“It was a very difficult decision because we’re still early in the season and Mattias has title chances in both championships,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “But the factory commitment in the DTM has priority for us. Mattias can win his third DTM title this year and has always been very strong at the Norisring. In addition, this is our home round and we need Mattias there.”
In Höljes, Ekström will be replaced at EKS by his Swedish compatriot P-G Andersson. “I’m happy that my boss (Dieter Gass) has made this decision for me,” says Ekström. “That of all events there’s a clash between my home race in Höljes and one of my favorite races in the DTM is a real shame. I’d have loved racing at both events but, unfortunately, that’s not possible logistically.”