Volvo stopt

[Werner333]

Volvo pulls out of motor racing

S60s may run in privateer hands

The reborn European Touring Car Championship has been dealt a blow following the news that Volvo is suspending all of its motorsport activities.

Today's news means the series will now have just Alfa Romeo and BMW in a 'works' capacity.

"It's a shame that Volvo decided against continuing the FIA ETCC programme, because they and Prodrive have worked hard to improve," said a spokesman for series organisers KSO. "The results are there to prove they all did a good job. I would like to thank Volvo and their motorsport manager Mr. Olle Odsell, for the cooperation they gave us all along the season."

In 2002, Prodrive ran S60s for former BTCC champ Rickard Rydell and James Hanson, however it was originally planning to enter six cars but when the FIA insisted on 'H'-pattern gearboxes rather than sequential ones it reduced its entry on cost grounds.

Rydell took one pole and eight podium finishes during 2002, and was fifth in the drivers' championship.

The S60 could still be seen next year in privateer hands, and Volvo is said to be willing to supply parts to an independent team if they decide to run one of this year's cars.

The announcement also brings to an end Volvo's long association with the Swedish Touring Car Championship.
Bron: http://www.autosport.com/

[Sennake]

Waar is de tijd ...

[JPMontoya]

nu wordt vaste rijder Rydell vast werkloos

[Bart.Vandecavey]

Originally posted by Sennake


Waar is de tijd ...

Diegene van Lammers heeft hier 5 jaar bij een dealer gestaan...

[TYRI F1]

Volvo has now made a U-turn and will be on the start-line in the STCC 2003. It has been an intense debate lately on why Volvo quit both ETCC and STCC; many angry voices were aimed at Volvo. Had the make put down their aim of being a manufacturer associated with Motorsport?

According to Expressen.se the drastical retirement was due to that Volvo wanted to win. The retirement a new fresh start to go to the STCC and ETCC again with new better possibilities. According to information from Expressen Volvo was out for a new Motorsport boss only a week or two before the retirement.

Volvo will be on the start line in 2003 and in 2004 move on to the ETCC. Which teams will tune the Volvo's this time is far from set, but most likely it will not be the ones used in the past. Stay tuned for more news on this subject!

dus ze komen toch maar weer terug... rare zweden... (http://www.touringcartimes.com/)