Carl Philip gave an exclusive interview to Expressen in Knutstorp.
- When I was in fourth grade, I told my teacher that I wanted to be a racing driver, says Prince Carl Philip.
Janne "Flash" Nilsson, 54, from Värmland, a legend in Swedish motorsport, met King Carl Gustaf in his early career, became acquainted with the royal family and eventually close friend of Carl Philip.
- I met Carl Philip at a motor event when he was sixteen. We hit it off immediately, and when he began studying at Lundsberg he often came to the racetrack and hanged, says Nilsson and tells how Carl Philip was staying over at him in Karlstad on weekends, and the prince's interest in engines grew.
- We drove karts and boat. I think he enjoyed and was comfortable with me and my sport friends, says Nilsson and describes Carl Philip as a little lost young man.
- He was, what should I say? Little confused ... But who isn't as a teenager? Add that you are dyslexic and moreover prince. It does not get easier then.
Nilsson gave Carl Philip a place in his Porsche team and he made his racing debut in 2008 in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
- At first he came last, but we had the goal that he would be among the first 20 in which he succeeded and then it went on. We drove in Germany and elsewhere around Europe. It was a very fun time.
When the team was closed in 2012 Carl Philip was offered to drive a car by Volvo Cyan Racing in the STCC.
- I'd be lying if I didn't say that he has found it easier to drive a race car because he is a prince. But at the same time, he also had a rougher ride. I think that there is no other athlete followed in this way ever in Sweden. For three years, the media has told you where he is poor at, says Nilsson
Carl Philip was 25 when he competed in karting for the first time. His teammates Thed Björk and Fredrik Ekblom started at 6 years old, like most other STCC drivers.
- It is clear that I don't have the same start that way, I don't have that experience, and I can never get away with that. I am constantly evolving as a driver, but there is still a lot to improve. I know I can develop, that there is more to give. I have high standards for myself, says Carl Philip, whom both colleagues and competitors described as a brave and fearless driver.
But even if the other drivers say that Carl Philip, nobody calls him the prince, "is nice, humble and kind" and "like anyone", it clearly shows that he is not at all "like any driver" when he is in Knutstorp. A bodyguard is constantly in the background, spectators watching, and around Carl Philip's car and place in the team stables people take photos all the time with their mobiles.
Some drivers about Carl Philip:
Thed Björk, teammate:
"It is easy to say that he may drive in STCC just because he is a prince but he's actually a very good driver. He hasn't won me yet, and I'm happy about that, but he's there, and tries. Now Carl Philip has a new contract clear and will continue to evolve like this. Nobody says "the Prince" at race track, here he is Carl Philip."
Fredrik Ekblom, teammate:
"He's very nice and appreciated in the team and we get along well. I think he has made great progress this season, he's fearless as a driver. It's great for him to come into this and race with me and Thed who are the best drivers in Sweden. That Carl Philip drives STCC is obviously good PR for the sport. It is as if Zlatan would drive STCC. "
Fredrik Larsson from WCR/BWM Dealer Team:
"He has developed a lot over the past year and has shown he can hold it together even under heavy pressure. I think he is doing really well, although he may occasionally lose focus."
SVT's motor expert Jonas Kruse gives points to Carl Philip (I think 5 is the best)
Routine 2, Physics 3, Psyche 3, Speed 4
Video of Carl Philip's interview and photos
Prins Carl Philip_ _Sa till fröken i fyran att jag ville bli racerförare_ _ Motor _ Expressen
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