With a spectacular comeback drive Audi campaigner Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) has recaptured the lead in the DTM.
Sunday’s race at Moscow Raceway was a real thriller. Following an early safety car period, the drivers who had not pitted yet for their tire change had a disadvantage. They included Mattias Ekström who, after having clearly led the race in the beginning, dropped to tenth place, having to recover position by position afterwards. The toughest rival he was up against in his comeback drive was reigning champion Marco Wittmann (BMW) whom Ekström, following a fierce duel on the penultimate lap, displaced from position two. Subsequently, the Audi driver still chased race leader Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz), who had changed tires as early as on lap one and was clearly slower than Ekström in the final stage. On seeing the checkered flag, the Swede was merely 0.376 seconds short of clinching his first win this season.
“After Budapest, this is the second time a safety car cost me victory,” Ekström said after the race marked by tough duels and spectacular overtaking maneuvers. “In the beginning, I was battling for the lead with Bruno (Spengler). On the long run, I was faster and able to overtake him. As a result of the safety car, the cards were reshuffled. From then on, it was a highly entertaining race. In the end, I’m very happy with second place today, 20 points from qualifying and the races, plus the lead of the standings.”
Nico Müller drove an exceedingly long first stint. Up until four laps before the race ended, the Swiss was defending his lead before making his pit stop. The DTM will continue at Zandvoort on the Dutch North Sea Coast on August 19 and 20.
“Mattias (Ekström) showed another awesome performance this weekend and deservedly continues heading the standings“, says ABT Sport Director Thomas Biermaier. „On Saturday, Timo Glock unfortunately cost him valuable points and on Sunday, the safety car thwarted our plans. But the way he fought back to the front was Eki at his best. I take my hat off! For Nico (Müller), unfortunately, this was a weekend to forget. It already started on Saturday in qualifying with the yellow flag that came at exactly the wrong time for him. We’re going to get past that now and are excited about Zandvoort where we intend to extend Eki’s lead.”