Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider continue with Audi in 2014

Former DTM champions, Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider, will continue to race in Audi’s DTM programme next season.

Along with the current champion, Mike Rockenfeller, this makes three champions in Audi’s 2014 DTM line-up.

Ekström started his DTM career back in 2001 with the then independent Abt Sportsline Junior team who ran Audi TT-Rs with Audi support.

In 2004, when Audi started its manufacturer supported DTM programme with the A4, Ekström stayed on board and took the title that same season.

Ekström also won the 2007 DTM title with Audi.

Since he started his DTM career, the Swede has notched up 17 career victories, making him the second most successful driver on the current DTM grid in terms of wins.

“Audi has long become my second home,” said Ekström following the announcement. “I’m fully motivated to battle for victories and Championship titles for Audi again in 2014.”

Scheider joined Audi in 2006, and in 2008 and 2009, took back to back titles with the Abt Sportsline team.

All six of his DTM career victories have come with Audi.

“The dream with Audi can continue,” said Scheider. “It’s been my wish to keep driving for Audi and it’s a nice feeling to continue to enjoy the brand’s trust after so many years.

“I’m hoping for us to have many more successful years together.”

Audi’s head of DTM, Dieter Gass, believes having three champions in its line-up will be pivotal to Audi’s 2014 title defence.

“As our two competitors are going to leave no stone unturned next year to challenge us for the title, we’ve got to be poised with a strong line-up that’s up to the challenge.

“Having three drivers in the squad who know how to win in the DTM gives us a good feeling.”