Polestar Head of Motorsport Alexander Murdzevski-Schedvin says that Volvo can approach the World Touring Car Championship races in Japan with ‘a points target rather than must-win pressure’.
The Swedish outfit will be racing in rival manufacturer Honda’s homeland this weekend when they take on the Twin Ring Motegi.
Thed Björk arrives as the narrow championship leader after China, with just a half-point advantage over the again absent Tiago Monteiro and two points ahead of nearest on-track rival Norbert Michelisz.
Murdzevski-Schedvin believes that racing in Honda’s home country will ease the pressure on the Volvo squad, who can target points rather than knowing that they must win.
“Our main competitor in Motegi, Honda, will be the home favourites with all the good support but pressure that goes with that,” explained Polestar’s Head. “We can approach this race with a points target rather than with must-win pressure.
“We will of course fight for pole and race wins, but it is a big difference on stress levels between ‘aim’ and ‘must’.”
For Björk, heading into the event at the top of the championship table is comforting. The Swede has previously scored a best result of sixth at the Honda-owned circuit in 2016.
“I am right where I want to be,” said the 36-year-old. “I am leading the championship and the car is as fast as it has ever been.
“Japan is one of my favourites on the calendar but we need to keep fighting hard to stay on top of the standings.”
The WTCC runners will see limited track action on Saturday, as typhoons in the region have delayed the shipping of equipment. Free Practice 1 takes place late on Saturday afternoon, with all subsequent track action moved to Sunday.