DTM – Ekström: “I still have things to prove”

At only 35 years old, Mattias Ekström is already the oldest player on the board DTM. The Audi driver who won the title in 2004 and 2007 is preparing to compete in his 14th season in the discipline while remaining a reference for rookies and most other competitors. The Swede remains competitive as he finished the 2013 season in seventh place with a podium finish in Moscow. “It’s not a routine for me at all. It's incredible to be the “senior” in the DTM at my age, but I'm gradually starting to get used to it. I can still see myself arriving at Hockenheim when I was a young wolf 14 years ago. I have gained a lot of experience since then, won a few victories (17) and a few titles, but I have become the one that young drivers want to beat. This is a new chapter in my career where I still have things to prove. »

By failing at the foot of the podium during last year's final, Mattias Ekström demonstrated that he remained formidable at Hockenheim where the opening of the new season will be contested this weekend. “Leaving aside the fact that the Hockenheim track suits me well, you have to have a special attitude. You should not be too ambitious but stay relaxed and trust your team and yourself. I know we've done our homework these past few months and I'm relaxed. »

Mattias Ekström will have a double program as he will participate in several rounds of World RX in an Audi S1 ​​from the EKS structure. Is the Scandinavian considering a career change after so much time spent in the German Touring Car Championship? “ It's a positive influence. DTM and Audi clearly remain my priorities, but I have always enjoyed taking a look at other disciplines and discovering new people and new ways of working. I'm very happy to be able to do something different between my DTM weekends. It gives me new energy. »

Discover the presentation of the new DTM season in issue 1958 of AUTOhebdo, now available in digital version on all platforms, and on newsstands tomorrow.