Brink on intra-team crash with Eriksson: “A loss for the whole team”

Team-mates and title rivals Tobias Brink and Jimmy Eriksson crashed in spectacular fashion while fighting for second place in the third race of the STCC weekend at Knutstorp.

“The crash in the first race felt like a loss for the whole team. It’s been a real rollercoaster for us this weekend with the team title, poles, crash and wins,” said Brink.

Brink started second behind team-mate Mikael Karlsson in Race 3 but was challenged by Eriksson through the first corner.

The Tesla duo went side-by-side heading into Turn 2 where they made contact, sending Eriksson into the barriers.

“The first race ended in an unfortunate way with a badly damaged car. It was a bit of a misunderstanding for both of us and no one had bad intentions,” said Eriksson.

“Tobias and I traded paint a bit through turn one, then he disappeared from my mirrors and I was absolutely sure that he was further back. But when we get to the corner, we touched and I spun. It could have been avoided from both sides, but this was how it ended.”

Brink continued the race to finish second behind Karlsson, while Eriksson’s mechanics were left in a race against time to get the Tesla Model 3 ready for the final race.

Eriksson was able to get back out and snatched the lead from Karlsson at the start to win Race 4 and keep his title hopes alive for the Mantorp Park finale next weekend.

“I really want to thank the team for getting the car together 100% for the last race,” said Eriksson.

“Then at the start of the final race I just had to commit if I was to be in the title fight for the final. It was a really nice comeback for me to win and now we’re flat out for the final.”

Brink keeps the lead of the drivers’ championship on 156 points, 12 more than Karlsson and 17 more than Eriksson. Dahlgren is the only other driver with a theoretical shot at the title in fourth place, trailing Brink by 38 points with 60 points remaining.