Photo: W Series

Emma Kimiläinen makes touring car return with Exion Racing deal

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Emma Kimiläinen will make a return to touring car competition this season after inking a deal to join the new-look STCC with the Exion Racing team.

Kimiläinen raced in the STCC from 2014 to 2016 with the PWR Racing team, scoring three podium finishes and taking a best championship finish of seventh.

The 34-year-old spent recent seasons competing in the now-defunct W Series and completes Exion’s three driver line-up in the BMW i4 alongside Calle Bergman and Isac Aronsson.

“It feels like crazy fun to be back in the STCC, a championship that has a unique place in my heart,” she said, “especially when we become the world’s first national electric touring car championship.

“Just like when I drove in STCC before, my goal is to be there and fight for the absolute top. Of course, a lot of things needs to fall in place and the preparations will be minimal. But powerful rear-wheel drive cars are a bit of my specialty, and I feel extremely motivated!”

Team manager Daniel Aronsson was pleased to confirm Kimiläinen as part of the line-up for the shortened 2023 campaign.

“We are proud to be able to welcome Emma back to STCC and to Exion Racing where we get a proven, fast and experienced talent,” he said. “Her experience from the STCC and the seasons in the W Series will be of great benefit to us where we see a strong collaboration with our already accomplished drivers Calle and Isac.

“It has been an incredibly challenging year so far for all of us, but we now have a strong driver line-up and are as ready as we can be for the delivery of the new cars.”