Heats in Hockenheim: After day one of World RX of Hockenheim it’s Mattias Ekström who leads the way ahead of Johan Kristoffersson, with Timmy Hansen third.

Ekström leads yet again in WRX round two. Like Montalegre, its the two Swedes who lead after the first day of racing.

A first day in which the weather favoured drivers and teams with a new track to learn. The quick circuit, even having too be slowed down in the joker-lap section for penalties as it didn’t meet the three second disadvantage of other circuits.

Round two got underway with some insightful practice sessions. EKSRX driver Ekström, who is competing in the DTM as well, went out early, and set a fastest lap time of both sessions. The final session showed that Ekström was marginally quicker than Hansen brothers Kevin and Timmy in second and third respectively.

Mattias Ekstrom leading the pack after first day in Hockenheim. © JKR/ERC24

Supercar Q1 races got underway again in good conditions. Volkwagen RX Team Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson finishing fourth following on from quick practice session pace. But Ekstrom’s pace was relentless, and the Swede drove through to finish marginally faster than Timmy Hansen (2nd) and French Peugeot Teammate Davy Jeanney (3rd).

After Q1:

1. Mattias Ekström 

2. Timmy Hansen

3. Davy Jeanney 

4. Johan Kristoffersson

5. Petter Solberg

Kristoffersson continuing to impress in Hockenheim. © JKR/ERC24

Q2 got underway in similarly good conditions. Kristoffersson continued his impressive form. “It was Flying start in Q2 and fastest overall. Looking forward to tomorrow now! A great first day!” Said Kristoffersson.His consistent form places him in second place overall after day two.

It was also much the same for Timmy Hansen and Davy Jeanney. Quick times leave them in third and fourth respectively after two sessions.

All-Inkl driver Reinis Nitišs classifies fifth with a Q2 race win and a good performance Q1.

“Race victory to finish the first day on a high note! I feel we are on the right track to close the gap behind the leaders!” Said Nitiss

After two Heats:

1. Mattias Ekström

2. Johan Kristoffersson

3. Timmy Hansen

4. Davy Jeanney

5. Reinis Nitišs

Ekström out ahead in a race that featured Dubourg and Marklund. © JKR/ERC24

With day one over, and two Qualfying rounds completed Mattias Ekström remains top over night ahead of Johan Kristoffersson, Timmy Hansen, Davy Jeanney and Reinis Nitišs.

Sideways. Ekström is yet again ahead after day one. The Swede will now concentrate on todays DTM action. © JKR/ERC24