Mattias Ekström excluded at Norisring, Audi appeals

Audi’s Mattias Ekström has been stripped of his victory at the Norisring after he broke Article 44 of the sporting regulations, where he was found to be carrying empty water bottles in his race overalls. 

The Abt Sportsline driver’s exclusion means that HWA Mercedes’ Robert Wickens inherits his maiden DTM victory, with stablemates Christian Vietoris and DTM rookie Dani Juncadella promoted to third.

Audi has lodged a protest, but now it has two days to inform the German motorsport federation, the DMSB, in writing, as to why it has made the decision to do so.

Should the protest not be upheld, this will be Mercedes’ 11th straight win since 2003 around the Nuremburg circuit.

Ekström was also fined €1000 for failing to re-attach the steering wheel to his car after the race.