WTCC – Ribeiro: “Volvo maintains interest”

For several months now, we have known that the promoters of the WTCC were in discussions with a manufacturer for an arrival from 2016. The name of Volvo had largely “leaked” but the officialization only took place last Tuesday. The Swedish firm will make its return next year with an S60 meeting TC1 regulations and operated by the Polestar Cyan Racing, Volvo's armed motorsport branch.

The arrival of a fifth brand alongside Citröen, Honda, Chevrolet and Lada at the end of a long process is only positive for François Ribeiro, head of Eurosport Events.

“We have been patient, discreet, and have kept Volvo and Polestar in the know about future developments over the past two years, both on regulations and marketing and the directions we wanted to bring to the calendar. The arrival of a new manufacturer maintains the interest of the WTCC and whets the appetite of others. » he underlines on the discipline website.

Concerning the level of performance of the new arrival, François Ribeiro wants to be cautious, and recalls the challenge that the WTCC represents, even with the organization chosen by Volvo for its program. « Polestar Cyan Racing will have to work twice as hard than the other manufacturers entered in the WTCC and unify an entire team. Their wish is to bring the WTCC championship trophy back to Sweden, so I am sure they will do everything possible to achieve this. »

The latter also confirms that other discussions are underway to expand the board. “We never reveal who we chat with, but we have very positive exchanges with other manufacturers. » emphasizes Ribeiro.