Robert Dahlgren was left to reflect on what could have been after the World Touring Car Championship races in China, as the Swede took home just two ninth place finishes.
Having been second fastest in Friday testing, Dahlgren continued his promising form into Saturday by going fourth quickest in the two free practice sessions. However when it came to the crucial qualifying session the Swede suffered, losing time on a drying track. 13th was the best the Volvo driver could manage, just over a second off the pace.
“We came close, but we went out a bit too early which meant that our tyres were too worn at the very end of the session,” said Dahlgren. “It was unfortunate, but that is racing sometimes.”
Many drivers had commented that overtaking was likely to be difficult around the tight and twisty Tianma circuit, and Dahlgren experienced this first-hand on Sunday when he could only manage two ninth placed finishes, bringing home just four points altogether in the championship.
“The track is really difficult to pass on with short braking areas, but I had two good races. I held a stronger pace than most of the drivers in front of me and I was able to make some ground to finish in the points.”
Looking forwards, Polestar Racing head to Macau in two weeks time and both Dahlgren and the team are relishing making their début’s at the famous circuit.
“Macau is going to be the toughest challenge of the year, it is a track that all drivers have to race on once in their lifetime. I am very much looking forward to the race and our firm goal is to end the season on a high”, concluded Dahlgren.