Oliver Söderström slams withdrawn jump start penalty for Hugo Nerman

Oliver Söderström has voiced criticism over the decision of the stewards to withdraw the jump start penalty for Hugo Nerman in the first STCC TCR Scandinavia race at Skellefteå.

“I don’t agree regarding the jump start penalty withdrawal for Hugo Nerman. A jump start is a jump start, I’ve never seen anything like this before. But that’s not for me to judge,” said Söderström.

The Lestrup Racing Team driver lost a third place finish as the penalty was withdrawn, demoting him to fourth position, his so far worst finish of the season.

Nerman, who won two out of three races at Skellefteå, was initially handed a 20-second penalty for jumping the start which dropped him to sixth position.

Brink Motorsport then filed a protest regarding the penalty, that the start procedure had not been completed correctly. The stewards withdrew the penalty just before the start of the second race.

“I’m pleased that I got two podiums and strong points this weekend, but it should have been three podiums,” said Söderström.