Porsche champion joins Gothenburg grid

Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia champion Ola Nilsson will make his debut in the STCC series in the opening round of the inaugural electric season on the streets of Gothenburg.

Nilsson will be at the wheel of a Volkswagen ID.3 being run by Exxon Racing in what is currently slated to be a one-off outing in the series but with the potential to be turned into a more long-term programme.

The 36-year-old tested the car at both Mantorp and Ljungbyhed and found himself running towards the sharp end of the grid.

“It feels extremely interesting to make my STCC debut together with Exion Racing when the championship is electrified,” Nilsson said. “It’s a new given and new conditions for everyone – drivers, teams, engineers and mechanics.

“The STCC car is really completely different to anything else I’ve driven, but not precisely because of the fact that it’s electric. Chassis, brake feel, gas response and steering feel good and solid, it is above all the street tyres that are an extremely big factor to figure out.

“So far I have only driven two test days and only scratched the surface, but it feels really fun and rewarding. The premiere in Gothenburg will also mean an extra level of uncertainty given the format. But I am a competitive person 100% and do not line up to participate. I want to perform and get as high as possible.

“As for a possible continuation after Gothenburg, we’ll see. I already decided at the beginning of 2023 that it would be my last year for a while. But I have good contact with Exion Racing and STCC, so we will drive Gothenburg and evaluate accordingly.”

Viktor Gustavsson and Alexander Graff had already been confirmed in the other two Volkswagens on the grid.