Bjork disqualified from both races in Slovakia

As per WTCC technical regulations, the part must adhere to the rules under all circumstances.

“The temperature of the engine and air restrictor was considerably higher when measured after the second race in Slovakia compared to during the race,” said Cyan Racing’s Head of Engine Development Mattias Evensson.

“This means that there was no performance gain in the races, only the fact that we have not been able to test the expansion of the metal at these extreme temperatures that are only reached when stopping the car in parc ferme.”

With the flow of fresh air stopping when the car stood still and the airflow also partially obstructed by grass in the intake, the high temperatures meant the metal expanded in parc ferme and exceeded the dimensions allowed by the rules.

“The decision of the organisation is correct, we will not appeal it,” said Polestar Head of Motorsport Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin.

“As beginners in a new championship, you have to take into account that they are going to check the new car specifically.

"The important thing that we can take with us from the races here is that we have a good starting point both in terms of reliability, performance and that the results Thed achieved were taken on fair sporting grounds.”

Bjork’s exclusion means his fourth place finish in the main race, after a strong run to overtake Honda’s Norbert Michelisz, goes in vain.

This is the third time that Volvo has faced expulsion, first in a race - after Bjork and teammate Fredrick Ekblom's times were excluded from qualifying, in France and Slovakia respectively. 

The manufacturers’ standings remains the same, but Honda further extend its lead over Citroen to eight points.

Pietro Casillo/TouringCarTimes