Audi has introduced that it has parted methods with two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom to deliver an finish to a 23-year partnership.
A particular farewell for Ekstrom was organised by Audi at its manufacturing facility in Ingolstadt on 26 September, which was attended by Audi Sport chief Rolf Michl and a number of other different staff.
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 crucial versatile drivers in all of motorsport.
He landed a manufacturing facility contract at Audi in 2001, two years after he had received 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 facility workforce Abt – and the well-known blue-and-red Purple Bull livery that he raced throughout that point turned an vital a part of the collection’ 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, changing into one of many collection’ 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 Crew Audi Sport Audi: Mattias Ekstrom, Emil Bergkvist
Picture by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
Ekstrom additionally established a reputation for himself in different arenas, profitable the 2016 World Rallycross title together with his personal factory-backed EKS workforce in an Audi S1.
Extra just 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 general within the drivers’ standings.
“Driving for Audi Sport was like a childhood dream coming true,” mentioned the 46-year-old. “Wanting again on greater than 20 years with the 4 rings brings again many recollections.
“I had the possibility to meet my desires as a child, like racing within the DTM, profitable races and titles, and growing race vehicles. Successful the DTM title in 2004 is one thing I’ll cherish without end.
“Nevertheless it was extra than simply motorsport. I had the possibility to fulfill so many fascinating and proficient individuals and attended many nice occasions.
“Being concerned with the identical firm for thus lengthy is kind 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 sources to its 2026 Formulation 1 undertaking 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 current occasions, Audi additionally pulled out of the DTM, Formulation E, and stripped down its GT3 programme to a provide of spare components.
Its whole pool of manufacturing facility 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 mentioned: “We owe Mattias an immense quantity, and in flip, we’ve helped him to the best successes of his profession.
“To this present day, I’m impressed not solely by his steady efficiency but additionally by his glorious 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 collection of successes, he is a superb function mannequin for a lot of worldwide abilities in motorsport. We want him all one of the best for his future profession.”
