Ingolstadt, December 27, 2005
2004 DTM Champion aims for 2006 title
Only a few days after AUDI AG revealed its long-term involvement in the
DTM till 2008, the company has agreed terms with Mattias Ekström to
extend contracts. The 2004 DTM Champion will once again compete as
Audi works driver in the most popular and high-calibre international
touring car race series. "Mattias is an incredibly fast and pleasant racing
driver. He fits perfectly to the Audi brand,” explained Head of Audi
Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We are delighted that he will continue to
fly the flag for Audi over the next three years.”
Multi-year involvement enables long-term planning
The 27-year old Swede, who is one of the world's best touring car drivers,
said after lengthening his contract: "I’m very happy that we are able to
continue this long-term and successful relationship, especially since we
have created an excellent foundation for a long-term plan with the signing
of this three-year contract. Although I obviously already have the next
target in my sights: to reclaim the DTM title for Audi in 2006.”
Mattias Ekström was born on 14 July 1978 in Falun (S), has his home in
Krylbo (S) and lives together with Swede Tina Thörner who is also actively
involved in motorsport. His career started in 1993. In 1999, he was
Swedish Touring Car Champion driving an Audi A4 quattro. In 2001 he
arrived on the DTM scene where he has driven exclusively Audi cars from
his first race. In 2004, he won, as youngest driver ever in DTM history to
that point, the title in an Audi A4 DTM. In 2005 he was narrowly beaten to
the title and finished, as best Audi driver, in second place.
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