Yvan Muller will make a shock return to the World Touring Car Championship in Qatar tomorrow, as the Frenchman replaces Néstor Girolami at Polestar Cyan Racing as Volvo aim to secure the WTCC title.
Muller has been working as a driver advisor for the Swedish team during 2017, but with both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles up for grabs in the Middle East, the WTCC’s most successful racer will don his helmet once again with the aim of helping Volvo scoop both titles.
With Volvo’s Thed Björk leading the standings over Honda’s Norbert Michelisz by just 6.5 points, Volvo are keen to ensure they are maximising all the experience in their team.
That means bringing in four-time WTCC champion Muller to a race seat for the finale, with Girolami standing down after an up-and-down first full season that has brought three podium finishes.
“I am glad to be back racing again after working hard together with the team during this season to get us in a double points lead ahead of the final race weekend,” said Muller.
“My objective is to help Thed become world champion and support Polestar Cyan Racing to deliver the world championship. It is going to be tough, but I have no doubt that we have what it takes to accomplish that in Qatar.”
Girolami will thus vacate his seat for the final races in Qatar, and the Argentine is happy tog do so for Muller, who has claimed 48 wins to Girolami’s one.
“I have accepted to give my place to Yvan,” said Girolami. “He is a legendary driver with more experience of the circuit in Qatar than me, which will be vital in the very close season finale.
“I look forward to continue our work ahead of 2018 and will follow the season finale closely.”
Polestar’s Head of Motorsport, Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin, thanked Girolami for his efforts in his first season with the team.
“Néstor has done a great job this season and we are very grateful for his efforts. A key part of optimising our strategy for the season finale is to bring in the most experienced and successful WTCC driver possible – Yvan Muller.
“His input this year has been invaluable and we look forward to seeing him behind the wheel, offering Polestar Cyan Racing the best possible chance of claiming a double world title.”