Rydell officially comfirms 3 year deal with Volvo

JMeissner · 2 Jan 2001, 14:11 (Ref:55781)

Rydell signs 3 year deal with Volvo
BTCC --- Januray 2, 2001

Rickard Rydell has officially comfirmed that he has signed a three year deal with Volvo. He will start this year with developing the new racecar and he will not drive for any other manufacturer during this year. Rydell says that his only "real" race this year could be a start in LeMans 24 Hours, but that depends on what team will develop the new car. Volvo still has not comfirmed what model they will use, but the new Volvo S60 is belived to be the most likely.

Volvo will start the development of the new car this summer, but in this contract Rydell has the right to leave Volvo and join another manufacturer 2002 if the car will not be competetive. Though if the new racecar will be competetive Volvo and Rickard Rydell will join the ETCC (European Touring Car Championship) next year. Rydell also says that we actually could see him and the new Volvo in the three last races in the BTCC this year.

Johan Meissner
johan@meissner.se

MichaelC · 2 Jan 2001, 14:52 (Ref:55785)

So if Rydell's not in the Astra, who is? Is Menu definately going, or could we see him in the seat?

Are Vauxhall looking for someone with some money, or someone who can drive?

Could it be Will Hoy? Alan Morrison? Toni Rokkinnen?

hunttheshunt · 2 Jan 2001, 16:33 (Ref:55798)

why not try and tempt jc back out of retirement-he's a proven winner and a wily racer-he would spice up the show! Vauxhall could try and get dave pinkney or alan morrison, or what about anthony reid-im sure he'd rather do a full season than a half of one w/rover? I do think they need a third driver, though, as i think pug will be strong and if they have an extra car to the luton boys then yvan and jp could be in trouble. p.s. menu in a vauxhall?! the guy couldn't cut it with yvan and jp-he'd get slaughtered!

**Craig** · 2 Jan 2001, 18:56 (Ref:55814)

Quote:

the guy couldn't cut it with yvan and jp-he'd get slaughtered!

What ? Like he did he did when they were at Renault together you mean ?

Sodemo · 2 Jan 2001, 20:21 (Ref:55838)

Y'mean he and volvo are returning to the BTCC?
Whats the car look like?, is this for definate?

JMeissner · 2 Jan 2001, 21:06 (Ref:55856)

Volvo has not yet decided what series they will join, but both Rydell and Volvo has indicated that it will be the ETCC if it will become a success.

hunttheshunt · 2 Jan 2001, 23:38 (Ref:55889)

the vauxhall has never been strong in qualifying-i think menu is no where near as good a racer coming from the back or middle of the pack than he is leading from the front-yvan and jp are better RACERS. Next year, i think that might be crucial in the btcc.

Invader · 2 Jan 2001, 23:45 (Ref:55893)

I agree, except for the bit about Vauxhalls qualifying... we have no idea how the new Astra will fare against anything... do we?

hunttheshunt · 2 Jan 2001, 23:56 (Ref:55898)

perhaps. also, it will b interesting 2 see whether the vauxhalls and pugs pull away from the privately owned btc touring class teams.

Larsen · 5 Jan 2001, 21:29 (Ref:56383)

It would be great to see Volvo return to the BTCC, I've supported them since they entered the BTCC with the Estate. I've also been a big fan of Rickard Rydell, but I don't know about you John Cleland supporters, he is obviously to old and to slow which is why he retired!

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