SPECIAL DTM APPEARANCE FOR MATTIAS EKSTROM

Mattias Ekström to make special DTM appearance – Photo: Supplied

Mattias Ekström will race in an additional Audi RS 5 DTM in the DTM season opener at the Hockenheimring.

In January Ekström announced that he would not race in DTM to focus on his FIA World Rallycross Championship commitments with the EKS Audi Sport team. It was not a light decision for the Swedish driver who has spent the last 17 years racing in DTM.

However, to allow Ekström bid a proper farewell to his fans, Audi will run a special additional car for the opening round at Hockenheimring.

“Mattias decided in winter to end his unique DTM career,”  said Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass.

“He also told us that he’d very much like to say goodbye to his DTM fans in a special way. This is how the idea of a farewell weekend was born. I think that for him, for the DTM, for the fans and, obviously, for Audi too, it’s great that he’ll be on the grid once more in the season opener at Hockenheim.”

“There were a few obstacles to overcome, but we made the fielding of a seventh Audi RS 5 DTM possible. For our squad, this will be no mean feat. At the same time, everyone in the team was immediately thrilled by the idea and spontaneously agreed to support it.”

Special Red Bull livery for Mattias Ekström – Photo: Supplied

The 39-year-old Swede will contest the first two DTM races of the 2018 season outside the classification. In addition, a number of activities with the two-time DTM Champion are planned for the fans.

“I suppose I’ll be signing more autographs this weekend than normally in a full season,” says Mattias Ekström.

“But I’ll be happy to do that. It’s great that Audi is making this possible for me. After 17 tremendous years, it was an incredibly tough decision to no longer race in the DTM.”

“The day it was announced was one of the most emotional ones in my career. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of goose-bump moments at Hockenheim too. I’m mega excited about it already.”

Mattias Ekström started his DTM career in 2001 at the age of 22 in Audi’s customer team ABT Sportsline. In 2004, he competed as a factory driver for the first time and immediately clinched his first DTM title. Title number two followed in 2007 and last season, he just barely missed scoring another overall victory.

In total, the Swede has contested 195 DTM races in 17 years to date. His two titles, 23 victories, 20 pole positions, 18 fastest race laps and 1,219 points make him the most successful Audi DTM campaigner of all time.

Ekström will be known to Australian fans for his efforts in a wildcard drive at the Bathurst 1000 in 2013.

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