Sweden’s Mattias Ekström has set his sights on winning the DTM title for the third time after beating seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher in last year’s Race of Champions.
The 2004 and 2007 DTM champion could only finish fifth in the standings in 2009 as his race results were blighted by misfortune – among the things to derail his championship charge were running out of fuel and suffering punctures on two occasions while in the lead.
'It'll be crucial to deliver consistent performances, score points and set some highlights' - Mattias Ekström
But the 31-year-old Audi factory driver is determined to enjoy better fortunes this time around as he looks to mark his 10th season in the sport with more silverware.
He said: “It'll be crucial to deliver consistent performances, score points and set some highlights. That's the way to achieve our big aim, the title.
"2009 was the year in which I suffered more mishaps than in any other... We want to fully concentrate on testing, repeat last year's performances in qualifying and improve in the race."
Ekström, who has been enjoying some time off ahead of the new season, is certainly buoyed by his second victory in three years over Schumacher and believes that such clashes can only serve to boost DTM’s profile.
He added: "It was a great feeling to have competed against him and won, not just for me personally, but also for the entire DTM racing series because it makes many outsiders see how high our level is."
Despite beating Schumacher, Ekström believes the 41-year-old German is still a force in motorsport and will enjoy a successful return to Formula 1 with the Mercedes GP team after a three-year absence.
The Swede, who is friends with Red Bull's Sebastien Vettel, said: "I'd bet quite a bit of my money on Michael Schumacher winning some races.
"He's won seven titles and his name is Schumacher - so it's clear that he's got to set ambitious goals for himself.
"But I see other drivers running in front of him there and then; despite all his experience, he's going to learn the hard way."
Comments
Add a comment