López not surprised by strong Polestar WTCC pace

WTCC newcomer Polestar Cyan Racing’s impressive testing pace at Vallelunga last week came as no surprise to reigning FIA World Touring Car champion José María López.

Thed Björk and Fredrik Ekblom were rapid in their Volvo S60 Polestar TC1s, just as López had expected ahead of the trip to Italy.

“It was what I expected,” said Citroën’s WTCC title winner. “They have done the thing properly, they have worked hard and they have done the testing for a really long time. They have a strong team and drivers who know this kind of car. They have been working and racing successfully a lot in their home country so it’s what I expected.”

López, who was quickest after two days of official testing, will go up against Björk and Ekblom for real when Circuit Paul Ricard hosts WTCC Race of France from 1-3 April.