Ekström passes the passing exam

Mattias Ekström, faithful DTM, is doing some freelance work this weekend Nascar Sprint Cup Series, to replace Casey Mears, himself replacing the ailing Brian Vickers. For his debut, the Swede did not miss out. Diligently, he first achieved the 40th time in the first free practices, at the wheel of his Toyota Red Bull. In qualifying, he then improved his performance by setting the 38th time, qualifying for the race, since "only" the 43 fastest drivers start the race. Beyond his good times, the “Champion of Champions” (he has won the Race of Champions three times) knows that the most difficult exercise remains for him to complete, the peloton race.

« It?s really a good experience, it?s always a good thing to try new experiences, confides Ekström. But the biggest difficulty will be being able to drive alongside 42 cars. In DTM, there are only 18 of us. But I'm sure it will be interesting, so I'm looking forward to it. »

Kasey Kahne took pole and will start far ahead of Mattias Ekström. For the Swede, more than in any discipline, the most important thing will be to bring the car back to the finish and not make mistakes. If this is the motto of all drivers, it is a golden rule for Mattias Ekström, that in Nascar more than elsewhere, mistakes cannot be forgiven.