Werner333
03-11-2002, 13:33
Volvo pulls out of motor racing
S60s may run in privateer hands
The reborn European Touring Car Championship has been dealt a blow following the news that Volvo is suspending all of its motorsport activities.
Today's news means the series will now have just Alfa Romeo and BMW in a 'works' capacity.
"It's a shame that Volvo decided against continuing the FIA ETCC programme, because they and Prodrive have worked hard to improve," said a spokesman for series organisers KSO. "The results are there to prove they all did a good job. I would like to thank Volvo and their motorsport manager Mr. Olle Odsell, for the cooperation they gave us all along the season."
In 2002, Prodrive ran S60s for former BTCC champ Rickard Rydell and James Hanson, however it was originally planning to enter six cars but when the FIA insisted on 'H'-pattern gearboxes rather than sequential ones it reduced its entry on cost grounds.
Rydell took one pole and eight podium finishes during 2002, and was fifth in the drivers' championship.
The S60 could still be seen next year in privateer hands, and Volvo is said to be willing to supply parts to an independent team if they decide to run one of this year's cars.
The announcement also brings to an end Volvo's long association with the Swedish Touring Car Championship.
Bron: http://www.autosport.com/
S60s may run in privateer hands
The reborn European Touring Car Championship has been dealt a blow following the news that Volvo is suspending all of its motorsport activities.
Today's news means the series will now have just Alfa Romeo and BMW in a 'works' capacity.
"It's a shame that Volvo decided against continuing the FIA ETCC programme, because they and Prodrive have worked hard to improve," said a spokesman for series organisers KSO. "The results are there to prove they all did a good job. I would like to thank Volvo and their motorsport manager Mr. Olle Odsell, for the cooperation they gave us all along the season."
In 2002, Prodrive ran S60s for former BTCC champ Rickard Rydell and James Hanson, however it was originally planning to enter six cars but when the FIA insisted on 'H'-pattern gearboxes rather than sequential ones it reduced its entry on cost grounds.
Rydell took one pole and eight podium finishes during 2002, and was fifth in the drivers' championship.
The S60 could still be seen next year in privateer hands, and Volvo is said to be willing to supply parts to an independent team if they decide to run one of this year's cars.
The announcement also brings to an end Volvo's long association with the Swedish Touring Car Championship.
Bron: http://www.autosport.com/