Mattias Ekström: “I would like to see more competitors in ETCR”

Zengo Motorsport X Cupra driver Mattias Ekström enjoyed an almost perfect weekend at Motorland Aragon, becoming the King of the Weekend and the new championship leader.

The Swede saw off competition from Hyundai and the Romeo Ferraris-developed Alfa Romeo, and believes that more manufacturers would enjoy the series.

“In Vallelunga I felt very competitive but here I also had a very competitive final round,” he said. “In the quali laps I was too slow to challenge but when Alfa didn’t start with Luca (Filippi), you have to grab the points when you can get them.

“In the race itself I felt I wanted to take the lead and dictate, and for me it was the right decision as I could control from the front,” explained Ekström, who got side-by-side with Hyundai Motorsport N’s Jean-Karl Vernay at the start, overtaking for the lead a couple of corners later.

“Jean-Karl was clever at Turn 1, because at first I thought he was asleep and I could pass him there, but then he responded. He’s a very smart guy and also very fair and it looks like I will be battling with him many more times and I’m looking forward to it.

“I also saw that Mikel (Azcona) and Augusto (Farfus) had some very heated battles, so it’s good. I’m going to try to race clean and be fair as much as I can but, if someone wants to drive rallycross, then I’m all for it.”

The Cupra driver also explained how PURE ETCR has positively surprised him, with the former DTM champion quickly becoming a huge fan of the series.

“I must be very honest, I was critical about the PURE ETCR before I came here and I have to say that I’m becoming more and more addicted to driving these cars, because it’s so difficult and so different from everything I’ve ever done,” he said.

“But when you put together the 500 kW, the push-to-pass and the format, it’s very good because the track is very wide and you can overtake, which in rallycross is more difficult.”

Ekström would like to see more manufacturers joining the ETCR.

“I would like to see more competitors, like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lynk & Cos, whoever they are, Honda, Nissan,” he said. “I would be so happy to see them here because I think they would also enjoy the battle.”