World RX – Ekström regains victory in Estering

Mattias Ekström (Audi S1) returned to victory by winning at the end of the final in Estering (Germany). The EKS boss-driver, winner of his semi-final, took advantage of the fights at the first corner to take the advantage and escape into the lead. The current leader of DTM won ahead of Timmy Hansen (Peugeot 208), while Toomas Heikkinen (Audi S1) completed the podium.

PSRX experienced a complicated final part of the test. Petter Solberg (Volkswagen Polo), leader after the qualifying heats and second winner in the semi-final, was the victim of contact in the peloton at the start and finally failed to reach the podium just a few days after having undergone surgery of his collarbone following his accident during the previous round in Riga (Latvia).

Niclas Grönholm (Ford Fiesta) took fifth place for his first World RX final while Kevin Hansen (Peugeot 208 version 2016) arrived in last position after having resisted as best he could with a broken wheel sending him finally spinning.

Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot 208) missed the final by falling fourth in the semi-finals behind Kevin Hansen and Niclas Grönholm.

Discover the report of the World RX in Estering in issue 2134 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.