A word from ... Mattias Ekström

The Swede is leading the DTM drivers’ standings and currently has a busy schedule. 

The DTM weekend in Moscow had quite a bit to offer: retirement in the first race and then your fifth podium this season, plus the lead of the drivers’ standings. How would you sum up the event?

It’s great that we’re contesting two races again on a DTM weekend this year. Following my excursion into the tire stack on Saturday, it allowed me to make up for this poor result by taking third place just a day later. The result and the lead of the standings speak for themselves, but there are still six more races coming up. The crucial part is who will be in front in the end. 

Next week, you’re traveling to Oschersleben. What are your expectations?

I’m very much looking forward to the two races. In April, we did a DTM test at Oschersleben and I had a very good feeling. It’s a track where you drive a totally different set-up than in most other races – more on curbs, a little wilder, all-out attack. The complete opposite of Moscow where everything is flat and without bumps. 

Your excitement notwithstanding, you have a pretty busy schedule at the moment. In addition to the DTM, commitments in the World Rallycross Championship are on your agenda. Seven consecutive weekends of racing. How do you cope with that?

Quite simply: I’m living my dream. Racing is tremendous fun for me, especially if I can do it in the DTM and in rallycross. There’s nothing better than this combination. I look forward to my little S1 in the World Rallycross Championship every time. And when I return to the DTM I notice that I keep getting better because my stress level behind the wheel is clearly lower due to my experiences from rallycross. Consequently, I can enjoy my time in the Audi RS 5 DTM a lot more and clinch better results.