SUNRED Danish racer Michel Nykjær insists that his chances of clinching the 2011 Yokohama Independents title are not over – despite only picking up two points in the World Touring Car Championship races in China at the weekend.
Going into the races in China, Nykjær had been on a run of strong form having taken both wins in the Yokohama Trophy in Japan. However he struggled in practice and qualifying like his SUNRED stablemates and could only manage 17th on the grid for both races – something that hindered his entire weekend.
On raceday two 14th-place finishes yielded two points for the Dane – but he dropped to 29 points behind leader Kristian Poulsen. Despite this he is hopeful of strong results in Macau which could yet give him the title – double points are awarded to the Independent’s, meaning that potentially 43 are up for grab.
“It is not over yet,” claimed Nykjær after raceday. “I am 29 points after the leading driver, but there are double points in the final round so there are still 43 points up for grabs. And Macau is known as some sort of lottery event, where everything can happen.”
Nykjær lamented his poor form in the run up to raceday, citing track conditions as a key factor in his lack of performance.
“Before qualifying it had rained. During the practice sessions we had seen that it did take some time for the circuit to dry up, but this did not occur in qualifying,” added Nykjær. “We mounted slicks and then I was asked to stay out as the circuit would be faster. But in the end many of the other drivers pitted for four brand-new tyres, so I slipped back as number 17.
“It is a difficult circuit to pass on, so qualifying was decisive. I made a super qualifying at Suzuka and was competitive in the races. If you don’t make a good qualifying, you won’t get any good results. But I will continue to fight on. I won’t surrender!”