Photo: STCC/Anders Helgesson

Andreas Bäckman says there was “more left” in qualifying lap record

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Andreas Bäckman stunned on his STCC TCR Scandinavia return at Mantorp Park by beating championship leader Robert Dahlgren to pole position and breaking the lap record.

“It’s great to return to the STCC and be in the top straight away with a new team and car for me,” said Bäckman.

“I actually made some mistakes during my lap, there was more left and I hink a sub 1:19 time would have been possible. Huge thanks to the team and I feel strong for the races tomorrow.”

The Brink Motorsport driver put an end to Dahlgren’s record breaking nine consecutive pole position run, beating the Cupra driver by a mere 66 thousands of a second in the Q2 session.

“Hats off to Andreas and Brink Motorsport, they were quick today,” said Dahlgren.

“My lap in Q2 was okay, but there were just something missing. But I look forward to the races and I think we have a bit more to give.”

Dahlgren claimed pole for the first race after beating Bäckman’s team-mate Tobias Brink by four tenths of a second in the Q1 session.