Ekström: “All was fine – except the end!”

Mattias Ekström looked set to start the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters premiere in the best possible way. He dominated the test sessions, claimed pole position and started up a big lead in the race.
“I had a fantastic weekend and, basically, have no reason to complain whatsoever. Even the first lap started off really well,” said Ekström.

It was not until three laps from the end that the good streak ended. A puncture ripped the chances of a win from the Swede.

“Everything was fine – up to two laps before the race ended, when I had a puncture. So, everything was fine – except the end!” said a disappointed Ekström.

The previous DTM champion had to pit and change the tyre. He dropped to seventh from the lead because of it.

“It was a real shame that Mattias Ekström, who had been controlling the race, was deprived of his well-deserved first place due to a puncture,” said Audi Motorsport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.