Mattias Ekström secured pole position for the Vallelunga Super Final of the first official Pure ETCR race after setting the best time in the Group B Time Trial. However, the Cupra rider was disqualified for breaking the parc fermé rules after from a Hyundai protest and had to start from the back of the grid.
“I must admit I did not expect the protest from Hyundai that triggered my disqualification. Adamo (Hyundai Director) is always so interested in winning and having that spirit. Anyway, I will not change and I will not do the same, he will not get a protest from me. He will not have that pleasure from me,” said the fellow Extreme E rider.
Even with the sanction, the Cupra rider recovered, finishing in second place after starting sixth.
Ekström explained that he did everything possible to try to pass his opponents, but they were good at defending and even though he succeeded, he did not have enough time to catch up with Jean-Karl Vernay and overtake him.
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“I think that starting last it was always going to be difficult with so few laps. Anyway I’m happy with my driving this weekend, “he said.
The Swede’s movement into corners 6-7-8 was one of the most shocking moments of the race, as Ekström made the most of his rallycross experience to brake the car sideways and keep it on the track to complete a spectacular move.
“I knew that I had to pass right there and then, so I took action and I have to say it worked out. I was a little bit sideways, but all in all I stayed on track, so no reason to worry about it,” he added.
Written by | Gabriel Sayago
