Mattias Ekstrom claimed a fourth Race of Champions crown after defeating Mick Schumacher in the final. RallyCross and DTM champion Ekstrom took the title in his home country by claiming an emphatic 2-0 victory over Schumacher. The Swede's victory was made even more impressive by handling what appeared to be a small fire in the centre of the cockpit of the car during his title-winning race, putting it out with his glove. Ekstrom - who last won the individual event back in 2009 - beat Extreme E driver Johan Kristoffersson and multiple WRC Rally winner Thierry Neuville to reach final in 'rally' side of the draw. Schumacher's impressive showing included victories over Felipe Drugovich in the quarter-final, and Sebastian Vettel in the semi-final. Watch Ekstrom's winning fiery race below.
Finnish F1 stars fall at first hurdle
Following a disappointing day for Team Finland line-up Mika Hakkinen and Valtteri Bottas in the Nations' Cup yesterday, the pair were once again eliminated in their first rounds. Bottas was unable to challenge Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen, whilst two time F1 World Champion Hakkinen was defeated by reigning Formula 2 champion Drugovich. Williams development driver Jamie Chadwick lost out to Vettel in the quarter-finals, whilst ex-F1 driver David Coulthard was beaten by France's Adrien Tambay in the preliminary round.
We have a new member of the club of four! @mattiasekstroem defeats @SchumacherMick in a thrilling #ROCSweden final! He joins Loeb and Auriol in the history books after a fiery drive. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rurZiqZq6k — #ROCSweden (@RaceOfChampions) January 29, 2023
Most read
