Dr Ullrich & Ekström talking about DTM, WRC & ETCC

[JMeissner]

Ullrich & Ekström interview
DTM 21/06/04

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich from Audi recently spoke about Mattias Ekström, ETCC and WRC in the Swedish magazine Auto Motor & Sport. Here follows some parts of that interview:

AMS: Are you surprised that Mattias is quickest? (of Biela, Pirro, etc.)

WU: "No, not at all. Mattias is that good. But we have to remember that some of our drivers that have driven the R8 (LeMans) in several years have to learn a completely new driving style in the DTM, a more aggressive style. And it takes time to adapt from a soft style."

AMS: Now you have gone with Mattias in the Skoda WRC car. Did it go fast enough for a WRC-contract?

WU: "It was a interesting experience. Mattias hasn't even been in the car before the test but drove like it was tuned completely for him. I must say that Ekström impressed me - once again."

AMS: Are you going to release Mattias to WRC, with Skoda?

WU: "(smiling) Well, we know that Mattias wants to drive WRC. But right now he has got something else to do. We'll have to see after this season, if it is possible to combine DTM with WRC. The DTM season is so short that there is room for him to drive a few WRC-rallies each year..." "...But I am positive for Mattias driving WRC-rally as well... (Wide smile), perhaps it is even on our long time schedule..."

AMS: Will Audi drive ETCC and a coming WTCC?

WU: "It is in our planning as an alternative, just as I suspect it is for most of the other manufacturers. But we haven't taken any decision yet and if we are going to compete in the ETCC next year we should take a decision very soon, it takes time to build a new organisation and new teams."

In another article in Auto Motor & Sport Mattias him self had a say about the WRC test and his wish to drive in the WRC. Here are some parts of it when he just had completed 30 laps on the Adria circuit with the Skoda Fabia WRC:

"Easy driven, good balance, a bit too soft suspension. And also I want more power in the engine," Ekström said with a smile. Ready for WRC now? "No, (laughter) not yet at least. I have a goal for this season and it hasn't changed after this test. I want to win the DTM before I go on. I wanted to win it last year already but it didn't go that way. This year I know it is doable; the possibilities are there now. It mostly depends on my self now," Ekström said.

Ekström continued and spoke some about the current season and why he is quicker than all of the other Audi drivers; here are some parts of it:

"It is no magic, I promise that. It is no secret setup. (all Audi drivers share all data) It is the thoroughness in all small details, possibly some small changes in the setup - but changes that suit only my driving style and not every one else."

"You ought to know how much work there is behind what we are experiencing now. Every one in the team has worked around the clock to get where we want. Nothing is free, that's for sure."

"I'm not specially treated (within the team). For sure I get more attention now compared to when I was new in the team. But the others get almost the same recourses as I do."

If you don't keep an eye on everything you're not in the game. It is always on. And I want to win the DTM.

Source: Auto Motor & Sport (www.automotorsport.se)

Johan Meissner
johan@meissner.se