Rickard Rydell Q&A

"For me, being Swedish, it's a big thing to work with Volvo. It looks quite likely that they'll be back in racing with them in 2002 with myself being the driver right from the start of the test programme this year. If, for whatever reason, they decide against racing in 2002, then I'm free to go where I want to. They're looking at the new European series because it has FIA backing and they think there are going to be a lot of manufacturers in it. I think that series is looking good for 2002."



"They haven't quite decided which car they're going to use yet, although the S60 is the new car and it would make sense to promote it. They have also yet to decide which team will do the development of the car, but I believe they're talking to a couple of teams...maybe Prodrive is one of those. I know Volvo wants to finalise a deal with a team as soon as possible, so there's a car available to test around July time. Basically, they have taken a decision to design and develop a touring car and they have signed a driver to do it - that's all so far!"



"Well, it's nice to know exactly what I'm doing. Whether I race this year depends on how early the Volvo test programme starts. If there's no chance of doing any racing with Volvo this season, then I will look at doing some sportscar racing."



"I have a very good relationship with TWR, and I'm talking to one or two other teams, but I'm not going to try 100 per cent for a sportscar drive until I know exactly what the plan is with Volvo. I haven't got anything lined up yet, but if anyone offers me a good deal then I would like to do something. I've done Le Mans before and I've driven the Mercedes DTM car recently, which was a nice rear-wheel drive car."



"There were some complicated circumstances because I was waiting on Volvo, to see what they wanted to do, and Mercedes wanted more than a year's contract with me. But, although I wasn't 100 per cent sure then that Volvo would be back, I always wanted to do the Volvo thing. I'm happy with the way it has turned out. It was just what I was hoping for."



"Yes, certainly driving-wise, it was a fun car. But I think the new regulations for the European series will provide better racing and more overtaking. I think that's one thing people weren't happy about with the DTM this year. While the car is great for the driver, maybe it's too extreme and it's not easy to pass in them, just as Winkelhock pointed out in the press."



"The regulations haven't been finalised yet, but if they are the same, and the car is ready and competitive, then I'm sure they will look into it. I think it's too early to think about that - they haven't even decided which team will design the car yet!"