Reigning Scandinavian Touring Car and World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson will join the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) grid in 2019 as part of an expanded four-car Volkswagen Golf line-up at Sébastien Loeb Racing.
The 30-year-old romped to the World RX title in 2018, claiming 11 out of 12 victories in the series, whilst also securing the STCC title after claiming three wins in a Kristoffersson Motorsport Golf GTi.
The Swede joins an all-star line-up for next year’s WTCR, partnering WTCC Champion Rob Huff and WTCR race winner Mehdi Bennani in the French team.
“I’m very much looking forward to the WTCR,” said Kristoffersson. “After four years of rallycross, 2019 will be my first full touring car season on the international stage since 2013.
“Most of the circuits are entirely new territory for me and therefore represent a huge challenge. I’m also looking forward to working with my new teammates, especially touring car world champion Rob Huff.
“What’s more, Sébastien Loeb Racing is an experienced team and I’m delighted to be moving within the Volkswagen family.”
Kristoffersson is a multiple STCC champion, having also lifted the overall title in 2012, and it will mark his début on the world stage in touring car racing.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Johan Kristoffersson to WTCR OSCARO,” said François Ribeiro, Head of WTCR Promoter Eurosport Events. “He’s a double FIA world champion, a big talent and a proven winner in touring car racing.
“It will be great to watch him being a part of an extremely strong line-up of drivers. No doubt he will work hard with his new team to be competitive next year.”
Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets says that Volkswagen is increasing its involvement due to the improving level of competition in the series.
“The World Touring Car Cup is an excellent platform for the Golf GTI to show off its sporty performance to a global fan base,” said Smeets. “In addition, the competition is stiff, and this is reason enough for Volkswagen to up its involvement.
“I’m delighted that we will have Rob Huff and Mehdi Bennani on board once again next year in the GTI. Together with our rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson, this makes for a very strong line-up of drivers for us in 2019.”