He may be in with a chance of getting closer to that elusive third DTM drivers’ title, but Audi Sport’s Mattias Ekström said that he will only congratulate chief rival Marco Wittmann when the race for the title is over.
“I will only congratulate Marco when everything is settled,” said the Swede, who lines up alongside pole sitter Pascal Wehrlein for today’s race, which could prove to be decisive.
However, the Abt Sportsline driver was pretty happy with his fighting chances after narrowly missing out on pole position: “It’s always nice to take a spot on the front row. It was an impeccable performance.”
Ekström has always been good in changeable conditions, which was very much the case this time around, as fellow title hopeful Edoardo Mortara will start from 13th on the grid. Both Audi Sport drivers are level on points at present, with both in with a chance to upset the balance.
“I drove without making mistakes and am happy. I didn’t do anything differently with the car and drove the way I always do,” said the 36-year-old, who could make it difficult for Wittmann to take his first title.
One item that is worth considering is the strength in numbers when it comes to Audi Sport’s track record of success as a team, as possible strategies for Ekström, Jamie Green, Timo Scheider and Miguel Molina could be put into place.
This could provide the opportunity to help the two-time champion stay in touch with Munich’s man of the moment, as we near the end of the season. What’s more is that BMW suffered one of its worst qualifying sessions this season, so that could also contribute to the race outcome.
But anything can happen, as we have already seen this season, so will there be any more surprises in store for the race for the title this afternoon?
