Mattias Ekström is the world’s first electric touring car champion

Mattias Ekström has added a new title to his illustrious and rather diverse collection. The Swedish racer was already a World Rallycross and 2x DTM champion, but this weekend he became the first ever electric touring car world champ.

Yep, Ekström was crowned ‘King of the Season’ as the PURE ETCR championship drew to a close at Circuit Pau-Arnos in France on Sunday. The CUPRA X Zengo Motorsport driver took the title by four points ahead of Hyundai’s Jean-Karl Vernay.

Ekström only had to finish fifth in the final race of the season, which he managed despite colliding with the Alfa Romeo of Philipp Eng at the first corner – resulting in a puncture and floor damage for the Cupra. Touring car drivers love a bit of contact no matter what powertrain they’re using, clearly. 

Thoughts on the series, Internet? From next season it’ll be known as the FIA eTouring Car World Cup, with more powerful cars and even bigger name drivers.