So far the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship has not been kind to Mattias Ekstrom and as the second part of the season gets underway, the Swedish driver is looking forward to this weekend.
The 2018 World RX of Canada takes place at the historic Trois-Rivieres street circuit for the fourth year in a row and the EKS Audi Sport driver is looking forward to one of the most challenging high speed circuits of the year.
Ekstrom is hoping to return to his high flying form in Canada after a tough first part of the year. Credit: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
“Canada has the longest straight of the season on which we’re more going over 200 km/h in a straight line,” says Ekström.
“It’s a real humdinger because we arrive there at such high speed. I like the track even though I haven’t scored big time there yet.”
Right there is one of the reason’s that Ekstrom is looking to overturn. Despite the Audi S1 Quattro always being a quick and nimble car at the Canadian venue, Ekstrom’s best result is sixth place in the 2015 Supercar Final.
With Penalties marring some of his best races so far this season, the former DTM champion is looking to start scoring more points in the second half of the year. However with the advantage that Johan Kristoffersson holds in the Drivers Championship, Ekstrom has already conceded any chance of the title.
With new parts to be used on the EKS Audi Sport Supercars, Ekstrom has a good chance of points in Canada. Credit: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
“It’s a five-man battle for second in the championship, Johan has already sailed away. If you’re realistic, that’s what we are going to try, to battle for the podium in the championship,” Ekstrom recently confirmed to Motorsport.com.
The Audi’s will benefit from new parts at the Trois-Rivieres street circuit and this gives the Swedish driver hope for the rest of the season.
“I love the place, really enjoy the track and we have been trying to do stuff which might work there as well, so it will be interesting to go there and see if what we have learned will pay out.”
