Mighty Mattias Ekström takes the round win at the second WRX event in Hockenheim, Germany. Ekström takes win as part of an EKSRX one-two, with Heikkinen taking second. Block third.
The Swedish Audi campaigner has had an impressive weekend in Hockenheim, taking the weekend win alongside competing in a DTM round.
Mattis produce “Ek-cellent” weekend performance. Teammate Heikkinen crosses the line behind him. © JKR/ERC24
Both semi-finals were action-packed. But an excellent team performance by both Heikkinen and Ekstrom in the first race secured the teams’ positions in the final. Out in front, the pair guided their S1s’ around the Hockenheim circuit, away from the jostling behind them. Bakkerud and Jeanney were locked in battle, whilst a smooth drive for Loeb ended as he went off on the inside. Larsson, who had started from the back, produce a brilliant drive once again – eventually fighting back up to third. Jeanney pushing too hard, clipped the tyre bank, but eventually finished ahead of Bakkerud.
Semi-final two, was an equally exciting affair – and no doubt produced the best action of the season so far. Solberg started well, and was found jostling for the top spot with Johan Kristoffersson. An early puncture for the Swede, appeared to have hampered his chances – but Kristoffersson fought on regardless, leading the pack for almost three laps. Baumanis was right in the action, having driven quick times in Q3 and 4. The Latvian was pushed by Liam Doran, who drove through, whilst Baumanis slipped through to tussle with Solberg. The action in the middle of the pack continued as Doran passed through to take Solberg, with Baumanis opting for a joke-lap and making contact upon re-entry. At the same time Kristoffersson has started to drop back fighting hard against the force of a flat tyre.
The Hoonigan driver Ken Block had managed to steer clear of the action unfolding and pass round the outside to find himself in a podium position. Liam Doran eventually passing the line victorious ahead of Solberg and Block.
Supercars battling out during the last qualifying session. © JKR/ERC24
The final was tense. EKSRX started on the front row, and got away well managing to pair up and block off any passes behind them. A nudge into the first bend, pushed Doran back and Solberg through. Heikkinen lead the EKSRX pack in front. The Finnish driver taking his joker-lap and coming back out in-front after. A roll by Larsson into a tyre wall seemed to put an end to the Swede’s chances of getting a podium finish. But the race was not over. Ekstrom spotting space round the outside of his teammate, took Heikkinen and pushed on eventually crossing the line to grab a tremendous event win.
World RX Hockenheim Supercar Final Results:
1. Mattias Ekström
2. Toomas Topi Heikkinen
3. Ken Block
4. Petter Solberg
5. Liam Doran
6. Robin Larsson
SF2 Results:
1. Liam Doran
2. Petter Solberg
3. Ken Block
4. Johan Kristoffersson
5. Kevin Eriksson
6. Jānis Baumanis
SF1 Results:
1. Toomas Topi Heikkinen
2. Mattias Ekström
3. Robin Larsson
4. Sébastien Loeb
5. Davy Jeanney
6. Andreas Bakkerud
The Championship returns next weekend with round three in Mettet, Belgium.
Find day one report here // A full weekend gallery is available here