Rickard Rydell comes out of retirement with iconic Volvo S40 Super Touring

Rickard Rydell will come out of retirement with his title-winning 1998 Volvo S40 Super Touring in the Super Touring Car Trophy races at the Silverstone Classic in July this year.

“I will never forget the years I had in the BTCC and I’m so happy to recall and celebrate that time at Silverstone this summer,” says Rickard Rydell.

“The super touring days were fantastic. There were big budgets, unlimited testing, great cars and knife-edge competition between the manufacturers. I’m thrilled to reunite with possibly the most important car of my career. Furthermore, Silverstone was actually the place where I sealed the title all those years ago, so it will be a special weekend for many reasons.”

Rydell will face opposition from other Super Touring legends in the race at Silverstone such as John Cleland in a Vauxhall Vectra.

Also present will be the classic Volvo 850 Super Touring Estate that Rydell drove in Volvo’s BTCC debut year in 1994 for a 60-year BTCC celebration parade during the weekend at Silverstone.

“The 850 Estate is a true icon,” said Rydell. “Publicity-wise it was a great stunt by Volvo, and I still meet people who recall that car very strongly. At the end of the season, it was relatively competitive as well. I have so many fond memories of the UK – one year I did 38 return flights from Sweden. I’m sure there will be plenty of emotions at Silverstone this summer, but more than anything a lot of fun!”