Filip Sandström has had a brilliant Clio Cup Bohemia season so far. The Carpek Service driver has won every single race so far and he is now leading the championship by 49 points. But the Swedish driver knows that he cannot take a break until it is over.
Your Clio Cup Bohemia season is going great, you have won all four races so far. How would you rate those first races of the season?
I’m very happy, it’s the best possible start of the season as I took my first victories in the Clio Cup races in Europe. Now, it’s going to be important to keep it that way and gain more points in the next races. While it’s looking good for now, there’s still a long way to go and there are many points to get. But to me, this is the perfect start of the new season.
It is your first season in the Clio Cup Bohemia. How do you like the series? And how would you compare it to the Clio Cup Central Europe championship, where you raced last year?
It’s great. This is my second season in the Clio Cup racing and these cars are amazing and so much fun to drive. I learnt a lot in the Clio Cup Central Europe last year and it’s definitely helping me to get these great results. Apart from Poznan, all this year’s circuits are completely new to me. But that didn’t stop me either in Hungary or Slovakia. It’s a good championship with great cars and beautiful circuits.
Last year, you finished in 3rd place overall in the Clio Cup Central Europe season. But you did not take any victory. However, you are now dominating in the Clio Cup Bohemia series. What do you think is the main reason that you have improved so much?
I think that one of the main reasons is that I have much more experience now. As it’s already my 2nd year in the Clio Cup cars, I know what to expect from these cars and how to get the most out of them and a better pace.
Filip Sandström won all races of 2021 Clio Cup Bohemia season so far. Photo: Petr Frýba
Do you think that you also utilise the experience of the Carpek Service team boss Tomáš Pekař, who is also last year’s Clio Cup champion?
Most definitely. Thanks to his experience with this category from the past few years, he knows these cars well. And that’s an advantage.
Your teammates at the Carpek Service team are Erik Bertilsson, Richard Meixner and Yuuso Panttila. How is it to be working with them?
It’s excellent. We have a good relationship, and we help each other to improve. I can assure you, that we’re enjoying a good time on and off the track.
You are leading the championship by 49 points. Do you think that there is anybody, who could become a threat for you in the championship battle? Currently, Erik Bertilsson holds 2nd place with Richard Meixner in 3rd position. Then there is also Levente Losonczy, who fought for the podium in the previous races. But considering past seasons, you can never rule out Mark Mramor or Miha Primožič…
The time will tell, but sure, there are some very fast drivers. We need to stay focused until the end of the season.
Previous two Clio Cup champions Michal Makeš and Tomáš Pekař switched to the TCR Eastern Europe. What about you? Would you consider such move?
Right now, it looks like we’ll be doing one more year in the Clio Cup series. But you never know, what kind of opportunities might arise in the future.
Why do you think fans should follow the Clio Cup Bohemia series for the rest of the season?
Because it’s such a great show. Just look at the first Slovak race, where there was a battle for the win from the beginning until the end. That’s how racing should look like – wheel-to-wheel battles, race hard but fair. That’s the best kind of racing in the world.
Opening photo: Petr Frýba