RALLYCROSS: Ekstrom wraps up World RX title

Two time DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom claimed his first ever FIA World title by securing the World Rallycross Championship in Germany.

Driving for his self-made EKS rallycross team, Ekstrom finished fifth in the final - won by Sweden's Kevin Eriksson – at the Estering circuit and is now 30 points ahead of double champion Petter Solberg in the standings.

Even if Ekstrom doesn't complete the final round of the championship in Argentina, a maximum score for Solberg would only draw the Norwegian level – but Ekstrom would still win on victories countback.

"To win this championship in the way we have done it for the last two years, building up your own team and trying to win with respect and really do something now in the sport make me feel really, really happy," said Ekstrom.

"It's a big effort for my family, the team and all the guys. It's a very special moment."

Eriksson won the event in what was his first appearance in a final this season. He started on the second row of the grid behind title rivals Solberg and Ekstrom, but pulled off a sideways move around the outside of everyone at the first corner to take a lead he wouldn't relinquish.

His main competition thereafter came from Solberg, but beat the World Rally champion in a race to the finish line after taking his final-lap joker.

Solberg took his joker on lap four and initially dropped behind compatriot Andreas Bakkerud, before the double 2016 winner took his joker on lap five and fell into the clutches of recently crowned European Champion Kevin Hansen and Ekstrom.

Bakkerud did enough to finish third behind Eriksson and Solberg, but visited the medical centre immediately after the final for a precautionary check due to minor smoke inhalation.

Johan Kristoffersson entered the event with a mathematical chance of taking the championship to the final round, but a puncture on lap three while running fourth put him out of contention and allowed Solberg to climb back to second in the standings.

Originally on Autosport.com