Lynk & Co Cyan Racing claimed the 2023 TCR World Tour teams’ title following a victorious weekend at legendary Bathurst in Australia, the team’s sixth touring car World Title in just seven years.
“We really had to fight for this one, but I am extremely proud of everyone in the team who has made this possible and I don’t know of many other teams in the world who can show a record like this over the past seven years,” said Fredrik Wahlén, Team Manager of Cyan Racing.
“But we can’t rest in any way, now the focus is fully set on the extremely close drivers’ title fight for the Macau finale in less than a weeks’ time!”
Despite missing the first free practice session due to a technical issue and never having raced at the Mount Panorama Circuit before, Yann Ehrlacher has reclaimed a joint points lead with a pole position and a strong victory in the final race.
“We have chased this result for a long time, and it feels amazing to secure the win and teams’ title together, a big thanks to everyone in the team. The Lynk & Co 03 TCR has been mega all weekend, now we will go all in for the Macau finale,” said Yann Ehrlacher.
Thed Björk made it a Lynk & Co Cyan Racing 1-2 in the final race and heads from Australia with two podium finishes in the bag.
“I’m really happy with the Bathurst weekend, to bring two podiums home with me and to be part of securing the team world title. We will all carry this feeling and momentum to Macau which is no doubt going to be one of the toughest challenges we have ever encountered in our careers,” said Thed Björk.
Santiago Urrutia excelled in the first race to claim his third victory of 2023 but retired from the third race after contact with one of Mount Panorama’s infamous walls.
“The last race was difficult for me as I brushed the wall and lost second place. It was a big hit and I’m sorry for the guys. But the win in the first race was amazing and, in the end, we won the teams’ world title - something for us all to be proud over,” said Santiago Urrutia.
Ma Qing Hua had a mixed weekend but fought his way to the top ten in Race 3 from further down the grid.
“This wasn’t the best weekend for me personally, but what matters is that we together secured the team world championship title. It’s been hard work, but we managed to overcome the obstacles and that’s the feeling that I take with me to Macau where I’m confident to be back in the top fight,” said Ma Qing Hua.
While the teams’ title is in the bag, Yann Ehrlacher heads to the legendary and unforgiving Macau street race season finale in a joint championship lead with title rival Rob Huff and Norbert Michelisz just one point behind in third.
“It has been an amazing day and achievement for Cyan Racing, further establishing them as one of the best touring car teams in the world. Everyone behind the construction of the Lynk & Co 03 TCR race car at Geely Group Motorsport would like to extend a big congratulations to the team and wish them the best for the Macau finale,” said Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin, Head of Geely Group Motorsport International.
The last time Lynk & Co Cyan Racing raced in Macau was in 2019, claiming victory in all three races. The Macau season finale weekend takes place November 16-19.