Swede Rickard Rydell will return to the World Touring Car Championship for the forthcoming round in China, as the former British Touring Car Champion returns to Nika Racing for a one-off outing.
Rydell competed full-time in the WTCC between 2005 and 2009, but since then has made only one appearance in the series, competing in the season-opening meeting at Monza in 2012.
Since leaving the series full-time at the end of 2009, the Swede has spent a couple of season competing in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, where he took the title in 2011.
“It will be great fun to get back in to the WTCC, and to be working with NIKA Racing again after two successful years together at home in Sweden,” said Rydell. “I basically have not been in a race car since the STCC finale at Solvalla in 2012, and I have never driven at Shanghai – so I know I face a really tough challenge.
“At the same time, it feels good to be able to do this with a team I know well, and in a car I raced for two seasons,” added the 46 year-old. “In addition, I worked with my engineer, Nigel, before – which will hopefully make things a little easier.
“I am humbled by the task and it is difficult to know what we can expect, but the goal must at least be fighting for points in both races. I will do everything I can, and I’m really looking forward to again being out on the track!”
Nicklas Karlsson, Team Boss of Nika Racing, added that he was delighted to be able to continue a partnership that has already delivered wins and championship titles domestically.
“We are obviously extremely happy and proud to resume our cooperation with Rickard Rydell – one of the fastest touring car drivers in the modern era,” said Karlsson. “He gave us our first championship win in 2011, and our two years together in STCC laid the foundation for the World Championship effort we have now been able to start.
“Today’s announcement was made possible thanks to a very positive dialogue with our Swedish partners – there are at least a few major export companies have shown great enthusiasm in these conversations. Rickard has not competed in anything in years, but we know what he’s capable of – and we’ll do everything to give him the opportunities he deserves in China.”