Mattias Ekström Retires From DTM To Focus On Rallycross

Mattias Ekström announced his retirement from the German DTM championship, after 17 years, 195 races, 23 victories and two titles.

The DTM driver is retiring from the Touring Car championship in order to concentrate on his World Rallycross Championship effort.

Ekström is Audi’s most successful DTM driver to date, with 26-year-old Robin Frijns taking his spot at the company’s factory team.

“This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make,” says Ekström. “The DTM was my life for a long time and my heart will always continue to beat for the DTM in the future too.”

“However, I’ve also invested a lot of time and energy in my rallycross team in recent years”, he added. “Without the dual program I’m now able to fully concentrate on one series again and have more freedom again for my family and my children. I’ll continue to compete for my own team and am clearing the way in the DTM for a promising youngster.”

Ekström has been competing in the World Rallycross Championship with his own, factory-backed EKS team, alongside DTM since 2014. In his third year in Rallycross, he managed to secure the world championship title.

“Mattias informed us early of his wish to contest only one series in the 2018 season,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “Obviously, Mattias is extremely valuable and important for both projects. That’s why this decision was not an easy one for either of us.”