Ekstrom wins RoC, Germany take the Nations Cup

Thursday 5th November 2009

Mattias Ekstrom claimed his third Race of Champions crown after beating Michael Schumacher in the final at Beijing's Birds Nest stadium on Wednesday.

The former DTM Champion won the first leg of the best of three final, which saw him face Schumacher in the RoC cars. He went on to secure a convincing victory by beating the seven-time F1 world Champion in the KTM X-bows.

"It's a very special day for me, because I had a year with not much luck," said Ekstrom. "So to end it by beating Michael Schumacher in this is fantastic."

Schumacher, though, did get a taste of the victory champagne as he won the Nations Cup on Tuesday together with Sebastian Vettel.

The duo defeated reigning F1 Champion Jenson Button and his Team GB partner Andy Priaulx in in a tie-break race in the final.

"We had a nice fight - I just come back to this event to use whatever there is left of a talent," said Schumacher.

"With this track, it's just a case of watching where the other guy is to know how hard to push.

"Of course, the racing is the highlight but the other stuff that goes on around that is part of the relaxed atmosphere of the Race of Champions that we all enjoy."

Your Comments

ravenx

"@wicked315, i hate to admit it (as i don't like him at all), but it is Schumacher, who won the nations cup for Germany as Vettel lost against Priaulx in the final and Schumacher won both rounds.

actually Schumacher never lost a round until he come across Ekstrom in the 2nd day final, so i don't believe he lost any of his abilities. it is his character that needs polishing.

the 2 day event was shown live @ Eurosport and it was 3 hours of good fun. most people in Europe missed it because of the time it was shown, a natural side effect caused by selecting Beijing as this event's location. "