Ekström takes the lead in Valencia

Mattias Ekström (Audi A4), third in Q1 and Q2 during the qualifying session, accelerated at the best moment. Fastest driver in Q3 and Q4, the 2007 champion of DTM won pole by resisting the drivers Mercedes, starting with Bruno Spengler (Mercedes Class C), who was beaten by 16 thousandths by a poleman delighted with his performance.

« I'm really happy, I feel very good in this car, even if it's very hot, comments Ekström. For the race, we now have to cross our fingers that our tires last the distance. » At Hockenheim, at the start of the season, Audi had indeed encountered major problems in tire management and Mattias Ekström had suffered from extreme wear on his tires. In Valencia, the problem could well repeat itself, the track temperature having reached 50°C this Saturday at the start of the afternoon.

Second, Bruno Spengler thought he could make Mercedes shine but, in Q4, the Canadian was beaten by someone faster than him. “ My best lap was really good and I thought it would be good enough for pole, says Spengler. But Mattias did a great lap. Tomorrow it will be difficult with the heat, our fitness level will play an important role. » The start of the Valencia race will be given on Sunday at 14 p.m.