Ekström and Bakkerud to fight for runner-up spot in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media/Audi Sport

EKS Audi Sport drivers, Mattias Ekström and Andreas Bakkerud, are going to battle for second place in the drivers' standings at the season finale in Cape Town. 

The drivers’ title has already been wrapped up by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson. The two EKS Audi Sport drivers have the best chance of clinching the remaining podium places this weekend in Cape Town. Just four points separate the teammates before the big showdown at the Killarney International Raceway. Petter Solberg (PSRX Volkswagen Sweden) and Sébastien Loeb (Team Peugeot Total) are in fourth and fifth positions in the drivers' standing with a very slim chance of fighting for second in Cape Town.

“For EKS Audi Sport, after finishing runner-up in the teams’ classification, it would be great to also claim second and third in the drivers’ world championship,” says Mattias Ekström. “The South African premiere last year was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the enthusiastic fans and the thrilling battle to finish the championship runner-up.”

Ekström got off to a slow start at the inaugural World RX of South Africa last year, with an 8th and 10th place finish on the opening day of racing. On day two, the Swede came out fighting and secured a second and 8th place finish in the two qualifying heats. He progressed to the semi-finals, and went on to secure second in the 2017 World RX championship. 

“Mattias and I were close together in the standings the whole year,” says Andreas Bakkerud. “Mattias is the best Scandinavian driver of all time in my book. I’m very proud to be on his heels so closely up until the last race. Now I’m getting a fair chance to maybe even defeat my team boss. That says everything about the team spirit at EKS Audi Sport and Mattias. I’m sure he’ll enjoy our duel as much as I will and give his all to finish in front.”

Ekström won his maiden World RX Championship in a Audi S1 EKS RX quattro in 2016 and secured second place in the world championship last year in Cape Town. 

In Bakkerud’s career, a runner-up finish in the World RX would mark his greatest success to date. The Norwegian in third overall celebrated his best World RX season to date in 2016.

Both EKS Audi Sport drivers are ranked among the most successful drivers in the World Rallycross Championship. Ekström’s record reflects ten victories, 21 podium finishes and 38 final participation's. Andreas has won six World RX rounds, clinched 24 podium finishes and participated in 41 finals. In the 2018 season, the two Audi drivers have claimed nine podiums to date for Audi.