Audi has introduced that it has parted methods with two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom to convey an finish to a 23-year partnership.
A particular farewell for Ekstrom was organised by Audi at its manufacturing unit in Ingolstadt on 26 September, which was attended by Audi Sport chief Rolf Michl and a number of other different workers.
The occasion introduced the curtain all the way down to Ekstrom’s prolonged stint on the German producer, the place he established himself as one of the versatile drivers in all of motorsport.
He landed a manufacturing unit contract at Audi in 2001, two years after he had gained the Swedish Touring Automotive Cup Championship in a privately-entered A4 quattro.
The Swedish driver went on to spend 17 years within the DTM with Audi and its manufacturing unit workforce Abt – and the well-known blue-and-red Purple Bull livery that he raced throughout that point grew to become an necessary a part of the sequence’ folklore.
It wasn’t till the tip of the 2017 season that he stepped down from the DTM, by which period he had racked up two titles, 25 wins and 83 podiums, turning into one of many sequence’ all-time greats.
Outdoors of the DTM, Ekstrom helped Audi’s buyer racing programme clinch its first outright victory in a 24-hour race when he partnered with Timo Scheider and Greg Franch on the Spa 24 Hours in 2011.
#211 Group Audi Sport Audi: Mattias Ekstrom, Emil Bergkvist
Photograph by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
Ekstrom additionally established a reputation for himself in different arenas, successful the 2016 World Rallycross title along with his personal factory-backed EKS workforce in an Audi S1.
Extra lately, he has represented Audi in cross-country rallying, securing its first-ever stage victory within the Dakar Rally in 2022 en path to ending ninth total within the drivers’ standings.
“Driving for Audi Sport was like a childhood dream coming true,” stated the 46-year-old. “Trying again on greater than 20 years with the 4 rings brings again many recollections.
“I had the possibility to meet my goals as a child, like racing within the DTM, successful races and titles, and growing race automobiles. Profitable the DTM title in 2004 is one thing I’ll cherish endlessly.
“But it surely was extra than simply motorsport. I had the possibility to satisfy so many attention-grabbing and proficient folks and attended many nice occasions.
“Being concerned with the identical firm for thus lengthy is sort of uncommon in motorsport, and I’m very grateful for this era of my life. I can solely say thanks to everybody at Audi.”
Audi has been steadily curbing all its factory-supported motorsport programmes whereas diverting assets to its 2026 Components 1 mission with Sauber.
The rally-raid programme that he has been part of since inception was concluded after its victory within the Dakar Rally earlier this yr.
In latest instances, Audi additionally pulled out of the DTM, Components E, and stripped down its GT3 programme to a provide of spare components.
Its complete pool of manufacturing unit sportscar drivers was disbanded on the finish of final yr, though some drivers who had longer-term contracts ended up being retained by the model for 2024.
Talking of Ekstrom’s departure, Audi Sport boss Michl stated: “We owe Mattias an immense quantity, and in flip, we now have helped him to the best successes of his profession.
“To today, I’m impressed not solely by his steady efficiency but additionally by his wonderful workforce spirit. Mattias has by no means concentrated solely on racing.
“He has at all times helped to drive initiatives ahead, assist our builders and promote the groups he has labored with.
“With these qualities and his sequence of successes, he is a superb function mannequin for a lot of worldwide skills in motorsport. We want him all one of the best for his future profession.”
