Cyan Racing and Lynk & Co wrote history today by securing the first ever World Title in motorsport for a Chinese manufacturer with the Lynk & Co 03 TCR, winning the team title of the 2019 FIA World Touring Car Cup in a thrilling season finale at Sepang in Malaysia.
"To win three years in a row with three different manufacturers feels amazing. To claim the teams' title in the first year with Lynk & Co Cyan Racing is 'mission complete'. Next year our goal is definitely two titles," said Christian Dahl, CEO and founder of Cyan Racing. "After a most difficult race weekend and season, Lynk & Co Cyan Racing has ended it in a historic way. They have built a solid foundation for 2020 and proven their professional level of team work and spirit. Thanks to the whole team for their efforts and devotion. We look forward for them to challenge for a double title next year," said Victor Yang, Vice President of Communications at Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
The team title highlights a new record by Cyan Racing, claiming its third straight World Title.
The team won the 2017 WTCC title with Volvo Polestar, the 2018 WTCR title with an independent programme and the 2019 WTCR title with Lynk & Co, a World Title triple no other team has managed before in the history of World Touring Car racing.
"This has been one of the toughest race weekends the team has ever experienced. Everyone really pulled together when we needed it the most. I am proud of all in the team that we for the third year in succession are the champions of the world," said Fredrik Wahlén, Team Manager of Cyan Racing.
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing claimed the team title by 34 points over main title rivals Hyundai and 54 points over Honda.
"The Lynk & Co 03 TCR project has been put together in record time, going from plans to a finished car in less than 25 weeks, with almost every unit from every country within the group contributing. We are so proud and happy to witness Cyan Racing claim the title today, and doing it with such high standard of sportsmanship from race one and throughout," said Alexander Murdzevski, Head of Geely Group Motorsport.
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing driver Yvan Muller further strengthened his position as the most successful touring car driver in the world by securing the 2019 WTCR bronze medal. This is the 12th year in succession the Frenchman finishes in the top three of World Touring Cars.
"I lost an opportunity to claim my fifth title, but the feeling to win the team title in the first year with a new car that we have developed together with Geely Group Motorsport is fantastic. I am proud over that this is the 12th year where I finish in the top three of World Touring Cars," said Yvan Muller.
Thed Björk finished a strong fourth overall, making it two Lynk & Co Cyan Racing drivers in the top four.
"We have fought hard until the very last lap. We never give up. The races at Sepang were among the most difficult I have ever driven. A big thanks to everyone in the team and to everyone that have developed the Lynk & Co. It truly delivered under very difficult conditions," said Thed Björk.
The team faced one of the toughest WTCR race weekends ever at Sepang International Circuit with extreme temperatures, torrential rain and crashes. Yann Ehrlacher and Andy Priaulx, who joined the team for this season, charged through the field in the final races to secure vital points.
"One year ago the Lynk & Co 03 TCR turned its first laps and now we are the team world champions. Fantastic. This is also the first year for me in the Lynk & Co and Cyan Racing family and we did it well. I am really pleased with the pace we have had and to be able to help the team become champions. For next year my goal is firmly set on driver's title," said Yann Ehrlacher.
"A fantastic first season, to be the World Champion team is amazing. I am really proud to have contributed to this and for me the final half of the season has been really good. A big thanks to everyone in the team," said Andy Priaulx.
FIA WTCR Race of Malaysia
Final standings Points for drivers – Top 5 1 Norbert Michelisz Hyundai i30 372 points 2 Esteban Guerrieri Honda Civic 349 (-23) 3 Yvan Muller Lynk & Co 03 331 (-41) 4 Thed Björk Lynk & Co 03 297 (-75) 5 Johan Kristoffersson Volkswagen Golf 243 (-) ... 9 Yann Ehrlacher Lynk & Co 03 222 (-150) 18 Andy Priaulx Lynk & Co 03 122 (-250)
Points for teams – Top 5 1 Cyan Racing Lynk & Co 628 points 2 BRC Hyundai Squadra 594 (-34) 3 Münnich Motorsport 574 (-54) 4 BRC Hyundai Lukoil 354 (-274) 5 Cyan Performance Lynk & Co 344 (-284)
Contact information Johan Meissner Press Manager Cyan Racing +46(0)70 241 3234 johan.meissner@cyanracing.com
About Cyan Racing Cyan Racing was founded in 1996 and was formerly named Polestar until Volvo Cars acquired the performance section and trademark in 2015. Cyan Racing is privately owned and operated. The team has claimed multiple titles, most recently the 2018 FIA World Touring Car Cup team title and the double 2017 FIA World Touring Car Championship titles for driver and manufacturer – and participated in the development of the Polestar performance models of the Volvo S60 and V60 in the years 2013 to 2015.
About Lynk & Co Lynk & Co is the new global urban mobility brand addressing the needs and preferences of the connected generation and challenging auto industry conventions. Its products are designed and engineered in Sweden and will be sold globally.