Rickard Rydell retires from racing

Probably the best Swedish touring cars drivers of all time, Rickard Rydell, announced his retirement from racing after almost 40 years.

;

Now aged 48, Rydell has decided to quit racing and to turn his attention to other things. He will coach the GP2 driver Gustav Malja, provide expert TV commentary and continue to work in his family’s flower business in his native Sweden.

;

In his career, Rydell won a total of five World Touring Cars Championship races, set five fastest laps, had four pole positions and led 40 laps. Rydell’s last WTCC appearance was at Paul Ricard last June. He missed the second half of the 2015 season after illness and car availability issues ruled him out.

;

“I have decided to not compete in 2016 and this also means I’m retiring from racing. I was a works driver for 20 consecutive years, and I’m very privileged and proud to have represented brands like Toyota, Volvo, SEAT and Aston Martin in major championships and races. It was also fun to come home to Sweden and STCC after 21 seasons of international racing. It’s been fantastic years as a driver. Now I can look forward to other projects and roles both inside and outside motorsport,” said Rydell.

Photo: quesada.se