Thed Björk blamed Esteban Guerrieri for ‘helping’ him to lose places in the Opening World Touring Car Championship race in Argentina, after the Polestar driver went wide whilst trying to pass the Campos driver.
Björk and Guerrieri were battling for what was then fourth place in the race when the Argentine driver bullishly defended his position, causing Björk’s Volvo to slide wide and lose him three places.
“The first race was really eventful,” said Björk. “I did not have the car to come into the fight directly so I lost a couple of positions in the beginning of the race.
“I think Esteban helped me a little to lose some positions and I think he knows that. But it’s touring car racing, it’s fighting and we all must learn new things.
“It was very eventful and for me the bad thing I lost some points.”
The Main Race saw the Swede claim his sixth podium finish of the season with third, but he dropped to 12 points behind championship leader Tiago Monteiro by finishing behind the Honda driver on the road.
“In the second race I lost some points as well but I feel I am still in the fight for the championship. I am most sad because of Nicky [Catsburg]’s puncture and for losing first place in the second race. This makes me a little bit sad.
“I know [Catsburg’s retirement] gave me third but I would prefer to be fourth and he wins the race. But for me it’s good, I keep fighting and the next time we will be in China and I want to be in front both times.”
Björk also took time to congratulate Yann Ehrlacher for his maiden win in the WTCC which came in the Opening Race.
“Congratulations to Yann for his first race in the WTCC to win. I remember my feeling from China when I won the Opening Race [in 2016], it was fantastic. A win is a win and you deserve it.
“I am also very happy for my team-mate Bebu [Girolami] who keeps me pushing all the time. He’s the local hero and I feel very proud to have him part of my team.”