the two days at the Vallelunga circuit north of Rome, producing lap times not far from the established front runners.

”We have had two extremely valuable test days. While we can’t draw any real conclusions until the first race, it is satisfying to see that we straight out of the box are quite close to the top times,” said Thed Björk.

The first day of testing was held in dry and warm conditions while the second day offered a mix of heavy rain showers and sunshine.

”We have waited for a long time to get on track with the competitors of the championship. We worked through a lot of vital issues during the days, providing us with a lot of answers. There is still plenty of work ahead of us all season but the feeling is good ahead of the first race,” said Fredrik Ekblom.

Next up is the first race weekend of the 2016 FIA WTCC, kicking off the season at Paul Ricard in France on April 2-3rd.

Day 1

Morning session – Top 5

1 José María López Citroën C-Elysée 1:37.348

2 Mehdi Bennani Citroën C-Elysée +0.414

3 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 +0.853

4 John Filippi Chevrolet Cruze +0.876

5 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +0.985

Afternoon session – Top 5

1 Mehdi Bennani Citroën C-Elysée 1:37.000

2 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +0.352

3 Tom Chilton Citroën C-Elysée +0.427

4 Norbert Michelisz Honda Civic +0.524

5 Yvan Muller Citroën C-Elysée +0.673

…

6 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 +1.088

Day 2

Session 1 – Top 5

1 Yvan Muller Citroën C-Elysée 1:37.730

2 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +0.797

3 Mehdi Bennani Citroën C-Elysée +1.286

4 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 +1.493

5 Norbert Michelisz Honda Civic +2.065

Session 2 – Top 5

1 Yvan Muller Citroën C-Elysée 1:54.731

2 Mehdi Bennani Citroën C-Elysée +1.153

3 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 +4.734

4 Tom Chilton Citroën C-Elysée +5.272

5 Grégoire Demoustier Citroën C-Elysée +5.644

…

7 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +8.463

Session 3 – Top 5

1 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 1:40.606

2 Mehdi Bennani Citroën C-Elysée +1.398

3 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +2.789

4 Grégorie Demoustier Citroën C-Elysée +4.179

5 Norbert Michelisz Citroën C-Elysée +9.998

Session 4 – Top 5

1 José María López Citroën C-Elysée 1:45.420

2 Mehdi Bennani Citroën C-Elysée +4.638

3 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +4.842

4 René Münnich Chevrolet Cruze +5.508

5 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 +5.991

Session 5 – Top 5

1 José María López Citroën C-Elysée 1:37.123

2 Thed Björk Volvo S60 +2.698

3 Fredrik Ekblom Volvo S60 +3.054

4 Norbert Michelisz Honda Civic +4.542