Rydell is a veteran competitor in the FIA touring cars, having raced in the European and the World championship for Volvo, SEAT and Chevrolet, scoring five race wins in WTCC and ranking fifth in the 2008 Drivers’ Championship.

He also has claimed titles in the British Touring Car Championship (1998) and the Scandinavian Touring Car Cup (2011).

“It will be great to return to the WTCC, and to work with NIKA Racing again following two successful seasons together back home in Sweden. I basically haven’t sat in a racing car since the STCC finale in 2012, and I’ve never driven at Shanghai – so I’m well-aware that this is going to be a big challenge. For that same reason, it will be of extra importance to do this with a team I know well, and in a car I’m familiar with from previous seasons. It’s difficult to know what to expect, but we at least have to aim for some strong points in both races. I will do everything I possibly can, and I truly look forward to getting back on track!” said Rydell.

Team Pricipal Nicklas Karlsson commented: “We are extremely pleased, and proud, to resume our ties with Rickard. He gave us our first championship title in 2011, and our two years together in the STCC effectively laid the foundations for our current WTCC programme. Rickard hasn’t raced at all this season, but we are more than aware of his capabilities. He is up to the challenge.”

Japanese driver Hiroki Yoshimoto will retake the wheel of the Nika Racing Chevrolet for the WTCC finale at Macau.