Ekstrom Parts Ways with Audi

Mattias Ekstrom will part ways with Audi after a 23-year stint with the German manufacturer, which included an overall victory in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and two DTM titles.

The 46-year-old Swede first became a factory driver with Audi ahead of his debut DTM season in 2001, which was the start of a 17-year career in the championship.

Racing for ABT Sportsline throughout, Ekstrom scored 23 race victories and enjoyed title success in both 2004 and 2007.

Outside of DTM, Ekstrom competed with Audi in a variety of disciplines, including GT3 racing. Most notably, he joined Greg Franchi and Timo Scheider in a Team WRT-run Audi R8 LMS to win the 24H Spa in 2011.

After his retirement from DTM in 2018, Ekstrom primarily focused on off-road racing. He took part in three consecutive editions of the Dakar Rally with Audi, securing a best finish of ninth overall.

He also won the FIA World Rallycross Championship with the brand in 2016.

“We owe Mattias an immense amount, and in turn we have helped him to the greatest successes of his career,” said Audi Head of Motorsport Rolf Michl.

“To this day, I am impressed not only by his continuous performance but also by his excellent team spirit.

“Mattias has never concentrated solely on racing. He has always helped to drive projects forward, support our developers and promote the teams he has worked with.

“With these qualities and his series of successes, he is a great role model for many international talents in motorsport. We wish him all the best for his future career.”