Last year, Prince Carl Philip chose to step down from his racing venture. After driving every season since his debut in 2008, he wanted to spend more time with his family.

- It has been great to be with the family. Be able to be more with the boys and see them grow up and invent things together, he says.

Now he chooses to step on the racing track again. On Saturday, the prince made a comeback when the Porsche Carrera Cup premiered on Falkenberg's motorway, and it was a premiere above expectations.

Leader Masters

When the races were over, it was clear that Prince Carl Philip would lead the Masters Cup, the championship in the championship for drivers over 40 years.

- The tests on Friday did not go as I intended. I was disappointed. But I am happy and glad that I managed to bring it home in the qualifiers. And today with the race it was pretty good. First and third in the Masters you have to be happy with, says the prince.

He now leads the cup with 42 points, ten ahead of second place Krister Andero.

Working at my pace

But he does not pull big gears of the day.

- I work on what I have thought, do it at my own pace. I know that those who are just behind me have been driving the car for several years and are good, really good. But of course, I'm going to do my best.

Maybe there was a reason for the success on Saturday, because Falkenberg's racetrack has a special place in the prince's racing career. This is where he took his first and so far only victory in STCC in 2015.

- It was a fantastic day. Coming to Falkenberg evokes fond memories. I was really looking forward to driving here, he says.

The prince started his racing career in the Porsche Carrera Cup in 2008 and drove in that class until 2011.

- It was eight years since I last sat in a Porsche. I feel a little rusty. This is a completely different car than the one I drove then. I work to find a trust and a feeling in the car, reads the analysis.

Old Prince Bertil

But the prince speaks a little quietly that he has a Porsche that he drives privately.

- Yes, I have had to take over Prince Bertil's old man, he admits.

After the race, the prince stands among the other drivers, talks about the races and analyzes.

- It feels a bit like coming home to be back. This is where I started. None of the drivers who were there then are left. But the good mood remains. I think it's great fun, he says.

From start to finish

The first racing weekend was otherwise dominated by Lukas Sundahl. He led both heats from start to finish and was able to throw in a maximum of 54 points at the top. Lukas Sundahl aims to take home a third overall victory in a row.

- It can not get much better. This is how you should start and get a small head start on the other, says a satisfied winner.