GT / Tourism
Ekström opens the Pure ETCR rankings despite Vernay's comeback
Mattias Ekström (Cupra) is the first Pure ETCR champion in Pau-Arnos. © Pure ETCR
The inaugural season of the Pure ETCR concluded in Béarn on the Pau-Arnos circuit this Sunday, October 17. The Sunday final caused quite a cold sweat on the part of Mattias Ekström (Cupra).
The Swede, who arrived in France as leader, only needed a fifth place to win the title in the electric touring car series. But a touch at the first turn with theAlfa Romeo Philipp Eng's Giulia sent him spinning in front of the chasing group!
https://twitter.com/pure_etcr/status/1449784668375732227
While the Englishman was forced to retire, Mattias Ekström was able to return to the pits to change a flat tire and reach the finish line at his own pace. An anonymous result but sufficient for Jean-Karl Vernay (Hyundai), his main rival in the general classification, does not overtake him at the last minute.
“I attacked hard at the start of the final because if Mattias was two laps behind, he would not have scored any points,” explained the Lyonnais, who is satisfied with the King of the Weekend. “But he quickly returned to the track and with my teammate Tom Chilton in second place, I didn't want to make any more mistakes. We are not far from the title, but I am very proud of the team. We'll see what the future brings. »
Mattias Ekström was quite relieved after this final with an unexpected scenario. “Finishing fifth was not in my state of mind,” he defended himself. I wanted to do my best, but I didn't expect Philipp to drive like that..."
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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