Ekstrom’s team takes over Cupra project

Versatile Swede Mattias Ekstrom’s race team has taken over the operation of Cupra’s works squad in the etouring Car World Cup.

EKS replaces Hungarian tin-top specialist Zengo Motorsport, which fielded the Cupras in the inaugural season of the electric tin-top series in 2021, when it was known as Pure ETCR before gaining ‘world’ status from the FIA for 2022.

Ekstrom won the Pure ETCR title in 2021 with Zengo, and although no drivers have been confirmed he is all but certain to lead the Spanish marque’s title defence this season under the Cupra EKS banner.

Two-time DTM champion Ekstrom began EKS in 2014 as Audi’s team in the World Rallycross Championship, and claimed the 2016 title. The team has also enjoyed class success on the Dakar Rally.

Ekstrom confirmed that “the team is fully focused on the forthcoming season. We share the passion of the sport and together we look forward to score many more race wins and titles”.

The etouring Car World Cup kicks off on the streets of Pau in France on 6-8 May, supporting the conventional World Touring Car Cup, its sister series.